Transcript Highlights:

• But how much of the overall biomass do the menhaden fishery harvest in the Gulf?
• Representative Zerang asked whether the Gulf menhaden caught in the Gulf is around 90% of the Gulf menhaden
• Is it factual that their population is going down in our Gulf of America? I can’t answer that.
• I asked that in the Gulf of America we’re dealing with, though.
• the water, whether it's further inland or even out into the Gulf of Mexico.

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 886 by Rep. Orgeron, which would make seasonal catch totals and related reporting for the commercial menhaden fishery publicly available by carving out an exception to confidentiality rules. The author said the bill was intended to align with the original intent of prior reporting legislation and to ensure the public can see how much menhaden is being taken from Louisiana waters. Supporters, including Louisiana Wildlife Federation, CCA, charter captains, and recreational anglers, argued the fishery uses a public resource and that transparency is needed for policymaking. Opponents said they did not object to transparency in principle, but one speaker asked that size-sampling data be removed, arguing it has no scientific value and is already handled through NOAA and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Council processes. The committee reported HB 886 favorably without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 855, also by Rep. Orgeron, which would establish a 22-foot depth requirement for the commercial use of purse seines in the menhaden fishery. The author said the bill was based on a state-funded bycatch study showing red drum bycatch rises sharply in shallow water and that the current quarter-mile buffer is insufficient, especially in nearshore areas where recreational fishing and sensitive habitats are concentrated. Supporters emphasized the public trust nature of menhaden, the economic value of recreational fishing, and concerns about bycatch, beach fouling, and localized depletion. Several speakers cited the bycatch study, public comments opposing the recent reduction from a half-mile to a quarter-mile buffer, and the belief that deeper-water fishing would reduce impacts on redfish and other species. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries staff and the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Scott Rayburn, answered questions about the current buffer rules, enforcement, and the science behind the 22-foot threshold. They explained that the recent reduction to a quarter-mile buffer came from a commission directive and that the department had investigated complaints but found no violations. Dr. Rayburn said the 22-foot figure came from modeling red drum bycatch as a function of depth and that the study focused on red drum because of its economic and social importance, while not analyzing every species in the same way. Opponents of the bill, including West Bank Fishing and Ocean Harvesters representatives, said the rule of three is a standard confidentiality concept, argued the bill should not be framed as anti-transparency, and urged removal of the size-sampling provisions. The committee heard extensive testimony but no final action on HB 855 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the founder and chairman of Gulf Atlantic Bank, a community bank started in 2020 with five branches
• Trustees of Florida Gulf Coast.
• Trustees of Florida Gulf Coast.
• And I was so thrilled when I was asked to be on the Board of Trustees for Florida Gulf Coast University
• of New College of Florida.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes shrimp that may be caught in the Gulf of America, but outside the jurisdiction of Texas
• This promotes honesty and food labeling, which of course has been part of the Make America Healthy Again
• This promotes honesty and food labeling, which of course has been part of the Make America Healthy Again
• of America—still getting used to the new vernacular—Gulf of America shrimp, then they would have a good-faith
• , lots of fuel, and a ton of time.

Bills: HB43 , HB519 , HB 1275 , HB1592 , HB2842 , HB3088 , HB3479 , HB4163 , SB823 , HB609

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with only four members initially present, so quorum was not established until later in the hearing. The committee heard several agriculture-, wildlife-, and food-labeling-related bills, including HB 3479 on expanding the Rio Grande vegetative management program beyond carrizo cane to other noxious vegetation, SB 823 on shrimp origin labeling and restrictions on misrepresenting imported shrimp as Texas or Gulf shrimp, HB 3088 on giving Texas Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to procure resale goods for park gift shops, HB 1275 on permits for non-bovine dairy farms in certain TB-affected areas, HB 519 on honey production and packaging rules, HB 609 on cleaning oyster cages in-bay with bay water only, HB 1592 on a voluntary AgriLife pest and disease alert system, HB 2842 on targeted urban deer depredation permits, and HB 4163 on limiting city requirements that agricultural operators maintain roadside rights-of-way. Testimony generally came from industry groups, agency resource witnesses, and affected producers, with most witnesses supporting the bills and several bills drawing questions about enforcement, labeling responsibility, and the scope of local authority. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 823, where Vice Chair Hancock and others questioned why wholesalers would be covered if they cannot relabel products. The bill author and restaurant association witness said the measure was intended to improve transparency and allow enforcement against intentional mislabeling, while preserving a good-faith defense and clarifying that the bill does not create a private cause of action. HB 519 also drew supportive testimony from beekeepers and a family farm, who argued that current rules treat honey extraction and bottling too much like food manufacturing and burden small operations. HB 609 was presented as a way to save time and resources for cultivated oyster mariculture by allowing cage cleaning in the bay without soaps or chemicals, and HB 1592 was described as a voluntary opt-in alert system for pests and diseases coordinated through AgriLife and other state agencies. HB 43 generated the most detailed policy debate. The bill would restructure and expand the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, update grant and loan programs, and create a pest and disease control depredation program. The committee substitute reduced some funding caps, changed references from predators to depredating animals, and made the financial provisions contingent on appropriations. Supporters from Texas Farm Bureau, cotton growers, grain and feed interests, and young farmers described severe drought, inflation, land loss, rising input costs, and shrinking infrastructure as major threats to agriculture, while one witness urged preserving priority for young farmers. After testimony, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported HB 43 favorably. The committee also voted HB 519, HB 609, HB 1275, HB 1592, HB 3088, HB 3479, HB 2842, and HB 4163 favorably, with several recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 823 was reported from committee on a 6-2 vote after adoption of the committee substitute. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would tentatively reconvene Friday morning and then recessed subject to the chair's call.

Transcript Highlights:

• The settling of Treasury futures, of course, is in America.
• The fishermen of the United States of America are one of our great assets.
• instead of mining it in the United States of America.
• Let's just unleash America for the benefit of America.
• to the United States of America.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• You rushed out yesterday to name the Gulf of the Gulf of the Gulf of America.
• We name the Gulf the Gulf of America." Oh, that's going to be the America."
• That's to him is a Gulf of America. That's to him is a Gulf of America.
• Relating to the Gulf of Mexico to rename the Gulf of the Gulf of Mexico to rename the Gulf of the Gulf
• of Mexico to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and Mexico as the Gulf of America and

Bills: HB 135 , HCR 64 , SCR 3 , SCR 30 , SB 500 , SB 739 , SB 816 , SB 898 , SB 1283 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1531 , SB 1540 , SB 1666 , SB 1721 , SB 1886 , SB 1931 , SB 2001 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2217 , SB 2284 , SB 2375 , SB 2383 , SB 2386 , SB 2398 , SB 2448 , SB 2476 , SB 2540 , SB 2580 , SB 2589 , SB 2693 , SB 2707 , SB 2776 , SB 2786 , SB 2801 , SB 2864 , SB 2927 , SJR 84 , SCR 30 , SB 243 , SB 324 , SB 393 , SB 457 , SB 511 , SB 529 , SB 547 , SB 636 , SB 646 , SB 659 , SB 715 , SB 731 , SB 735 , SB 800 , SB 801 , SB 904 , SB 1065 , SB 1141 , SB 1181 , SB 1224 , SB 1241 , SB 1242 , SB 1250 , SB 1266 , SB 1285 , SB 1359 , SB 1434 , SB 1442 , SB 1467 , SB 1502 , SB 1524 , SB 1528 , SB 1551 , SB 1585 , SB 1640 , SB 1754 , SB 1757 , SB 1777 , SB 1844 , SB 1863 , SB 1972 , SB 2007 , SB 2035 , SB 2046 , SB 2055 , SB 2069 , SB 2082 , SB 2119 , SB 2139 , SB 2154 , SB 2200 , SB 2201 , SB 2269 , SB 2310 , SB 2330 , SB 2357 , SB 2366 , SB 2401 , SB 2422 , SB 2514 , SB 2530 , SB 2533 , SB 2543 , SB 2544 , SB 2550 , SB 2568 , SB 2589 , SB 2660 , SB 2693 , SB 2695 , SB 2707 , SB 2717 , SB 2721 , SB 2742 , SB 2753 , SB 2807 , SB 2846 , SB 2891 , SB 2925 , SB 2938 , SJR 3 , SJR 18 , SB 5 , SB 326 , SB 767 , SB 769 , SB 783 , SB 914 , SB 963 , SB 1035 , SB 1197 , SB 1271 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SB 1619 , SB 1637 , SB 1786 , SB 1806 , SB 494 , SB 530 , SB 2312 , SB 1 , SB 260 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , HB 1392 , HB 22 , HCR 64 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SCR 30 , SCR 3 , SB 2023 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 1122 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 1085 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 1524 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2681 , SB 2200 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2458 , SB 2201 , SB 801 , SB 2533 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 1721 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2383 , SB 2119 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 1540 , SB 2929 , SB 2540 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 715 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 2001 , SB 2514 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 410 , SB 2776 , SB 2580 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 456 , SB 1666 , SB 2801 , SB 2055 , SB 1012 , SB 2926 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 2615 , SB 2310 , SB 1224 , SB 2972 , SB 2841 , SB 3016 , SB 2139 , SB 1856 , SB 2035 , SB 1528 , SB 1141 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2375 , SB 547 , SB 1266 , SB 1373 , SB 1467 , SB 2069 , SB 2269 , SB 2480 , SB 672 , SB 904 , SB 2695 , SB 2891 , SB 2422 , SB 2543 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 2925 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 457 , SB 2357 , SB 2721 , SB 243 , SB 1285 , SB 2568 , SB 1959 , SB 1442 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 2541 , SB 1708 , SB 1237 , SB 1844 , SB 1586 , SB 1551 , SB 3039 , SB 2819 , SB 66 , SB 629 , SB 1015 , SB 2342 , SB 2903 , SB 2933 , SB 1965 , SB 2477 , SB 3029 , SB 2605 , SB 2419 , SB 1957 , SB 375 , SB 250 , SB 777 , SB 628 , SB 2523 , SB 2367 , SB 2703 , SB 2608 , SB 2778 , SB 3044 , SB 2965 , SB 2521 , SB 865 , HB 2525 , HB 3093 , SB 1032 , SB 2165 , SB 2501 , SB 2675 , SB 2452 , SB 2835 , SJR 84 , SB 457 , SB 547 , SB 904 , SB 1467 , SB 1757 , SB 1777 , SB 2055 , SB 2069 , SB 2139 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2543 , SB 2695 , SR 349 , SR 367 , SR 468 , SB 3064 , SB 3065 , HJR 7 , HB 119 , HB 130 , HB 163 , HB 166 , HB 201 , HB 272 , HB 331 , HB 380 , HB 654 , HB 694 , HB 718 , HB 865 , HB 1266 , HB 1397 , HB 1500 , HB 1552 , HB 1576 , HB 1583 , HB 1584 , HB 1760 , HB 1894 , HB 1965 , HB 2018 , HB 2029 , HB 2286 , HB 2340 , HB 2427 , HB 2455 , HB 2467 , HB 2508 , HB 2523 , HB 2730 , HB 2756 , HB 2791 , HB 2970 , HB 3016 , HB 3096 , HB 3248 , HB 3255 , HB 3336 , HB 3623 , HB 3698 , HB 3699 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 4129 , HB 4187 , HB 4236 , HB 4238 , HB 4643 , HB 4738 , HB 4739 , HB 5333 , SCR 3 , SCR 30 , SB 500 , SB 739 , SB 898 , SB 1283 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1540 , SB 1666 , SB 1721 , SB 1886 , SB 1931 , SB 2001 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2217 , SB 2375 , SB 2383 , SB 2386 , SB 2398 , SB 2448 , SB 2476 , SB 2540 , SB 2580 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2776 , SB 2786 , SB 2801 , SB 2864 , SB 2927 , HB 135 , HCR 64 , SB 2284 , SB 3064 , SB 3065 , HJR 7 , HB 119 , HB 130 , HB 163 , HB 166 , HB 201 , HB 272 , HB 331 , HB 380 , HB 654 , HB 694 , HB 718 , HB 865 , HB 1266 , HB 1397 , HB 1500 , HB 1552 , HB 1576 , HB 1583 , HB 1584 , HB 1760 , HB 1894 , HB 1965 , HB 2018 , HB 2029 , HB 2286 , HB 2340 , HB 2427 , HB 2455 , HB 2467 , HB 2508 , HB 2523 , HB 2730 , HB 2756 , HB 2791 , HB 2970 , HB 3016 , HB 3096 , HB 3248 , HB 3255 , HB 3336 , HB 3623 , HB 3698 , HB 3699 , HB 3803 , HB 3804 , HB 3805 , HB 3806 , HB 4129 , HB 4187 , HB 4236 , HB 4238 , HB 4643 , HB 4738 , HB 4739 , HB 5333

Transcript Highlights:

• they won't adopt the name that the President prefers for the Gulf of Mexico slash America?
• Instead of bolstering free speech in America, President Trump has sought to use his executive power to
• White House for not saying Gulf of America, universities and law firms.
• to continue to use the term Gulf of Mexico while acknowledging.
• Bush was guilty... of that when he mobilized America against the events of 9-11?

Committee: Senate Constitution Subcommittee

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• States, and it had the Gulf of Mexico at the bottom?
• States, and it had the Gulf of Mexico at the bottom?
• States, and it had the Gulf of Mexico at the bottom?
• the Gulf of America and a teacher kept up the map that said Gulf of Mexico, excuse me, would that be
• Our allegiance belongs to the United States of America. No other country.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up two bills and one presentation. Senate Bill 108, on administrative procedures, was presented by Senator Burgess on behalf of Senator Grall. The bill would require agencies to systematically review rules over five years old, submit annual regulatory plans and reports, and take action on reviewed rules; it also would speed publication of proposed rules after new rulemaking authority and expand transparency for incorporated materials and rule histories. Americans for Prosperity appeared in support, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard a presentation from State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer on implementation of statutory investment restrictions affecting state funds. He reviewed the SBA’s structure and fiduciary duties, said the agency must maximize financial return using only pecuniary factors, and described the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions involving Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He noted recent changes, including expanded Iran restrictions after the October 7 attacks, the addition of China-related divestment requirements, and the SBA’s move to eliminate China and Hong Kong from its global equity benchmarks; he said the agency is ahead of schedule on required divestment and in compliance with the law. Senate Bill 100, on display of flags by governmental entities, was then presented by Chair Fine. The bill would prohibit political flags on government buildings and allow active-duty service members and veterans to use reasonable force to stop flag desecration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing government buildings should not display political messages and opponents raising First Amendment, vagueness, and enforcement concerns, especially regarding LGBTQ-related flags and school settings. Senators also questioned the bill’s definitions and the reasonable-force provision. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 100 favorably, with Senators Arrington and Polsky voting no and Senators Brodeur, McClain, Rodriguez, Fine, and Chair DeSiglie voting yes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Rodriguez was recorded as voting yes on SB 108, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Wellesley congratulating Nicholas George Glazer on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout of Scouting America
• the rank of Eagle Scout of Scouting America; and resolutions filed by Representative Peisch of Wellesley
• rank of Eagle Scout of Scouting America; resolutions filed by Representative Peisch of Wellesley congratulating
• Thomas Charles Kickham on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout of Scouting America; resolutions filed by

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules reports. It adopted a series of congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including multiple Eagle Scout recognitions and a resolution celebrating Bishop-elect Eagle Boudicke E. Azidi, Jr., after suspending the rules. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 for a petition to create a Veteran Suicide Mortality Review and Prevention Council within the Executive Office of Veterans Services. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported several local bills for consideration, including measures on transparency in municipal health insurance, a means-tested senior property tax exemption for Reading, changes related to a mayoral vacancy and residency requirements in Holyoke, and a Linfield appropriation from the Gulf Enterprise Fund. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered these bills to a third reading. It then passed to enact House No. 4234, allowing retired police officers to serve as special police officers in Fairhaven, and passed to engross House Nos. 4186 and 4890, concerning Egertown’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Quincy public safety personnel’s pre-employment physical exam records. The House also observed a moment of silent tribute for James McCauley, a former Newburyport city councilor and public servant. Finally, it adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to meet next Tuesday in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sabine Pass is located immediately adjacent to the waters of the Gulf.
• taking on fuel out in the Gulf, bunkering, and move it into the Port of Sabine Pass, because there’s
• Ten of those are in the Texas Gulf Coast. Five of those are within five miles of this location.
• Terry Hall speaking on behalf of Texas for Toll-Free Highways, Grassroots America.
• , this was one of the biggest prohibitions of...

Bills: HB535 , HB2120 , HB2822 , HB3243 , HB3457 , HB3544 , HB4089 , HB4192 , HB4669 , HB4868 , HB4955 , HB5253 , HB5669 , SB1371 , SB1919 , SB2001

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Dear Heavenly Father, first of all, thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve the people of this
• All: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it
• The elimination of the communication services tax, the elimination of the gross receipts tax, and an
• Members, I know that all of you are tired and some of us are sick.
• the Florida Legislature under the authority of Section 3D, Article III of the State Constitution.

Bills: HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HB4 , HB46 , HB3221 , HB1403 , HB3892 , HB4234 , HB722 , HB4105 , HB4413 , HB170 , HB551 , HB3053 , HB3142 , HB3180 , HB3722 , HB1794 , HB1784 , HB1581 , HB2530 , HB4308 , HB1896 , HB2974 , HB3359 , HB4580 , HB2458 , HB2215 , HB3332 , HB2278 , HB3015 , HB3151 , HB1368 , HB40 , HB 101 , HB 112 , HB146 , HB214 , HB413 , HB1523 , HB493 , HB521 , HB594 , HB557 , HB305 , HB549 , HB854 , HB 1057 , HB 1052 , HB842 , HB3174 , HB3196 , HB824 , HB 1039 , HB2529 , HB2713 , HB4936 , HB4995 , HB4830 , HB4864 , HB5219 , HB5263 , HB5154 , HB2674 , HB5525 , SB529 , SB541 , SB2004 , SB1012 , SB2269 , SB1886 , SB1236 , SB693 , SB2308 , HB2486 , HB4862 , HB4689 , HB4520 , HB2225 , HB168 , HJR218 , HB4921 , HB5623 , HB2494 , HB2545 , HB2587 , HB2625 , HB5520 , HB5436 , HB4926 , HB1573 , HB5165 , HB4811 , HB5081 , HB4755 , HB3179 , HB4310 , HB4611 , HB2159 , HB4626 , HB3637 , HB3153 , HB3066 , HB2786 , HB2966 , HB638 , HB640 , HB876 , HB497 , HB5539 , HB4809 , HB5308 , HB4687 , HB4070 , HB4421 , HB4412 , HB3284 , HB3369 , HB3420 , HB3449 , HB4098 , HB4281 , HB4120 , HB4504 , HB4370 , HB 1106 , HB2370 , HB2404 , HB3863 , HB2407 , HB2253 , HB2273 , HB2040 , HB1586 , HB3788 , HB3993 , HB4690 , HB4309 , HB4696 , HB2308 , HB 1142 , HB1533 , HB1621 , HB2242 , HB2012 , HB2193 , HB2442 , HB2464 , HB2348 , HB2313 , HB2289 , HB1942 , HB2011 , HB1629 , HB2993 , HB3592 , HB3824 , HB4076 , HB4535 , HB4623 , HB4773 , HB 1091 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4656 , HB4879 , HB 105 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4174 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3636 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB5122 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4045 , HB4144 , HB3911 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3509 , HB3424 , HB3383 , HB4744 , HB4531 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4398 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3861 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB4706 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB1431 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB4683 , HB5681 , HB5673 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3807 , HB3812 , HB3552 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3710 , HB3664 , HB4196 , HB4233 , HB4173 , HB1998 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR135

Keywords: Medicaid, reimbursement, nursing facilities, ownership change, healthcare policy, mental health, psychiatric beds, inpatient psychiatric treatment, acute psychiatric care, bed availability, bed capacity, hospital reporting, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state hospitals, private mental health facilities, civil commitment, competency restoration, not guilty by reason of insanity, jail diversion

Summary: The Florida House passed Senate Bill 2510 relating to prekindergarten through grade 12 education funding and policies. Speaker Perez delivered remarks criticizing the Senate for breaking a budget deal and outlined the House's position on reducing state spending and revenue. He emphasized that the state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, and proposed various tax cuts including sales tax, business rent tax, and communication services tax eliminations. The House also passed a concurrent resolution extending the 2025 legislative session until June 30, 2025. Perez stressed that property tax relief and state revenue reduction are separate issues, highlighting the House's tourist development tax reform proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• So about a 50% of our horses run on the turf. Turf racing is extremely big in North America.
• But Tampa would be kind of major leagues if cost rate Gulf Stream is.
• I think any to keep the horsemen part of it are horse Mont and the western part of the ownership of Gulf
• All of you. For those of you who just found out about this. It's one of 2 reasons.
• Gulf Stream itself, the ownership of Gulf Stream, whether or not they're truly committed to racing.

Transcript Highlights:

• for protecting the Gulf Coast within the territory of the Gulf Coast.
• First, let me extend our sincere gratitude for the Legislature's past and continued support of the Gulf
• of Texas.
• The Chair lays out SB410 by Senator Middleton relating to the management and operation of the Gulf Coast
• California has hundreds of millions of dollars of fraud every year because of incompetence in the way

Bills: SB410 , SB795 , SB2510 , SB728 , SB2689 , HB143 , HB143

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• of the College of the Florida Keys. ...is a new appointee to the Board of Trustees of the College of
• That is Sandra Stillwell Youngquest, who is a new appointee to the Board of Trustees of Florida Gulf
• I was so thrilled when I was asked to be on the Board of Trustees for Florida Gulf Coast University.
• Trustees of the University of South Florida.
• of the University of Florida.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education convened with a quorum and first took up CS for SB 1694 on technology education. The bill would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and would encourage high school computer science courses that include AI to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal settings. The bill sponsor and several supporters emphasized preparing students for an AI-driven workforce while teaching critical evaluation and ethical use; one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve real-world skills. Senator Davis supported the measure and suggested introducing similar instruction earlier, possibly in middle school. The committee voted the bill favorably, with Senator Leak later recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a large block of confirmations for higher education boards, including appointees to Tallahassee State College, the University of South Florida, the University of North Florida, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally highlighted backgrounds in education, health care, law, business, technology, and public service, and described priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, affordability, fiscal responsibility, and institutional growth. One nominee to Tallahassee State College was asked about low NCLEX pass rates and said the college had a plan approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Another nominee discussed Florida Poly’s STEM mission, and several members praised the nominees’ community ties and professional experience. After hearing the appointees, the committee voted to report the block of confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The committee then received a high-level overview of the higher education budget, totaling $11.9 billion, with major emphasis on workforce training and development. Highlights included increases for school district workforce education, the Florida College System, workforce development capitalization, a rural educator recruitment program, funding for the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s literacy and math initiatives, UF’s autism and neurodevelopment center, and a postsecondary guardian program for campus security. Members asked a brief question about a workforce fund transfer, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds added. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, the Gulf of America is a vital economic and strategic asset, providing key
• I like your bill, except that I'm not recognizing the ports of the Gulf.
• I just don't like it being called the Gulf of America. Well, I can't change that.
• Are there MLSs in America? OK, anywhere that you don't have to be a part of an association?
• Texas has a huge voice across America, and already because of...

Bills: SB1361 , SB2105 , SB2690 , SB2713 , SCR38 , SB2637 , SB2881

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, one of the issues we've had is the large number of members and the difficulty of getting a
• I'm sorry. ...the Gulf of America, correction, to support not only oil and gas infrastructure, but just
• of the EIPP so it kind of at the same time or during the announcement of the EIPP.
• Anything that occurs beyond 12 miles—it's not just oil and gas, and it's not just the Gulf of America
• It's just, it's not just oil and gas, and it's not just the Gulf of America.

Summary: The Louisiana Advanced Aviation and Drones Advisory Committee met with a quorum and opened by noting that, under current law, the committee will sunset after the 2026 regular session unless legislation is passed to reconstitute it. Members discussed the need for a smaller, more workable committee structure in the future so quorum requirements would be easier to meet, and they added an agenda item to consider reconstitution and another for a legislative briefing. The June 2025 minutes were approved. Subcommittee reports focused heavily on counter-drone policy and advanced air mobility. Mr. Muley described the new counter-UAS effort, referred to as the “Let’s Go Act,” which would create a joint task force of state police, sheriffs, and municipal police chiefs to develop training standards and equipment standards for counter-drone operations. Members also discussed federal developments in the NDAA and DOJ’s role in authorizing mitigation capabilities for states with laws and training plans. Public safety members reported that training on recently enacted drone laws is underway in north Louisiana. The committee also heard a major update from Josh Deplanis, newly named Louisiana’s first advanced aeronautics director. He outlined Louisiana’s selection for the FAA’s Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing/Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program, branded “Lift Off Louisiana,” and described plans for real-world operations beginning as early as August, centered on Houma-Terrebonne Airport. He also reviewed the state’s broader advanced air mobility strategic plan, including vertiport readiness, charging infrastructure, logistics, workforce training, and community engagement. Members emphasized Louisiana’s opportunity to influence FAA policy and international airspace issues related to operations over the Gulf and beyond 12 nautical miles. In final action, the committee adopted a resolution supporting reconstitution of LADAC, with revised proposed membership language reducing the committee from 15 members to 11 and setting a simple majority of six for quorum, with new appointments effective July 1, 2027. No public testimony was offered, and the meeting adjourned after the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on our agenda is H.B. 575, the designation of the Gulf of Mexico by Leader Soroy.
• The designation of the Gulf of Mexico by Leader Soroy. You are recognized.
• We redesignate the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute. Thank you.
• Members, are there any questions on HB 575, the designation of the Gulf of Mexico?
• no today because I want to point out that the Gulf of Mexico was assigned that name at birth.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote. The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously. In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the major developments here in Southwest Florida was the beginnings of Florida Gulf Coast
• And you bring a lot of talent and direction to Florida Gulf Coast.
• If you, he's a new appointment to the Board of Trustees, again, of Florida Gulf Coast.
• Joseph Fogg, who is a reappointment to the Board of Trustees of Florida Gulf Coast. Mr.
• One of my areas of interest, frankly, is golf.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education opened by noting it would not present its budget that day, explaining the budget rollout would be delayed until the following week to align with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a roll call confirmed a quorum, the chair explained that because of the large number of gubernatorial appointments, the committee would hear only a subset individually and consider reappointments in a block unless members requested otherwise. The committee then heard testimony from appointees and reappointees to several university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to their alma mater, support for leadership, student success, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and maintaining FAMU’s status as a leading HBCU. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh highlighted FAU’s growth, R1 research designation, quantum computing, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and expanded research opportunities. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins focused on UCF’s preeminence, workforce needs, nursing and engineering, and keeping graduates in Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University nominees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointee Joseph Fogg discussed workforce development, affordability, student success, water and environmental programs, business and entrepreneurship, nursing outcomes, and FGCU’s regional role. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly cited USF’s AAU status, research growth, and focus on student success, health care, cybersecurity, and AI. Committee members generally praised each nominee’s background and the universities’ achievements. At the end of the hearing, the committee approved all nominees in a single block vote for confirmation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• America.
• of the City Court of Bunkie, jurisdiction in the City Court of Marksville, appellate review of justices
• Jurisdiction of City Court of Bunky, jurisdiction in City Court of Marksville, Appellate Review of Justice
• It's something I kind of thought of.

Bills: HR252 , HR253 , HR254 , HR255 , HR256 , HCR103 , HCR104 , HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , SCR40 , SCR60 , SB112 , SB131 , SB145 , SB194 , SB268 , SB307 , SB312 , SB319 , SB333 , SB341 , SB346 , SB464 , SB466 , SB488 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , HR9 , HR196 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR50 , HCR62 , HCR67 , HCR71 , HCR78 , HCR81 , SCR20 , HB123 , HB251 , HB625 , HB662 , HB709 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB1011 , HB1057 , HB1155 , HB1186 , HB1224 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1254 , HB1255 , HB1256 , SB8 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB69 , SB75 , SB77 , SB78 , SB85 , SB102 , SB115 , SB133 , SB140 , SB148 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB185 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217 , SB235 , SB278 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB330 , SB411 , SB416 , SB420 , SB436 , SB438 , SB449 , SB455 , SB456 , SB477 , SB489 , SB521 , SB97 , SB105 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , HCR6 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB61 , HB98 , HB102 , HB139 , HB142 , HB170 , HB185 , HB194 , HB199 , HB231 , HB247 , HB294 , HB336 , HB474 , HB661 , HB842 , HB852 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB455 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , HCR32 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB59 , HB955 , HB1191 , HB1234 , HB646 , HB824 , HB341 , SB397 , SB442 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB926 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB47 , SB82 , SB89 , SB149 , SB382

Keywords: consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction, building codes, inspection practices, housing costs, task force, HR254, House Resolution 254, Ty Hebert, Acadiana Legislative Delegation, Louisiana State University, LSU, graduation, commendation

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of the major developments here in Southwest Florida was the beginnings of Florida Gulf Coast
• And you bring a lot of talent and direction to Florida Gulf Coast.
• He's a new appointment to the Board of Trustees, again, of Florida Gulf Coast. Are you there?
• Joseph Fogg, who is a reappointment to the Board of Trustees of Florida Gulf Coast. Mr.
• One of my areas of interest, frankly, is golf.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I should say the Gulf Coast, or should I say the Gulf of America.
• I should say the Gulf Coast, or should I say the Gulf of America.
• That discovery launched Gulf of America.
• ><c> of</c> Representatives of the United States of Representatives of the United States of America America
• ><c> Congress</c><03:11:48.720><c> of</c> America into the halls of Congress of America into the halls