Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please make sure your cell phones and all communications devices, including your laptops, are
• There's currently not a law in Florida that defines or bans such devices.
• This would be a new statute that defines what a license plate obscuring device is.
• Third, for possessing or using a license plate obscuring device, it would be a second-degree misdemeanor
• For manufacturing or selling a license plate obscuring device, it would be a third-degree felony.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction. The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute. The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or on silent mode.
• We're a group of multi-generational business owners that supply a lot of devices that are in your local
• So with that being said, there's a lot of myths that are associated with some of these devices.
• But identifying what a gaming device is is not as easy as a lot of folks think.
• A felony for something that is part of a slot machine is such a broad term, or a gambling device.

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. The first major item, House Bill 1467 on gambling, drew extensive debate and strong opposition from veterans organizations and related groups, who warned the bill’s language could unintentionally criminalize raffles and gaming machines used by American Legion and VFW posts for charitable fundraising. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen gambling penalties, authorize fantasy sports contests, preempt local enforcement, and require more reporting on illegal gambling, and he said he was open to amendments later. Despite concerns from several members about unintended consequences and local preemption, the committee passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed House Bill 711, creating a statewide “spectrum alert” for missing autistic children and requiring FDLE training for law enforcement; House Bill 1335, allowing Medicaid coverage for blood-based colorectal cancer screening; House Bill 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds; House Bill 1371, strengthening protections for law enforcement and first responders, including penalties for attacks on officers and measures related to false reports and blood-borne pathogen exposure; House Bill 1405, revising youth prevention services for status offenders; House Bill 1053, updating FDLE-related statutes and adding support for retired police dogs; and House Bill 751, expanding health insurance protections for law enforcement and their families after catastrophic injury or death and clarifying fraud penalties. Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 1371, which adopted an amendment removing a section to avoid fiscal impact, and HB 1053, which removed proposed changes to the capital complex definition. Most measures received supportive testimony from law enforcement, health, or advocacy groups and passed with little opposition. The committee concluded by reporting all of the listed bills favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• love, though there are times we fear that you have turned your back on us, you've left us to our own devices
• us<00:05:50.160> to<00:05:50.319> our<00:05:50.440> own<00:05:51.160> devices
• us you've left us to our own devices us you've left us to our own devices nevertheless<00:05:52.919

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As time went along, I think there's some concern about how that device is being used to collect fees
• And so this bill is aimed to basically get back to the original intent of what the device was used for
• So back on the bill, HB 730 still allows the original intent of that device to promote safety.
• The original intent of that device is to promote safety.
• Your intent is not for that personal device you put on your car to be used to impose fees on you personally

Bills: HCR32, HCR53, HCR60, HCR68, HB582, HB730, HB762

Keywords: Saint Claude Avenue Bridge, Port of New Orleans, backup motors, infrastructure, traffic management, oversized vehicles, permitting, economic impact, transportation, local regulations, Louisiana economy, Interstate 12, I-12, Interstate 55, I-55 interchange, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, D.R.I.V.E. Initiative, highway infrastructure, transportation planning

Transcript Highlights:

• As time went along, I think there's some concern about how that device is being used to collect fees
• And so this bill is aimed to basically get back to the original intent of what the device was used for
• So back on the bill, HB 730 still allows the original intent of that device to promote safety.
• The original intent of that device is to promote safety.
• Your intent is not for that personal device you put on your car to be used to impose fees on you personally

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met with five members present and approved the May 14, 2026 minutes. The committee first considered HCR 32, which urges the Port of New Orleans to secure backup motors for the aging St. Claude Avenue Bridge; members discussed the bridge’s importance, the relatively low cost of the motor, and the traffic and emergency-response impacts of repeated breakdowns. HCR 32 was reported favorably. HCR 68, a request to Congress for funding to remove unusable bridges along Highway 90 as part of reconnecting the corridor toward New Orleans East, was also reported favorably after brief discussion about federal representatives and coordination with DOTD. House Bill 582 was deferred without objection. The committee then took up HB 762, which clarifies that the Office of Motor Vehicles may, rather than must, refer certain delinquent reinstatement-fee debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or other collection channels. Testimony from OMV and the bill author emphasized that the measure was intended to clean up prior language and preserve OMV discretion, while senators raised concerns about political influence, collection practices, and the impact of fees and debt on drivers. HB 762 was reported favorably. HB 730, concerning automatic dependent surveillance broadcast devices on aircraft, was amended to limit its application to aircraft over 2,500 pounds and to prohibit the use of the imposed fees on smaller aircraft. Supporters said the bill restores the original safety purpose of the devices and prevents their use for fee collection; the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also reported favorably on HCR 53, which creates a study committee on oversized vehicle permits and their parish-level impacts, and HCR 60, which urges DOTD to pursue the DRIVE initiative to study and improve safety on the I-12 corridor. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• All senators and guests in the gallery, please silence all electronic devices.
• This amendment renames the task force to the Micro Mobility Device Safety Task Force.
• This will ensure the data being collected not only includes e-bikes but e-scooters and other such devices
• Senator, we heard a bill about personal delivery devices which can go on sidewalks and crosswalks.
• If it fits the description of the e-mobility or e-micro mobility devices, I would say yes.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All Senators and guests in the gallery please silence all electronic devices.
• This amendment renames the task force to the Micro Mobility Device Safety Task Force.
• This will ensure the data being collected not only includes e-bikes but e-scooters and other such devices
• Senator, we heard a bill about personal delivery devices which can go on sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Senator Truenow: If it fits the description of the e-mobility or micro mobility devices, I would say

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ANNOUNCEMENT, MEMBERS, I WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE TO MOVE ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO SILENT OR TURN THEM OFF
• GOVERNMENTS AND RESTRICTED GAS POWER AND LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT AND PROVISIONS RELATED TO SIGNAL JAMMING DEVICES
• WE WILL CLARIFY DEFINITIONS OF A MICRO MOBILITY DEVICES.
• CHAPTER 320 FLORIDA STATUTE BY CLARIFYING AND SAYING THE USE OF A LICENSE PLATE FRAME OR DECORATIVE DEVICE
• IS NOT IN VIOLATION OF THE LAW PROVIDED THAT THE DEVICE DOES NOT OBSCURE THE VISIBILITY OF THE FOLLOWING

Transcript Highlights:

• electronic devices.
• Laptops and tablets are devices.
• <04:17:01.600> So personal electronic devices. Period. So personal electronic devices.
• So it does make it challenging to ensure that those devices are available to learners.
• devices are available to learners. devices are available to learners.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And those devices can make an incredible difference in the life of an individual who is not able to use
• And she did not have enough vision to use one of these low vision magnification devices.
• And I have a different device called a Nano Knob. Why they named it that, I don't know.
• But with this device, I can use. I can control my phone with this knob.
• And we could provide simple devices that were able to help her.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in particular and how they are used,... ...with crypto, but with these devices in particular and how
• . ...ban the installation of new devices, but then also remove existing ones.
• Senator Hasegawa, you ask a lot about the devices themselves and what they often look like.
• We're the first city in the state to ban these devices.
• This will get you gig speeds down. millions of devices, including these customer terminals.

Summary: The committee first heard a work session on cryptocurrency kiosks from the Department of Financial Institutions and Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon. DFI described crypto kiosks as licensed money transmission terminals that allow cash purchases of virtual currency, and said the main concern is fraud: scammers often pressure victims, especially older adults, to deposit cash into kiosks and send it to wallets controlled by organized crime. DFI cited a sharp increase in kiosk volume, nationwide fraud complaints and losses, and said Washington currently has licensing and disclosure rules but lacks transaction and fee limits. The department said it is seeking stronger disclosures, a $1,000 daily transaction limit, and a fee cap. Spokane described its unanimous ordinance banning new kiosks and removing existing ones after local scam reports, and members asked about how the machines work, whether the fraud is in the hardware or the transaction, and whether stronger warnings or screening could help. The committee then reviewed home equity sharing agreements, or CHISAs, based on a report by Mariana Amaram and testimony from DFI and industry representatives. The report found that CHISAs provide homeowners a lump sum in exchange for a share of future home value or appreciation, with no monthly payments, but that consumers often struggle to understand the products and settlement calculations. The report said the market has grown quickly in Washington, that costs can be hard to predict, and that early uncapped contracts could produce very high settlement amounts, especially during periods of rising home prices. DFI said it views these products as mortgage loans and is moving forward with rulemaking, including counseling and clearer disclosures, while industry witnesses said the products are equity-based rather than debt-based and asked for tailored regulation. Members discussed the need for better consumer education, clearer payoff schedules, and whether the products should be treated as mortgages or a separate category. The final panel focused on Washington’s space economy, with presentations from Amazon Leo, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Space Northwest, and Green River College. Speakers highlighted major in-state investments in satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and workforce training, including Amazon Leo’s Redmond and Kirkland facilities, Blue Origin’s Kent headquarters, and Stoke Space’s Kent manufacturing and Moses Lake test site. Space Northwest presented data showing the sector’s growing economic footprint, high-wage jobs, and regional clusters in Kent and Redmond, and urged more workforce programs, incentives, infrastructure support, and a state space commission. The companies emphasized local hiring, apprenticeship and certification programs, and the role of Washington’s aerospace supply chain in supporting the broader space industry. No votes were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• the paver application uses a level of AI that learns the presence of different types of roadside devices
• ELDs, electronic logging devices, allow them to determine if there might be some constraints associated
• These particular devices that we have out there.
• It draws on these unique individual capabilities associated with the devices—it's surveillance systems
• There's just a set license cost per device. Well, thank you for that, Mr. Vice Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's please silence all electronic devices. Thank you. Excellent.
• Let's please silence all electronic devices.
• SB 928 on non-approved disposable nicotine dispensing devices by Senator Kaladdeudde.
• The division is required to conduct regular inspections of dealers who sell these devices as prescribed
• And our intent and purpose is to make sure that underage access to nicotine dispensing devices is further

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, reporting each favorably after hearing sponsor presentations, public testimony, and member questions. SB 578 would allow wine to be sold in recyclable containers, aligning wine with beer container rules; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and passed without debate. SB 606 clarified when guests in public lodging or food service establishments may be removed for nonpayment, updated notice and checkout provisions, and removed a mandatory arrest requirement, with support from hotel and restaurant industry groups; it also passed favorably. Members then heard SB 202, which addresses a municipal water utility surcharge issue affecting Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach by requiring the utility to charge residents where the plant sits the same rate it charges its own residents. The sponsor and supporters described it as a fairness issue, while North Miami Beach argued it would shift costs and threaten utility finances; the bill was reported favorably. SB 570 modernized and clarified the scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors, and SB 928, as amended, regulated non-approved disposable nicotine devices by restricting advertising and display, increasing inspections and penalties, and adding a school-buffer provision; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 346, which repeals state preemption over local regulation of hoisting equipment and cranes, prompted by concerns after Hurricane Milton and a crane collapse in St. Petersburg. Supporters said local governments need authority to address storm-related crane safety, while industry representatives warned against patchwork regulation and said local oversight already exists in some areas. Finally, the committee took up SB 652, creating Veterinary Professional Associates to perform certain tasks, including limited surgeries under veterinarian supervision; animal welfare groups supported it as a way to expand access, while some veterinarians opposed the surgery provisions. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. The committee then began SB 354, a major overhaul of Public Service Commission oversight, including expanding the commission, adding financial expertise, tightening rate-setting and storm-hardening review, and increasing transparency for nonprofit water and wastewater utilities; the substitute amendment was adopted and public testimony was heard from consumer advocates and utility-related groups, but the transcript ends before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those was just recently announced in Hancock County at their new technology park called Ignition

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 28 January, 2026; 8:15 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), including its consolidated tourism and agency request. MDA said it has had strong recent results, citing about $65 billion in capital investment since 2020, roughly 25,000 jobs, record tourism, clean audits, and oversubscribed incentive programs. For FY27, the agency requested $26.4 million in general funds, level special-fund operating support, restoration of eight pins reduced in the LBR process, and several general-fund increases for a career ladder, a new HR system, training, and operating costs. MDA also discussed a $1.25 million request for America 250 activities, including a Mississippi event and participation in the National Mall “Great America State Fair,” plus an energy accelerator program tied to the governor’s energy initiative and a broader three-tier energy preparedness strategy. MDA also explained its incentive refill requests, saying it was not seeking additional funding for the ACE grant program this year and had shifted that support toward the governor’s port/rail/road investment fund and energy-ready sites. The agency highlighted a renewed request to restart funding for the small municipal and limited population counties grant program, which it said had previously helped smaller communities with water, sewer, downtown, and other projects. On tourism, MDA presented a breakout showing what the budget would look like if tourism were separated into its own department; officials said the current tourism budget within MDA is about $5.7 million in general funds and $7.9 million total, and estimated about $1.3 million in additional cost would be needed to stand up a separate tourism agency. A significant portion of the discussion focused on criticism from Senator Wiggins that MDA has not delivered enough economic development for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He argued that constituents believe MDA does little for the coast and objected to the agency’s role in the GCRF and coastal projects, saying the coast has not seen meaningful results in years. MDA officials responded that complaints about uneven distribution are common across the state, that MDA works with local economic development partners rather than dictating project locations, and that it has helped support major coastal projects such as Relativity Space, Lockheed Martin expansions, PCC Gulf Chem, BWC Terminals, and AWS. The exchange also touched on the Port of Pascagoula and local leadership disputes, with both sides disagreeing over whether the port and the coast have been adequately supported. No votes or formal actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this summer I was out uh devices. Chair recognized the prime devices.
• And he devices that go 60 miles an hour.
• mobility devices is no longer an ORV. mobility devices is no longer an ORV.
• And we have these devices being used out there at crazy speeds.
• environment for all users of the devices environment for all users of the devices as<03:39:01.040

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All permitted water users would eventually require a meter or alternative measuring device at An example
• Now So those would have to have a meter or measuring device by the end of January 2027.
• They would have to have metering devices for those that do not participate in this.
• Would be required to have a meter or an alternate measuring device.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, the clerk will open the voting device and we'll take the vote. I vote aye. I vote aye.
• Seeing no debate, the clerk will activate the voting device and we'll vote. Thank you.
• Seeing no debate, the clerk will activate the voting device and we'll take the vote.
• Seeing no debate, the clerk will activate the voting device, and we'll take the vote.
• Seeing no debate, the clerk will activate the voting device. We'll take the vote.

Bills: HB3131, HB3380, HB3502, HB3552, HB3849, HB3886, HB3907, HB4201, HB4302, HB3448, HB3409, HB4095, HB3637

Keywords: homelessness, shelter standards, safety, accountability, state funding, local governance, regulation, Oklahoma Homeless Shelter Safety and Accountability Act, foster care, child welfare, Department of Human Services, educational opportunities, employment support, technology in child welfare, faith-based organizations, self-sufficiency, financial literacy, HB3502, Oklahoma, children's code

Transcript Highlights:

• It means the components of a slot machine or the gaming device so yes, you are correct.
• Jonathan: We help supply different devices for bars, restaurants, Elk lodges, Moose lodges.
• Jonathan: All the materials and devices you would use for your card game, things like that.
• That is a gaming device what you are using and operating.
• If you are going to purchase any machine that could be a gaming device before you put it out because

Transcript Highlights:

• To talk about the demand of those that certify these backflow devices, do you believe that there is a
• If I were to call in for an inspector or someone to certify my backflow device?
• They installed the device, they're trained in the installation of the device, they're trained to test
• In regards to the actual testing of the device, of the backflow prevention device, is the national standard
• Would you care to… Elaborate just a little bit on what these devices do and why it's important that we

Bills: HB5208, SB863, SB1243, SB1624, SB1965, SB2660, SB2702, SB2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• Amy, please silence all your electronic devices. Amy, please call the roll. Chair Lombardo, here.
• And you can connect a spa device or run that electrical to your house equipment, but you can't tap into
• These devices are increasingly common.
• These devices are increasingly common, and so are the tragic stories that come with them.
• HB 291 addresses this risk by requiring all personal mobility devices sold in Florida to use batteries

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard seven measures, including four bills and three proposed committee substitutes. HB 6033, repealing the Labor Pool Act, was presented as a cleanup measure to remove duplicative regulation; supporters argued workers would still be covered by OSHA, wage laws, workers’ compensation, and liability insurance, while opponents raised concerns about losing specific protections for day laborers. The bill was reported favorably on a 4-? vote, with several members voting no over concerns about worker protections. HB 453, dealing with pool and spa contractors, was described as a technical update to Chapter 489 that would better align licensing scopes with current industry practice and allow contractors to perform related work without stopping for additional licensed trades. An amendment making only drafting changes was adopted, and the bill passed unanimously. CS/HB 277 on veteran benefits assistance was also reported favorably unanimously after testimony focused on protecting veterans from predatory claims-assistance practices while preserving choice and requiring disclosures, fee limits, and data-security safeguards. The committee then approved PCS for HB 291, which would require personal mobility device batteries sold in Florida to meet an IPX-7 certification standard, after the sponsor cited fire risks from lithium-ion batteries; the measure passed unanimously. PCS for HB 709, allowing valid pari-mutuel permit holders to lease facilities to nearby high-li permit holders, was amended to require a minimum of 59 live performances and then passed unanimously. CS/HB 4011, expanding who may serve as a building official on Palm Beach County’s Building Code Advisory Board, passed unanimously as a good-government fix to fill vacancies. Finally, PCS for HB 499, allowing small craft breweries under 31,000 gallons to self-distribute, drew extensive testimony from brewers and distributors about small-business growth versus the three-tier alcohol system; despite concerns about weakening distribution safeguards, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-2 vote. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.