Transcript Highlights:

• reimburse for recycled items, many people do throw them away and they end up on the rivers and the beaches
• visible areas for... ...heavily visible areas for plastic bottles or cans and ocean fronts and the beaches
• So it's less on the beach cleanup... ...convenience across the state so that people are utilizing those
• We'll get back to you if there's other programs that are specific to beach cleanups that we know of,
• organize the team regularly to inspect and collect such items, recyclable items from riverbeds or beach

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy heard budget overviews and several budget change proposals from CalRecycle, CalEPA, and DTSC. CalRecycle outlined its proposed 2026-27 budget of 987 positions and $1.9 billion, and members focused on edible food recovery funding under SB 1383, beverage container recycling fees and infrastructure under SB 1013, plastic packaging reduction under SB 54, and composting implementation under SB 279. CalRecycle said edible food recovery has recovered more than 300 million meals but lacks ongoing funding, explained that beverage container processing fees are set by statute and reflect higher recycling costs for difficult-to-recycle materials, and noted that SB 54 implementation will include a pollution prevention mitigation fund for legacy plastic cleanup. The committee also discussed the need for more composting capacity and the role of volunteer cleanup groups, while public commenters urged continued funding for food recovery, composting, and landfill response. CalEPA presented its department overview and a proposal to strengthen landfill response and enforcement, emphasizing climate, air quality, water, and cleanup priorities. Secretary Garcia described the agency’s work on methane monitoring, toxics reduction, drinking water compliance, Exide cleanup, pesticide alternatives, and implementation of AB 617, while also noting the agency’s response to federal rollbacks. Members pressed CalEPA on landfill fires and subsurface elevated temperature events, especially at Chiquita Canyon, asking about authority, scientific resources, and when intervention should occur. CalEPA said it has authority to respond but needs more coordinated technical and enforcement capacity, and later presented a $5.1 million, 12-position multi-agency proposal involving CalEPA, CalRecycle, DTSC, and the Water Board to address current landfill events and improve future prevention and response. DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety presented several proposals tied to reform implementation, hazardous waste oversight, and emerging waste streams. DTSC reported progress in clearing its permit backlog, advancing safer consumer products regulations, and continuing Exide cleanup, while seeking additional resources for cost recovery and enforcement, PFAS work, recycling infrastructure for solar panels and lithium batteries, and a new statewide planning division to implement the hazardous waste management plan and consolidate reporting systems. The Board of Environmental Safety described its oversight role, public meetings, permit appeals process, and fee-setting authority, and said its priorities include permit appeals, hazardous waste plan oversight, and performance metrics. Members questioned whether DTSC was creating too many new subdivisions, but the department said the new structure is needed to handle growing workload and modernize regulation. Public testimony generally supported the landfill proposal, DTSC consumer product enforcement, water board staffing, and continued funding for food recovery and composting programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, with our Palm Beach County people, Senator Harold included.
• We want to also recognize our student government leaders who are here from Palm Beach State College.
• Thank you with our Palm Beach County people, Senator Harold included.
• We want to also recognize our student government leaders who are here from Palm Beach.
• We want to also recognize our student government leaders who are here from Palm Beach State College.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing visiting groups and guests, including college students and leaders, health and nonprofit organizations, Catholic Days at the Capitol participants, foreign dignitaries from Morocco, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with remarks honoring the Parkland community and the school safety law that followed. The chamber then took up a special order calendar of bills, beginning with several claims bills and local relief measures. SB 14 for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County passed 37-1, and HB 6517 for A. Sanchez-Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg passed after substitution. HB 6515 for Lordes Latour and Edward Lator against Miami-Dade County also passed 38-1. The Senate then approved SB 52 on volunteer armed security at places of worship (39-0), SB 124 updating Florida Virtual School statutes (39-0), SB 504 on code inspector body cameras (39-0), and SB 506 on related public records (38-1). A lengthy debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Several senators argued for tighter oversight and supported an amendment by Senator Berman that would have limited fund use and required Legislative Budget Commission approval for continued spending; that amendment failed 12-27. The underlying bill then passed 29-10. Senators also adopted SB 594 on local housing assistance for mobile home owners (39-0), SB 656 strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children programs (39-0), SB 806 creating right-to-repair protections for wireless devices and agricultural equipment (39-0), SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (39-0), SM 1186 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure by voice vote, SB 308 creating the Florida Museum of Black History with a late-filed amendment clarifying ex officio nonvoting legislative members (39-0), and SB 572 updating ethics law to include foster children and foster parents, as amended (38-0). The Senate also withdrew SB 1360 from further consideration, certified passed bills to the House, and adjourned until February 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• specialized institution for aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related fields, with campuses in Daytona Beach
• . aerospace, engineering, and related fields with campuses in Daytona Beach, Prescott, Arizona, Singapore
• Thank you, with our Palm Beach County people, Senator Harold included.
• We want to also recognize our student government leaders who are here from Palm Beach.
• We want to also recognize our student government leaders who are here from Palm Beach State College.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I was also told, hey, we have a Cocoa Beach in Brevard, so make sure you say it's F.L.
• Cocoa Beach type thing so that people don't get it confused.
• did that for about six days in between Hurricanes Helene and Milton to try to get as much off the beach
• Moving back to the 2023 hurricane season, we saw Hurricane Idalia make landfall in Keaton Beach in August
• Hurricane Dorian, again, that never made landfall, but certainly affected Brevard County, Palm Beach,

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7. The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system. Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am president of the Long Beach Firefighters Local 372.
• I've been serving as a firefighter paramedic since 2018 for the great city of Long Beach.
• I am president of the Long Beach Firefighters Local. Committee. My name is Lamont Nguyen.
• I am President of the Long Beach Firefighters Local 372.
• I've been serving in a capacity as a firefighter paramedic since 2018 for the great city of Long Beach

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public employment, retirement, and recognition of cultural and public service issues. AB 569 would allow local governments and unions to negotiate supplemental pension contributions for certain employees; AB 989 would make California Native American Day an official paid state holiday; AB 268 would recognize Diwali as an official state holiday; AJR 3 would urge protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal from federal cuts; AB 1067 would require misconduct investigations to continue even if an employee retires during the process; AB 1510 made technical and conforming changes to state employee pay and benefits laws and to Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority labor law; and AB 1233 would create a statewide database of classified school employee employment history and serious misconduct records. The committee also took up AB 1383, which would lower the retirement age for certain first responders and restore some bargaining rights over retirement benefits, drawing extensive testimony for and against. Supporters of the holiday bills emphasized long-overdue recognition of Native American and South Asian communities and the importance of honoring California’s diversity. Supporters of AJR 3 described the reliance of seniors, people with disabilities, and families on federal and state health and retirement programs, warning that cuts would cause serious harm. AB 1067 was presented as a way to prevent employees from retiring to avoid accountability, while AB 1233 was framed as a student-safety measure to help schools identify applicants with prior egregious misconduct. Opposition to AB 1233 focused on due process and the breadth of the misconduct records, and opposition to AB 1383 argued it would reverse PEPRA reforms, raise pension costs, and strain local budgets, while supporters said firefighters and other first responders face unique health and safety risks and deserve earlier retirement. Most bills were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes and placed on hold for add-ons or referral to Appropriations or another committee. AB 912 was taken up on the consent calendar and held; AB 569, AB 989, AB 268, AJR 3, AB 1067, and AB 1510 all advanced with do-pass recommendations and were placed on hold. AB 1233 was moved to the Committee on Education. AB 1383 drew the most extensive debate, with many witnesses in support and opposition, and committee members largely expressing support for first responders while also noting concerns about cost and pension policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also ends up as litter on our beaches, rivers, and parks.
• According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas has the trashiest beaches in
• Our organization has done cleanups of beaches and rivers and seen that bottles are a... ...big component
• We need institutional models to help prevent that trash from going into our beaches in the first place
• We have the most littered beaches along the Gulf Coast.

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

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Just as tourists flock to our beaches and theme parks.
• Lawmakers must decide whether to stand with our hardworking horsemen and breeders or give Hallandale Beach
• the most prestigious Derby prep races was held here in the state of Florida at Gulfstream and how beach
• Hallandale Beach is my district Gulf Stream is in my district. It what I've been pushing for.
• You're in the your in the beaches on the West Coast. The Florida couple hours later.

Transcript Highlights:

• How does the administration assess the risk of service reduction or facility closures under the funding
• Now, with those closures and us losing those jobs, we've actually lost that income.
• I want to thank the committee for prioritizing prison closure, the jail-to-jobs pilot program, Right
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure as a fiscally responsible way to make space in the
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure is a fiscally responsible way to make space in the

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, as the main item. Committee leaders described the legislative budget agreement as a balanced two-year plan with about $355.9 billion in total spending, $253 billion from the General Fund, and $36.5 billion in reserves. The Legislative Analyst and Department of Finance said the package assumes about $5.5 billion in higher revenues than the May Revision and uses those resources for a mix of spending changes, including higher Proposition 98 support, additional child care slots, housing and homelessness funding, delayed Medi-Cal reductions, and added support for counties, public hospitals, and distressed hospitals. The administration said the plan resembles the May Revision’s overall structure but includes new spending and revenue assumptions, and members noted that separate revenue trailer bills would be heard later in the week. Much of the committee discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on immigrants, low-income workers, counties, and hospitals. Several senators criticized the budget for locking in savings from delayed or reduced Medi-Cal coverage and for not including a mechanism to restore eligibility, while administration and LAO staff said the package delays some reductions but does not automatically reinstate coverage. Finance staff said roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people with unsatisfactory immigration status would move from managed care to fee-for-service, with coverage largely unchanged except for certain services not federally allowed. Members also discussed county administrative funding, indigent care, public hospital support, and the expected rise in uncompensated care. Other topics included In-Home Supportive Services, child care, homelessness funding, Prop. 36, courthouse construction and new judgeships, transit and cap-and-invest/GGRF funding, local journalism, and workforce or reentry programs. Committee members split along party lines in their comments. Democratic members generally supported the agreement as a difficult but responsible compromise that protects core services, preserves reserves, and makes targeted investments in education, housing, health care, and justice system capacity. Republican members argued the budget relies on unrealistic revenue assumptions, does not sufficiently reduce spending, and includes costly policy choices and tax increases. Public testimony largely came from advocates and stakeholders who supported IHSS, Medi-Cal, child care, domestic violence services, hospitals, transit, and other programs, while some business and health plan representatives raised concerns about tax proposals and the shift from managed care to fee-for-service. The chair then moved the committee to public comment and indicated that the revenue bills would return later in the week; no final vote on AB 109 is reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The package also assumes some General Fund savings in CDCR and requires the closure of an additional
• How does the administration assess the risk of service reduction or facility closures under the funding
• Now, with those closures and us losing those jobs, we've actually lost that income.
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure as a fiscally responsible way to make space in the
• Thank you for putting forward that prison closure is a fiscally responsible way to make space in the

Committee: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:

• The delegate from Virginia Beach moves that the House adopt House Resolution 2172, celebrating the life
• The delegate from Virginia Beach moves that the House adopt House Resolution 2172, celebrating the life
• The delegate from Virginia Beach moved that the House adopt House Resolution 2172, celebrating the life

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of memorial and commending resolutions out of order and in block. Members offered tributes to Colonel James T. O’Kelly for his Marine Corps service and later public service; to Taran Mehta and DeWan Anthony Stiegel, Jr.; to Noreen Torin for her long career in Central Virginia journalism; to Bernard L. Henderson, Jr. for extensive public and civic service; and to Child’s Family Orchards for growing a record-setting peach. Several additional memorial and commending resolutions were adopted in block, including newly added resolutions for Stephanie Daniel Myers and Lynn Kathleen McKay, among others. The chamber then considered the conference report on House Bill 30, the biennial state budget. Speakers praised staff and conferees for their work and noted provisions such as pay raises for teachers and state employees, infrastructure funding, a higher standard deduction, and a utility-related rebate issue. Some members criticized the budget as a large spending increase and argued it did not provide enough tax relief, while others supported it and emphasized keeping commitments to data center tax policy and adding co-ops to rebate efforts. After debate, the House adopted the conference report by a vote of 71 yeas to 22 nays. At the close of business, the House was informed that the calendar was complete, reminded about a constituent relationship management software survey, and then recessed pursuant to House Resolution 2069.

Transcript Highlights:

• If somebody is just walking on the shore, you see the beach in that video and there are fish that come
• If I go down to the beach and just pick up a fish, will they ticket me? just pick up a fish.
• Sixteen of those years, I was the man walking up and down the beach and out in the boat as a game warden

Bills: HB55 , HB212

Committee: House Agriculture and Forestry

Keywords: fishing, licensing, jubilee, Marine life, Alabama, regulations, HB212, aquatic plants, public waters, state waters, waterways, water management, aquatic vegetation, weed removal, vegetation control, lake management, river management, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR

Transcript Highlights:

• OUR FIRST ITEM IS A PRESENTATION OF THE AUDITOR GENERALS AUDIT OF THE CITY OF MEXICO BEACH.
• AND MEMBERS FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THE RESULTS OF OUR AUDIT OF THIS IN THE MEXICO BEACH
• Collins: NOW WE ARE GOING TO HAVE MEXICO BEACH MAYOR RICHARD WOLF WITH US.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Hey, we got a closure motion. Do I have a second on the closure motion?
• gt; Hey,<00:13:05.839><c> we</c><00:13:06.000><c> got</c><00:13:06.079><c> a</c><00:13:06.160><c> closure
• ><00:13:06.800><c> Do</c><00:13:06.959><c> I</c><00:13:07.120><c> have</c> &gt;&gt; Hey, we got a closure
• Do I have &gt;&gt; Hey, we got a closure motion.
• </c><00:13:09.200><c> All</c> a second on the closure motion? All a second on the closure motion?

Bills: HB431 , HB466 , HB523 , HB521 , SB182 , SB300 , HB431 , HB466 , HB523 , HB521 , SB182 , SB300

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: Monroe County, sheriff, sheriff compensation, county salary, expense allowance, local act, county general fund, retirement contributions, law enforcement pay, public official salary, county budget, Alabama local legislation, service contracts, consumer protection, advertising disclosure, insurance, contract cancellation, parole procedures, advocacy, parole board

Transcript Highlights:

• This prolonged closure has disrupted cattle supplies. It has also increased consumer beef prices.
• Probably the last 40 to 50 years, gradually, but the closure of the ports has really been the icing on
• But we have created and strengthened Mexico's cattle industry by the closure.
• Have created and strengthened Mexico's cattle industry by the closure.
• Another point, people think by the closure of a packing plant, Another point, people think by the closure

Committee: House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on International Trade held its first meeting of the session with member introductions and opening remarks emphasizing Arizona’s interest in foreign relations, border commerce, and collaboration with trading partners, especially Mexico. Chair Tony Rivera noted the state’s trade offices in Mexico and framed the committee’s work as a way to strengthen Arizona’s international relationships. Staff were introduced, and members were reminded of amendment deadlines, though no bills were heard. The committee then heard a presentation from the Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District. Chamber representatives described Nogales as a major gateway for trade, tourism, agriculture, and logistics, and said the region is investing in entrepreneurship support, bilingual business resources, digital and e-commerce training, and workforce development tied to mining and logistics. They also highlighted tourism promotion efforts and said infrastructure, housing, and pedestrian access at the ports of entry are major needs. Committee members asked about regulatory and infrastructure improvements, housing and health-care challenges, and tourism data. Greg Lucero of the provisional community college described the district’s unusual status, its contract with Pima College to provide instruction, and the impact of South32’s mining project on enrollment and workforce training demand. He said the district is focusing on AI, advanced manufacturing, trades, and ESL support, while working toward accreditation. Members asked about industry partnerships, certificate timelines, and programs tied to Arizona-Mexico trade. The committee also heard from Cattlemex, T4 Ranch, Arizona Cattle Feeder Association, and J.M. Fletcher Cattle Co. on the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border to live cattle imports because of New World screwworm concerns. Testimony argued that Sonora cattle are safe, that Arizona ports are strategically important, and that reopening the ports would support feedlots, packing plants, jobs, and lower beef prices. Witnesses urged a state-by-state USDA reopening, especially for Sonora, and said Arizona should not be penalized for outbreaks elsewhere in Mexico. Members asked about industry support, the effect of grazing restrictions, the future of Arizona’s livestock sector, and whether a Sonora-specific carve-out could be safely implemented. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• the growing problems down there are massive amounts of nurdles that wash up on the bay side of the beach
• that spills of pre-production plastics continue and it's so easy to find... ...and nurdles on the beach
• Our members value clean bays, beaches, and gulf waters.
• My family and I, who love to spend time on Texas beaches and lakes matter.
• This small change will help prevent pollution in Texas beaches and lakes.

Bills: HB1341 , HB1674 , HB4028 , SB2321

Committee: House Environmental Regulation

Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, air quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, criminal offense, chemical regulation, preproduction plastic, water quality, pollution control, industrial waste, emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is really about placing sand on an eroded beach with stabilizing structures.
• </c> about placing sand on an eroded beach about placing sand on an eroded beach with<00:57:03.359><c
• life<00:57:27.640><c> and</c><00:57:27.799><c> leads</c><00:57:28.079><c> to</c><00:57:28.280><c> beach
• c><00:57:28.599><c> erosion</c><00:57:29.079><c> in</c><00:57:29.200><c> the</c> life and leads to beach
• erosion in the life and leads to beach erosion in the long<00:57:29.599><c> run</c><00:57:30.480><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two different types of parking down the beaches. One is the meters.
• </c><03:52:28.479><c> Everybody's</c> beaches. One is the meters. Everybody's beaches.
• </c><03:52:34.080><c> South</c> And then the Hampton Beach South And then the Hampton Beach South Pavilion
• </c> behavior maybe as we see at our beaches. behavior maybe as we see at our beaches.
• activities, whether it's hit the beach for veterans and others who basically can't get around.

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Transcript Highlights:

• requirement for a teach-out opportunity under the same material conditions that existed prior to a school closure
• recognized Indian tribal government from the student consumer protections for an institutional or program closure
• it, would roll back student consumer protections that may exceed the scope of school or program closures
• education, unfair business practices, and financial stability, so they are not limited to program closures
• education, unfair business practices, and financial stability, so they are not limited to program closures

Bills: HB2438 , HB2422 , HB2525 , HB2586 , HB2427 , HB2458 , HB2474 , HB2540 , HB2589

Committee: House Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Keywords: education, scholarship, early childhood, funding, higher education, early education, support, degree seekers, private security, security guard, armed security guard, security company, licensing fees, license renewal, endorsement fee, fingerprints, background check, workforce retention, low-wage workers, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The bridge to prepare for this closure that we're going to— we're actually in day two of that closure
• And the uh the closure is June June 1st.
• </c> closure is is we're in day two of it. closure is is we're in day two of it.
• </c><01:47:14.400><c> uh</c> know local roads, the ramp closures uh know local roads, the ramp closures
• </c><01:47:52.159><c> in</c> basically replaced during the closure in basically replaced during the closure

Committee: Joint Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the closure this October, I spent most of this interim trying to prepare for the closure and trying
• I spent most of this interim trying to prepare for the closure and trying to better understand commercial
• Underserved areas, a grocery closure can mean losing access to fresh food altogether.
• The closure of these businesses would mean fewer employment opportunities, less localized variety in
• The closure of these businesses would mean fewer employment opportunities, less localized variety in

Bills: HB2313 , HB2451 , HB2298 , HB2566 , HB2517

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: grocery stores, public ownership, food accessibility, community services, economic development, tax increment financing, local government, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, municipal permitting, transit projects