Transcript Highlights:

• Our design for water will not depend on water evaporation.
• As this legislation moves forward, we respectfully ask that it clearly distinguish between grid-dependent
• Grid-dependent, hyperscale facilities and energy-independent behind-the-meter projects like ours.
• care systems, aviation, logistics, banking, agriculture, and the everyday technology that Floridians depend
• care systems, aviation, logistics, banking, agriculture, and the everyday technology that Floridians depend

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and voted on several bills. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and also restrict smoking in rooms and bars; the sponsor said it is intended to protect public health and outdoor spaces, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on designated smoking areas, and cannabis advocates warned about unintended effects on patients and property rights. The committee reported SB 986 favorably. The committee also passed SB 678, which restores statutory authority for DBPR’s long-standing rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise taxes; a strike-all amendment was adopted, including retroactive application to January 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 800, which increases penalties for repeat unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts, was amended and reported favorably as well. Members then considered SB 408 on vaccine advertising and liability. The sponsor argued the bill would address declining public trust in vaccines by allowing claims against manufacturers that advertise in Florida, while opponents said the measure is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and would create unnecessary litigation. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported SB 408 favorably. The committee also heard SB 484 on data centers, which would set PSC tariff requirements so large load customers pay their own costs, preserve local planning authority, and limit water permits for large data centers; testimony was mixed, with supporters emphasizing ratepayer protections and economic benefits and critics warning about overregulation and confidentiality limits. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1118, which creates a time-limited public records exemption for certain data center development information held by local governments, after the sponsor said it was meant to prevent extended NDAs while still allowing local notice and input. SB 1050, requiring veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after several members recorded votes on bills they had missed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our design for water will not depend on water evaporation.
• Sciences data shows that 13 acres of irrigated citrus requires 2.5 to 7 million gallons of water a day, depending
• As this legislation moves forward, we respectfully ask that it clearly distinguish between grid-dependent
• Grid-dependent hyperscale facilities and energy-independent behind-the-meter projects like ours.
• care systems, aviation, logistics, banking, agriculture, and the everyday technology that Floridians depend

Bills: S0408, S0986, S0678, S0800, S1050, S0484, S1118

Keywords: vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you're dependent on a third party to help you and your community resolve flooding... ...issues.
• So, it depends on how they were set up.
• Right, I guess it depends on how it's set up, and I guess my county is very unique in that...
• And depending on how it was set up, it could be its own team or part of a larger team.
• It depends on what they do and are tasked with.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes that's a two-day process, depending on the number of applications we receive.
• As I said earlier, 90 to 120 days is probably average, but some can go up to six months, depending just
• And the answer there really depends on what we're willing to give up because right now we are stretched
• There may be a different approach depending on the kind of thing that they're doing.
• Depending on the kind of thing that they're doing.

Transcript Highlights:

• development and some severe risk to groundwater, in particular, We think infrastructure planning depends
• If, well, with there depends on a lot of factors.
• Um, TNC Texas has worked to preserve the lands and waters on which all life depends for over 60 years
• It depends.
• Texans expect the water coming out of their taps to be clean, safe, and dependable.

Bills: HB 937, HB 2078, HB 2080, HB 3322, HB 3350, HB 4212, HB 4630, HB 4896, HB 4951, HB 5348, HB 5675, SB 565, SB 971, SB 1662, SB 2124

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure planning depends on coordination between developers and utilities.
• It depends on a lot of factors, so it depends on the volume of the production, the parameters, the. for
• TNC Texas has worked to preserve the lands and waters on which all life depends for over 60 years.
• It depends. We mostly get private funding, but sometimes we...
• Residents expect the water coming out of their taps to be clean, safe, and dependable.

Bills: HB937, HB2078, HB2080, HB3322, HB3350, HB4212, HB4630, HB4896, HB4951, HB5348, HB5675, SB565, SB971, SB1662, SB2124

Keywords: special districts, notice requirements, Water Code, government transparency, public meetings, meeting notice, transparency, public engagement, notice, elections, groundwater management, water conservation, joint planning, environmental impact, desired future conditions, groundwater, conservation district, environmental quality, regulatory review, water utility

Transcript Highlights:

• USA shows that at age 10, only half passed the five-step test for safety belt fit, and proper fit depends
• I'd also add that our current law also depends on children not saying their age or saying their age.
• Once again, it's dependent on probably something else.
• And so it just depends. Not all vehicles have that. My vehicle has it in the front seat.
• It depends. Not all vehicles have that.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee met and began without a quorum, first hearing AB 612 by Assembly Member Rogers and later AB 435 by Assembly Member Wilson. AB 612 would direct Caltrans to update the highway design manual so local jurisdictions consult with fire departments on major road improvements. Supporters, including the California Professional Firefighters and labor representatives, said the bill would improve emergency response and prevent road designs from hindering fire apparatus. County representatives said they were not opposed but wanted the bill narrowed to avoid mandatory consultation on minor maintenance projects or in areas without a local fire district. Several members praised the bill as common-sense safety legislation, and it was moved forward to Appropriations. The committee then adopted its rules and approved a seven-bill consent calendar. AB 435 would update California child passenger safety law to require children under 10 to be properly restrained in the back seat, require children ages 10 to 13 to remain in the back seat unless they pass the five-step seat belt fit test, and require the five-step test before a child may ride in the front seat. The author and supporters, including Safe Kids Greater Sacramento, Safety Belt Safe USA, AAA, the Automobile Club, and hospitals, argued the bill would align state law with national best practices and improve child safety. Committee members raised concerns about enforceability, implementation timing, pickup trucks, large families, and low-speed vehicles, and the author said he was open to amendments and additional data, including California-specific information. AB 435 was advanced to the Committee on Appropriations after discussion. AB 612 also received a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee held rolls open to allow additional members to add on, then later confirmed the votes and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• INDIVIDUAL JURISDICTIONS HAVE DIFFERENT CAPACITIES DEPENDING ON THE DATABASE.
• DEPENDING ON THE CONSTRUCTION, FIND OUT, AS MS. STONE SAID, THERE WAS SOME INDICATIONS FOR OSB.
• DEPENDING UPON IF YOU DO HAVE A -- AN UNSAFE CONDITION THERE IS DIFFERENT PROCESSES, DEPENDING ON THE
• >> DEPENDS ON THE CARRIER. MOST OF THE CARRIERS ARE REQUIRING THE APPRAISAL EVERY 36 MONTHS.
• WE KNOW BASED ON THE LAST TWO YEARS IT'S DEPENDING ON THE STATE IF YOU AREN'T PINELLAS COUNTY IT MIGHT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is that that assumed income does change with market conditions, which means that SRP benefits are dependent
• So that's really the unique piece about this plan: benefits can depend on when members choose to retire
• We're all available to answer questions during the presentation or after, depending on your preference
• Naturally, the actual rates for the 2029-31 biennium will look different depending on actual experience
• And it will depend on the system here, but with the return of employer funding towards PERS 1 and TERS

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it happens at different times, you know, depending on the judge.
• Well, it happens at different times, you know, depending on the jurisdiction.
• So whether it's a judge or a hearing officer is going to depend on the jurisdiction.
• , if a judge wants this filed and goes up to the judge or the hearing officer or a commissioner, depending
• If a judge wants this filed and it goes up to the judge or the hearing officer or a commissioner, depending

Bills: HR245, SCR30, SCR40, SB259

Keywords: transparency, justice, Epstein, Maxwell, investigation, human trafficking, government accountability, domestic violence, protective orders, online application, judicial administration, Louisiana, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Show Low was probably twice the size, and then depending on the time of the year, we would have an emergency
• Well, we have, you know, depending on where you're at, there's one way out.
• Depending on where you're at, there's one way out.
• It is three— it depends on which way you go.
• If you go through Globe, it's going to be about four hours... ...it depends on which way you go.

Bills: SB1272

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I believe on the dependents, the children, it expires when they turn 21 or marry.
• And I think it's appropriate at the 50% and increase dependent on their disability levels.
• the spouses, and one thing that we haven't spoken about is I would like this included in there: dependent
• Maybe they can't afford the house because the dependents passed or the sponsors passed away.
• consider something to that nature, I think that would be a good idea for the lifestyle of those dependents

Summary: The Special Committee on Veterans heard House Bill 2535 from Representative Don Mayhew, which would provide property tax relief for disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving spouses, with the bill’s main distinction being a funding mechanism based on tobacco-related taxes, including a cigarette tax increase and taxes on vape and other tobacco products. Mayhew said the bill is intended to fund the benefit at the state level rather than shifting the burden to counties, and he emphasized that it is a state property tax benefit, not tied to federal veterans benefits. Members discussed whether surviving spouses should keep the benefit if they remarry, whether the language should be narrowed or reduced, and whether dependent children or Gold Star families should be included more broadly. Testimony in support came from veterans and veterans’ advocates who said the bill would help disabled veterans and surviving spouses remain in their homes and would spread the cost statewide instead of leaving counties to absorb it. Some supporters also urged keeping Purple Heart recipients in the bill and expanding protections for surviving spouses and dependent children. One veteran witness said the funding mechanism made the bill more workable for local governments, while another said the benefit should not be reduced if a surviving spouse remarries. Opposition focused mainly on the tax structure. The Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association opposed the funding mechanism, arguing that cigarettes are already heavily taxed, that Missouri’s border-state competitiveness could be harmed, that federal changes to hemp-derived products could undercut projected revenue, and that voters have rejected prior tobacco tax increases. A small-business witness also objected to the vape and hemp tax burden. The Department of Revenue provided fiscal information, estimating that the bill could raise significant state revenue but also noting that some projected revenue depends on current hemp law and that cigarette-tax increases could reduce cigarette sales and shift purchases to other products. No vote was taken, and the hearing was concluded after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Depending on the pursuit and the outcome of the pursuit, those charges are enhanced.
• So it just depends. But, you know, and to your point, that's if someone is facing...
• We can, and we have done that in the past, depending on the seriousness of the issue.
• Depending on the seriousness of the issue.
• an officer is decertified, and maybe there are no criminal charges filed against the officer, but depending

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about efforts to reduce vehicle pursuits and fleeing from law enforcement. Members discussed prior legislation that made fleeing a felony and enhanced penalties when suspects exit moving vehicles, and the State Police reported those changes, along with a social media/public service campaign and work with prosecutors, were associated with a 29% decline in pursuits from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. Members also asked about a recent mistaken PIT/TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; the agency said the family was not injured, had requested privacy, and the trooper involved was terminated. The committee also received an overview of the Arkansas State Police Foundation, which funds scholarships, emergency assistance for troopers’ families, and facilities and training support, with no lobbying role reported. The committee then heard from the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training on officer decertification and hiring accountability. Director Chris Chapman explained that every officer separation must be reported, that files are flagged when conduct may warrant decertification even if it does not meet that threshold, and that hiring agencies must be told about prior misconduct before they can add an officer to their roster. He said the commission now receives more decertification requests than before, with requests rising from 158 in the prior three-year period to 256 in the last three years, and that 147 officers were pending hearings, down from a prior backlog that had stretched to about four and a half years. He also said the commission meets every other month for two-day hearings, and that most decertifications involve integrity or honesty issues. Members asked about open investigations, citizen complaints, appeals, and public access to decertification records. Chapman said resignations during internal affairs or criminal investigations are flagged, citizen complaints are usually handled through supervisors, chiefs, sheriffs, or prosecutors and may lead to decertification review if warranted, and decertified officers can appeal to circuit court. He added that decertification records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act and may be used in civil claims. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee meeting at the fish hatchery in Lonoke.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, when you talk to the counties, again, rural counties, very resource-dependent, are
• It's going to depend on the specific circumstances of the lot itself.
• It's going to depend on the specific circumstances of the lot itself.
• that preservation of local authority to preserve, approve, or deny them on a case-by-case basis, depending
• Yet many of our rural counties are also dependent on revenue from resource-based industries like timber

Bills: SB6211, SB6234, SB6242

Keywords: real estate, excise tax, growth management, uniformity, local government, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, shared stewardship, counties authority, land management, environmental agreements, local governance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, when you talk to the counties, again, rural counties, very resource-dependent, are
• It's going to depend on the specific circumstances of the lot itself.
• It's going to depend on the specific circumstances of the lot itself.
• concern is, again, with preserving local authority to approve or deny them on a case-by-case basis, depending
• Yet many of our rural counties are also dependent on revenue from resource-based industries like timber

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard staff briefings, sponsor testimony, and public testimony on three bills. Senate Bill 6242 would require counties to enter shared stewardship agreements with federal land managers, such as the U.S. Forest Service, to maintain fuel breaks along roads on federally owned land and include revenue-sharing for timber sales. Sponsor Senator Braun said the bill is intended to improve wildfire prevention, protect transportation corridors, and create a possible funding source for rural counties. County representatives supported the concept but noted concerns about the bill’s timber-revenue condition and whether it could be enforced if a federal agency declined to agree. Senate Bill 6211 would remove the voter-approval requirement for real estate excise tax 2 (REET 2) in counties and cities that voluntarily plan under the Growth Management Act, aligning them with jurisdictions that are required to fully plan. Supporters, including the City of Walla Walla and the Association of Washington Cities, said the bill would create fairness and consistency and provide local governments with more tools for capital projects such as sidewalks, ADA improvements, transportation, and utilities. Opponents from Washington Realtors and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes argued the bill would raise housing costs and eliminate voter approval for a tax increase. The committee also heard concerns about property values and whether the bill would affect home prices or local tax burdens. Senate Bill 6234 would prohibit cities, counties, and water-sewer districts from banning sewage grinder pumps for new residential buildings in certain situations where gravity sewer is impractical, such as steep terrain, low-lying lots, or long distances from sewer lines. The sponsor said the bill is meant to help infill development and housing production in urban growth areas by making a lower-cost sewer connection option available. Cities and sewer districts testified that grinder pumps are already allowed in many cases, but they opposed the bill’s prescriptive language and preemption of local standards, citing long-term maintenance, operational, and ratepayer concerns. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it varies depending on the metric that you look at. Um, and just so you know how...
• So, it depends on the performance metrics.
• So, it depends on the performance metrics that you want to look at.
• So, it depends on what you look at.
• it back instead of going into the program, what is it about three years that they have to serve depending

Bills: SB197, HB140, SB214, HB214, HB147, HB270, SB73

Keywords: business regulation, nonprofit entities, electronic filing, merger agreements, limited liability companies, partnerships, property transfer, termination fees, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates

Transcript Highlights:

• the dependent child exemption only to adults with children under the age of 14.
• the dependent child exemption only to adults with children under the age of 14.
• the dependent child exemption only to adults with children under the age of 14.
• the dependent child exemption only to adults with children under the age of 14.
• the dependent child exemption only to adults with children under the age of 14.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:26.720><c> It</c> It depends on the funding source.
• </c> impacts on nearby groundwater dependent impacts on nearby groundwater dependent resources<00:57:
• And two, the religious depends on that.
• Um, it will help and lessen our dependence on foreign entities.
• We our dependence on foreign entities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we learned very quickly, however, was that the experience level varies dramatically depending upon
• What we learned very quickly, however, was that the experience level varies dramatically depending upon
• dependent.
• 46:05.199><c> on</c> When enforcement depends primarily on When enforcement depends primarily on court
• I offer these observations as dependent.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, a 16-year-old, a 17-year-old is no longer considered a dependent.
• </c> it is also changing the dependent it is also changing the dependent definition.<01:19:43.200><c>
• So, the dependent definition definition.
• So, a dependent a 16-year-old, a 14.
• . dependent. dependent.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its September 24 meeting after a motion and second. It then heard a presentation from New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Secretary Elizabeth Gragensky on that state’s early childhood system and planned universal child care rollout. She described how New Mexico consolidated multiple prenatal-to-age-five programs into a cabinet-level department, expanded pre-K to a longer day, and uses a cost model to set reimbursement rates intended to cover true provider costs, including wages, benefits, occupancy, food, and reserves. She also said the state created an Early Childhood Trust Fund and secured a constitutional amendment to dedicate 0.60% of the land grant permanent fund to early care and education, with the department’s budget growing from about $400 million in 2021 to just under $1 billion this year. Gragensky said families can begin applying for universal child care on November 1, with participation voluntary for both families and providers. She reported that New Mexico is aiming to expand capacity by adding 1,000 registered home providers, 120 group homes, and about 55 more centers, supported in part by a $13 million low-interest loan fund and a request for an additional $20 million. She said the state has seen growth in early childhood professionals, including a 64% increase over the last three to four years, and pointed to reported outcomes such as a 21% increase in literacy and a 75% kindergarten readiness rate, while noting that some measures are new and baseline comparisons are still being developed. Members asked about the funding sources, provider profitability, workforce development, and measurable outcomes. Gragensky said the program is designed to support provider sustainability through rates tied to true cost and includes allowances for sick leave, vacation, benefits, and reserves. She also said maternal labor force participation is 10% higher than the national rate and attributed that in part to child care access. The committee then moved to a separate presentation by Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lisa Dennis and Division of Family Support Director Roger McCann on anticipated cuts to TANF and SNAP, beginning with an overview of TANF as a federal block grant with a fixed annual Kentucky allocation of about $180.7 million.