Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1363 will be referred to the Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 1363 will be referred to the Finance Committee.
• , to revise provisions regarding turning out of slow-moving vehicles. ...Committee, an act relating to
• slow-moving vehicles, to revise provisions regarding turning out of slow-moving vehicles.
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1362 by the Finance Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at $698 million.
• on a pursuit law enforcement vehicle, and we are well above that.
• or just outside their vehicle.
• Efforts that occur by state troopers are in their vehicle or just outside their vehicle, and so when
• that are facing all 360 degrees and also within the vehicle itself.

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard presentations on the Governor’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and then considered one bill, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, with transportation and economic development receiving about $18 billion statewide and $601 million in general revenue. Agency heads then presented priorities for Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, State, Transportation, Emergency Management, and the Florida State Guard, emphasizing workforce development, housing, tourism marketing, aviation and space infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, emergency preparedness, and military readiness. In the Commerce presentation, Secretary Kelly highlighted funding for housing programs, the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, rural infrastructure and workforce grants, Reconnect and Florida WINS systems, law enforcement and firefighter recruitment bonuses, defense support, Visit Florida, Space Florida, and SelectFlorida. Senators asked about Visit Florida’s private match requirements and whether the agency fully leveraged prior appropriations; Visit Florida’s CEO said the match was met and exceeded, though it is difficult but important. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles presentation focused on trooper pay, pursuit vehicles, aviation assets, and enterprise data systems, with questions about immigration enforcement and body cameras. Military Affairs requested funding for readiness centers, training facilities, education and health benefits for Guardsmen, and maintenance of existing armories; members discussed Guard deployments, staffing levels, and a proposed firing range project. The Department of State requested funds for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and defended its arts grant process and rule changes. Transportation’s budget emphasized a $14.3 billion work program, road and bridge maintenance, aviation and aerospace, safety initiatives, and seaport investments, while Emergency Management requested funding for preparedness, flood mitigation, WebEOC, grants management, and alert systems; senators also asked about the Alligator Alcatraz detention facility. For CS/SB 48, Senator Gates explained that the bill would require local governments to allow property owners to voluntarily create ADUs, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs would be allowed by right without a separate hearing. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the bill, saying ADUs could help provide long-term housing for service workers. After questions about local government and HOA authority, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 48 favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the author will say, this is only to replace gas taxes on electric vehicles.
• Assembly Bill 1421 by Assembly Member Wilson and others, in relating to vehicles.
• Low-income and rural commuters who must drive farther and less efficient vehicles can pay more, while
• Abandoned recreational vehicles are becoming increasingly common and problematic.
• Abandoned recreational vehicles are becoming increasingly common and problematic.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:33.960><c> or</c> vehicles uh hear about a vehicle or vehicles uh hear about a vehicle or
• </c> um uh just when we go to full Finance um uh just when we go to full Finance there<00:09:24.839><
• </c> a frequent flyer in the finance a frequent flyer in the finance committee<00:12:44.000><c> obviously
• State motor vehicle inspections but State motor vehicle inspections but where<03:53:42.399><c> it</c>
• </c><04:05:30.880><c> is</c> uh for many years yes if a vehicle is uh for many years yes if a vehicle

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• With Behavioral Health, we've got Shirley Ray in DCM Finance. Elias Archuleta, Public Works.
• And whereas the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base is home to space vehicles and
• Colonel Madner is the Deputy Director of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicle Directorate
• It is an act relating to the drinking water state, allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority to provide
• Your House Appropriations and Finance Committee will meet at 1:30 today. In room 307.

Transcript Highlights:

• registrations with someone in the vehicle that has autism spectrum disorder.
• Today, most consumers manage their auto finance accounts online.
• They expect convenience and speed, and motor vehicle sales finance companies have responded by offering
• Today, most consumers manage their auto finance accounts online.
• They expect convenience and speed and motor vehicle sales finance companies have responded by offering

Transcript Highlights:

• They hide fentanyl in personal vehicles, commercial trucks, buses, trains, planes, and even on unmanned
• aerial vehicles.
• A brand new vehicle, put as much narcotics into every single void inside that vehicle and then assemble
• Put the vehicle back together and put it on the road and it's off on the freeways.
• The 1.7 million pills that I referenced in my opening statement, that was in two vehicles.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• This does not allow for CBP to be able to have pre-inspections of vehicles coming across.
• If someone is trying to, say, rush the port or have a vehicle that's going to be speeding past into the
• This does not allow for CBP to be able to have pre-inspections of vehicles coming across.
• If someone is trying to, say, rush the port or have a vehicle that's going to be speeding past into the
• Right now, 38 states have C-PACE financing. Arizona does not.

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from local officials and port authority representatives described the port as outdated, flood-prone, and a major congestion and safety concern because CBP equipment and officers are positioned near the international boundary and stormwater/sewer infrastructure. Speakers said the port is vital to local and state commerce, estimated modernization could cost $1.5 billion to $2 billion, and requested state support and letters of support for federal advocacy. Committee members discussed the economic and safety impacts, and leadership said a joint letter would be prepared. The committee then considered several bills. HB 2237 would appropriate $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and a visitor gateway; it passed 4-2. HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, exempt the state portion of prime contracting tax for such projects, and adjust bond-related rules; after an amendment, it passed 6-1. HB 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more; testimony focused on large rate hikes in rural areas versus RUCO’s limited staff and budget, and the bill passed 5-1 with some members asking for continued discussion about RUCO’s priorities. The committee also passed HB 2824, which authorizes local governments to establish voluntary C-PACE programs for financing commercial property improvements through special assessments, with supporters saying it would help attract investment without using state general funds. HB 2939, the “Lucid bill,” would add a rural-location tax credit tied to large qualifying investments and new jobs; Lucid Motors testified that it would support advanced manufacturing and rural job creation, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee adjourned after noting HB 2950 would be held due to time and heard first at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> as many vehicles as fast as you can. as many vehicles as fast as you can.
• </c><00:43:43.839><c> at</c><00:43:44.079><c> at</c> vehicle and maintains the vehicle at at vehicle
• </c> and vehicle services operating account. and vehicle services operating account.
• Would I be required to get that on both my vehicles or just my primary vehicle?
• </c> my primary vehicle? How would that work? my primary vehicle? How would that work?

Bills: HF3429 , HF3418 , HF3431 , HF1597

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• and every vehicle.
• and every vehicle.
• </c> every vehicle. every vehicle.
• </c> vehicle in which they own. vehicle in which they own.
• </c> of a vehicle right now. of a vehicle right now. Thank<01:10:25.080><c> you.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• That's when this vehicle would expire.
• This is a special-purpose financing district that allows districts to finance public infrastructure and
• to be financing it through the district, which really means they're just financing it through a kind
• to be financing it through the district, which really means they're just financing it through a kind
• It simply talks about how they're going to get financed.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and passed several bills dealing with insurance fraud funding, education scholarships, apprenticeships, workers’ compensation fraud, credit unions, manufactured home installation licensing, short-term rentals, homeowners associations, condo disclosures, and an advanced manufacturing infrastructure reimbursement program. HB 4020 would raise the annual insurer assessment cap for the Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions fraud unit from $1,050 to $1,350; it passed after testimony from Nationwide supporting the added resources. HB 2255 would extend Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship eligibility for community college students from two academic years to four, and HB 2591, as amended, would revise the definition and requirements for registered apprenticeships under DES standards; both passed unanimously. HB 2680, as amended, would narrow and clarify workers’ compensation fraud-related provisions and insurance disclosure requirements, and HB 2979, as amended, would modernize credit union bylaws, name changes, and operating powers; both also received due pass recommendations. HB 2868, which adds insurance and fingerprint-clearance requirements for manufactured home/mobile home installation licensees and gives the Department of Housing additional licensing authority, passed with some members present or voting no. The committee also took up HB 2429, a strike-everything amendment on short-term rentals that would let local governments set occupancy limits, extend the violation window for suspension actions from 12 to 24 months, and allow suspension after certain building code violations. The sponsor and city officials described it as a compromise giving communities more local control, while short-term rental owners and neighborhood advocates raised concerns about overbroad enforcement and the scale of the housing impacts; the bill passed 8-2 with one present. HB 4011, which would codify duties for condominium and planned community associations to act reasonably and provide access to information, was heard without the proposed Carter amendment and passed 11-0 after testimony from homeowners, attorneys, and HOA representatives about fairness and enforceability. HB 2397, another HOA-related bill, would expand disclosure requirements for condo and association purchases and escrow information; it passed unanimously after supporters said it would improve consumer transparency. Finally, the committee heard HB 4026, which would change the public infrastructure reimbursement program for advanced manufacturing projects by replacing the current statewide cap with a $75 million annual cap and requiring more transparency for related agreements. Supporters, including Queen Creek’s mayor, GPEC, and the Arizona Chamber, said the program helps fund roads, water, wastewater, and other infrastructure needed to attract large manufacturing investments and jobs, while some members questioned the budget impact and whether the program benefits rural areas. The discussion emphasized projects such as LG in Queen Creek and other major manufacturing investments, with supporters arguing the bill preserves Arizona’s competitiveness and generates long-term tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Office, who will provide an overview of the federal legislation and comments from the Department of Finance
• China is outpacing us in electric vehicles. China is outpacing us in electric vehicle charging.
• So when it comes to health care coverage and financing, one of the major more immediate impacts is a
• Mary Halterman, Department of Finance.
• Finance will continue to monitor the potential impacts on the state's budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, BL Salivia from Budget and Finance.
• in uh in in work for electric vehicles in uh in in the<00:25:01.120><c> US</c><00:25:01.880><c> we</
• </c><00:25:28.480><c> Ing</c><00:25:28.600><c> and</c> effective means of uh financ Ing and effective
• So if it's an EV and a personal vehicle, they can choose something there. Maybe it's hydrogen.
• Next we have the Department of Budget and Finance with comments.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at $698 million.
• "The second item is the Florida Highway Patrol replacement of pursuit vehicles.
• on a pursuit law enforcement vehicle, and we are well above that."
• or just outside their vehicle. ...efforts that occur by state troopers are in their vehicle or just
• that are facing all 360 degrees and also within the vehicle itself.

Bills: S0048

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard the Governor’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget for the TED silo and presentations from Commerce, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Military Affairs, the State Guard, State, Transportation, and Emergency Management. The Governor’s office outlined a $117.4 billion overall budget, including $18.3 billion for TED agencies, with major allocations for FDOT, Commerce, emergency management, tourism, military affairs, and state operations. Agency heads emphasized priorities such as housing and disaster recovery, workforce and rural infrastructure, law enforcement recruitment, defense support, tourism marketing, aerospace and spaceport investment, election audits, historic preservation, road and bridge maintenance, aviation safety, and emergency preparedness systems. Members asked several questions about the use and effectiveness of funding. Visit Florida officials said the public-private match is essential and that they exceeded the required match last year. Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discussed trooper pay, vehicle replacement, aviation support, and transparency tools such as vehicle camera systems, with senators praising the department’s recruitment efforts. Military Affairs and the State Guard described readiness, recruiting, facility construction, and support for domestic missions, including hurricane response and perimeter security at the Everglades detention site; questions focused on deployment tempo, staffing, and costs. The Department of State explained funding for automated election audits, a conservation lab, and historic preservation, and said its arts grant changes were intended to standardize scoring rather than cut programs. Transportation highlighted a $15.4 billion total budget, major work program funding, safety initiatives, seaport and aviation investments, and the elimination of Florida Rail Enterprise funding due to reduced documentary stamp revenues. The committee also heard and passed CS/SB 48 by Senator Gates, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units on a voluntary basis, while preserving local authority over setbacks, construction, and permitting. An amendment removed reusable tenant screening reports and clarified that conforming ADUs are allowed by right without separate hearings. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and several industry and business groups supported the bill, citing the need for long-term rental housing for workers. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are looking to capitalize on the vehicle.
• With that, we've looked at House Bill 19 criteria. on the vehicle.
• Safety of how autonomous vehicles eventually move through the different systems, whether that's just
• Madam Chair, Representative Matthews, yes, autonomous vehicle operations and testing. It is.
• on 491 and on Carbuncle Which what that'll do is open up for small regular vehicles to be coming in

Committee: Joint Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• That opportunity helps zero-emission vehicle station developers secure financing and build fast-charging
• Simply put, zero-emission vehicles are more energy efficient than combustion vehicles.
• That is creating a lot of diversity in both the technology for vehicles and in how you fuel those vehicles
• The LCFS is really a key enabler of this transition to zero-emission vehicles—that's electric vehicles
• And in the case of battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles, zero tailpipe emissions

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have some of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency FTEs.
• I want to be clear, I think our Minnesota Housing Finance Agency is one of, if not the best housing finance
• </c> I think our Minnesota Housing Finance I think our Minnesota Housing Finance Agency<00:42:23.600>
• </c> housing finance agency in the country. housing finance agency in the country.
• </c> And over time, our housing finance And over time, our housing finance agency<00:42:36.760><c> has

Summary: The House considered the conference committee report on House File 1141, a housing bill, and moved to adopt the report and repass the bill as amended. Rep. Howard said the compromise would help build thousands of new homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, EHPAP, supportive housing, and a new provision for greater public access at MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate proposals, including a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases, were not included. Several members spoke in support of the compromise. Rep. Kozlowski emphasized the bill’s role in addressing housing instability, homelessness, and workforce shortages, citing investments in first-generation homebuyer assistance, supportive housing, and preservation of beds and units. Rep. Skraba and Rep. West also supported the bill, with Skraba praising the bipartisan process and West arguing the bill focused on supply-side solutions such as manufactured housing and easing development constraints. Rep. Schultz opposed the bill, arguing the money should instead go to school safety, fraud prevention, asset preservation, and lowering costs for taxpayers. After brief discussion, the House adopted the conference report and advanced the bill to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> circumstances are unsafe um if a vehicle circumstances are unsafe um if a vehicle is<00:31:52.039
• </c><00:42:13.480><c> either</c> teenage boys inside the vehicle either teenage boys inside the vehicle
• </c><00:42:20.000><c> struck</c> Zone moments later their vehicle struck Zone moments later their vehicle
• </c> Jang director of the driver and vehicle Jang director of the driver and vehicle service<00:53:26.079
• </c><01:14:15.159><c> bill</c> for consideration in our finance bill for consideration in our finance

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee substitute for House Bill No. 381, Finance, by the House Finance Committee, entitled: An Act
• I made many thanks in Finance.
• There was further good work in the Finance Committee.
• The co-chairs, Finance Committee as well, put a ton of effort over the work... ...the co-chairs, Finance
• . ...the Finance Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> A request was made that we intereded a vehicle at some point.
• </c> Hampshire Business Finance Authority. Hampshire Business Finance Authority.
• </c><00:14:48.800><c> Authority</c> New Hampshire Business Finance Authority New Hampshire Business Finance
• Business Finance Authority, cross Business Finance Authority, cross referencing<00:20:04.559><c> different
• </c> it with business finance it with business finance &gt;&gt; I<00:22:15.120><c> see</c><00:22:15.280

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration