Transcript Highlights:

• We are now dropped back to tab 3, Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 910 by Senator Collins.
• So, C.S. for SB 910 is a bill that's really important to me, and many people...
• Please call the roll on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 910.
• By your vote, show Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 910 reported favorably.
• Senate Bill 1672, 940, 1820, 324, 936, 1322, 1264, 24, 964, 910, and 656. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and favorably reported several bills. SB 1672 removed duplicative state provisions related to labor pools; CS/SB 940 prohibited third-party sale of restaurant reservations without the restaurant’s consent; and CS/SB 1820 made changes to motor vehicle manufacturer and dealer franchise law, including disclosure of performance measures, anti-retaliation protections, and limits on franchise termination or nonrenewal. The committee also approved CS/SB 324, creating a revolving loan program to help small businesses affected by prolonged public works construction, and SB 936, which creates a recurring three-year study of the effects of AI, robotics, and automation on Florida’s workforce and economy. SB 1322, the Florida Rural Jobs Act, was amended and reported favorably to encourage private investment in rural small businesses through a state tax credit program. The committee also reported favorably on CS/SB 910, which regulates for-profit veterans’ benefit assistance services, and CS/SB 656, which extends protections from extraordinary collection actions to all bill-of-care payment actions by hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 1264, a broad Department of Commerce agency bill. The strike-all amendment added or revised provisions on Secure Florida, the RISE venture capital tax credit program, data center tax exemptions, business development classifications, military land transfers, and other economic development matters, while also repealing regional planning councils from statute. That repeal drew extensive opposition from local officials and regional council representatives, who argued the councils are important for emergency management, grant writing, planning, and support for small and rural communities. Supporters of the amendment said the councils could continue locally without state statutory involvement. After debate, the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, though Senators Davis and Smith voted no. The committee also considered CS/SB 1238, which would tighten reemployment assistance rules by disqualifying claimants who fail to meet job-search requirements or refuse work, and by adding verification and reporting requirements. Supporters framed it as adding guardrails and preventing fraud, while opponents argued Florida’s unemployment system is already difficult to access and that the bill would add unnecessary barriers and costs. Despite opposition from labor and advocacy groups, the bill was reported favorably, with Senators Smith and Arrington voting no. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of Alexis Yarborough and John Gilbert to the Board of Supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going back to Tab 2, SB 910, Veterans Benefit Assistance, by Senator Collins.
• Chair, this is Senate Bill 910, and it is focused on veterans' benefit assistance.
• As amended, SB 910 protects veterans' right to work with professional claims advisors to secure disability
• Lois, please call the roll on CS for SB 910.
• And by your vote, C.S. for SB 910 is reported favorably.

Summary: The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAxlfqg2Dgo, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPC_04-02-26_.PDF Timestamps: 5:17- Introduction 5:44 - SB874, SD2, HD1 6:48 - SB847, SD2, HD1 59:42 - SB83, SD2, HD2 1:13:39 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuBi-wCV96M, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDN_03-24-26_.PDF Timestamps: 6:09 - Introduction 6:30 - SB2550 SD1 27:11 - SB2877 SD1 28:43 - SB3063 SD1 30:11 - SB3279 SD1 35:35 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HB2437, HB2461, HB2604, HB2605, HB1860, HB2001

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, art management, performing arts, ticket surcharge, arts funding, education, community support, therapeutic arts, neurodiverse, autism, attention-deficit disorder, underserved communities, mental health

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources. After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHovvJEWZTg, 2026-07-02T01:22:53+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_CAI_04-12-24_.PDF 16:53 - Introduction 17:13 - SCR 1 20:25 - SCR 2 SD1 24:36 - SCR 146 SD1 25:17 - SCR 147 32:13 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvFYr8MRcog, 2026-07-02T01:22:52+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_ECD_03-22-24_.PDF Timestamps: 10:20 - Introduction 12:17 - HR 55 / HCR 70 17:25 - HR 164 / HCR 184 19:58 - HR 94 / HCR 113 24:47 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADBEajeIBRA, 2026-07-02T01:22:52+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_JHA_03-21-24_.PDF 27:11 - Introduction 28:33 - SB2715 30:02 - SB2718 30:28 - SB2819 31:12 - SB2937 34:22 - SB2132 35:46 - SB2841 37:42 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8FkwlPf8w8, 2026-07-02T01:22:51+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HOU-HSG_02-27-24_INFO_.PDF 7:49 - Introduction 17:02 - Presentation from Smart Growth America 36:46 - Presentation from Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation 50:50 - Discussion, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-bruyjNNQA, 2026-07-02T01:22:47+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDN_04-13-23_.PDF 24:23 - Introduction 24:49 - SCR40 SD1 25:48 - SCR34 SD1 27:19 - SCR 186 28:04 - SCR 56 30:40 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjHCnmBYxOA, 2026-07-02T01:22:40+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_TRN_04-13-22_.pdf 9:38 - Introduction 9:54 - SCR 193 11:12 - SCR136 SD1 12:01 - SCR167 SD1 13:03 - SCR84 20:45 - SCR138 SD1 22:51 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUHzMdJ4ckA, 2026-07-02T01:22:36+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_TRN_02-04-22_.PDF 0:00 - Introduction 2:32 -HB2218 3:27 -HB1953 13:00 -HB2246 14:44 -HB2336 16:39 -HB1619 23:09 -HB1971 30:34 -Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-XX-suw2JQ, 2026-07-02T01:22:32+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Hearing Agendas affiliated with this live stream: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_LMG_03-15-21_.HTM 9:23 - Introduction 9:38 - SB 229, SD1 9:48 - SB 732, SD2 20:15 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoNUTEQ2thI, 2026-07-02T01:22:29+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2021/hearingnotices/HEARING_CAI_02-03-21_.pdf Timestamps: 0:15 - Introduction 2:10 - HB623 6:42 - HB625 8:58 - HB678 18:09 - Wrap Up DECISION MAKING TO FOLLOW (Feb 10, 2021 @ 10AM), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HCR18, HCR32, HCR35, HCR105, HCR173

Keywords: hospice, health care, aging population, regulations, Medicare, working group, fraud prevention, quality of care, mental health, recidivism, civil commitment, Hawaii State Hospital, justice system, shelter, treatment pathways, biomarker testing, health insurance, precision medicine, healthcare access, medical necessity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 21 SD1, which asks Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s East Hawaii Regional Health Care System to study the feasibility of a rural health clinic or similar access point for the Volcano community. Testimony in strong support came from HHSC representatives, Volcano residents, the Volcano Health Collaborative, the Rotary Club of Volcano, and others, who said the area has a clear need and that local primary and urgent care would align with regional plans. HHSC said it had already looked at the area, found no suitable temporary buildings, and would need a longer-term, capital-intensive solution, but that the study could help accelerate next steps. The committee then took up SCR 50 SD1, proposing a Hawaii Health Plan Working Group to design a basic affordable health plan for residents. Dr. Jack Lewin of SHIPTA said the state faces a growing uninsured population and argued for a short-term, lower-cost plan focused on preventive and primary care, drawing on the old State Health Insurance Plan as a possible model. Members asked about whether that prior program still exists and whether the working group should include the Hawaii Medical Association and Hawaii Primary Care Association; Dr. Lewin said the statute still exists but is unfunded, and that the group should be inclusive. The Department of Labor and other organizations also provided comments. For SCR 75 SD1, which urges a coordinated interdepartmental effort to reduce fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Dr. Lewin and others said prevention, prenatal screening, and early intervention are needed because FASD is often hidden until later problems appear. Amanda from Hawaii FASD Action Group said current implementation under Act 192 is still largely a landscape analysis and that Hawaii lacks the infrastructure and specialists for a full system. Darlene Chance Govor urged adding the judiciary as a partner so juvenile justice and probation staff can be trained and referral pathways improved, while the Department of Health said it supports prevention but prefers a broader, systems-based approach focused on child needs and upstream care. The Disability Rights Center supported the resolution and asked for an earlier reporting date. The committee also heard SCR 149 SD1, which seeks an informal working group to address complex patients with multiple diagnoses involving substance use, mental health, or chronic physical illness. The Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition and Ke Nui Malo strongly supported the measure, saying current siloed systems leave people bouncing between medical, mental health, and substance use providers without coordinated care, often ending up in crisis, emergency rooms, or the justice system. They said integrated residential care and a coordinated working group could improve outcomes and align with federal funding opportunities. The transcript ended before any final vote or action on the measures was announced, and SCR 109 was noted as withdrawn from the agenda.

Bills: HCR112

Keywords: HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution, DHRD, Department of Human Resources Development, civil service, classification system, compensation system, salary study, pay scale, job classification, position classification, state workforce, vacancy rate, hard-to-fill positions, labor shortage, recruitment, retention, public employees, state agencies, labor organizations

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4i8uvhxToE, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_ECD_03-25-26_.PDF Timestamps: 12:55 - Introduction 14:21 - SB3169, SD1 HD1 30:11 - SB3320, SD1 HD1 31:56 - SB2376, SD2 HD1 1:06:29 - SB2925, SD1 HD1 1:12:15 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cBm1I50t0s, 2026-07-02T01:23:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_PBS_03-16-26_.PDF Timestamps: 12:53 - Introduction 14:38 - SB2138 17:45 - SB3110 SD1 21:06 - SB3109 SD1 21:51 - SB3082 SD1 25:21 - SB3240 SD1 1:10:01 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HR201

Keywords: congratulatory resolution, education, principal, teacher of the year, school leadership, Hawaii National Distinguished Principal, Masayuki Tokioka Award, United States Senate Youth Program, student delegates, public schools, charter schools, Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Hawaiian language immersion, Native Hawaiian education, K-12, student leadership, civic engagement, Freshman Academy, teacher recognition, principal recognition

Bills: HB1601, HB1828, HB1616, HB1603, HB1606, HB1604, HB1605

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii