Transcript Highlights:

• The United States' greatest national security asset is not its ships, aircraft, weapons or technology
• Our greatest security asset is our economy.
• But if we move at the speed of urgency, given our threats, that could be a great asset.
• I apologize for interrupting, but as you know, our time is limited.
• Cause it's a great asset of ours.

Keywords: Steven Feinberg, Deputy Secretary of Defense, national security, budget cuts, military readiness, global threats, Department of Defense

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the nomination of Steven Feinberg as Deputy Secretary of Defense. The committee emphasized the urgent need for strong leadership in response to a complex array of global threats posed by adversarial coalitions, including China, Russia, and Iran. The discussions highlighted concerns regarding budget cuts and personnel reductions within the Department of Defense, showcasing the challenges posed by the current economic context and the pressing need to maintain military readiness and capabilities. Various members expressed their apprehensions about how impending layoffs and budget reductions would impact the defense workforce and national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Partnerships are important because everybody has limited resources, so we find people with common goals
• We are more fiscally prudent with limited resources, so partnerships are important.
• This is something that is a major untapped asset that is growing and... major untapped asset that is

Bills: HB269, HB73

Keywords: firearm regulation, trigger activator, civil penalties, Jefferson County, law enforcement, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...asset that we do not want to see lost. Absolutely. Thank you.
• There would be a time limit to that. So would there be monitoring?
• I mean, current budgets aren't, I think I heard the word limited resources for now to keep up.
• But they are addressing that, and we only have a limited number of flies.
• And the direct impact is not limited to the Houston area.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are designed and specifically built to house New Mexico's cultural assets.
• I think that is our greatest asset in terms of retaining employees.
• ... limits the way in which we can finance transactions.
• What limits charter school financing in New Mexico is the limitations on the charter schools themselves
• If they could do more, we would do more, but they have limitations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a limited pool of contractors that can bid on this work.
• And there are both dollar limits and scope prescriptions.
• We believe that that affordability requirement has some limitations and may be limiting the ability to
• And there's just limited capacity.
• And there's just limited capacity.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• that was cashed by someone other than the intended payee and had several issues regarding capital assets
• For the general road and all other funds combined, assets totaled $23 million while liabilities totaled
• Program activity was limited beginning in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in June 2024 the program
• Therefore, we relied solely on the documentation provided by UALR and limited knowledge of current employees
• do have a number of members represented here, and because we have so many, I think we're going to limit

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then 469.1763 specifically is tax increment financing restricting on pooling and the five-year limit
• He said the facility will be a regional asset serving not only Lakeville, but neighboring communities
• He said the facility will be an asset to state agencies such as the DNR and the Department of Corrections
• It's also critically needed to asset.
• Our facilities are aging, our space is limited, and they no longer meet the needs of our students, staff

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• gives us that baseline and that, again, common operating picture when it comes to taskings, where our asset
• distributions are going, and possibly what the financial, When it comes to taskings, where our asset
• Those counties that are limited with the tech infrastructure...
• Those counties that are limited with the tech infrastructure, how are we going to be dealing with those
• Representative, so when you say, and just for clarification, when you say they're limited, I'm assuming

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in emergency management and related public-safety applications. The panel included the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the University of Florida, and Florida International University. FDEM described current uses of AI for invoice anomaly detection, automated situation report drafting, and data synthesis in WebEOC, emphasizing that AI is used to speed analysis and improve efficiency but not to replace human decision-making. The agency also said counties retain access through backup communications such as Starlink and generators, and that WebEOC provides shared visibility, archived documentation, and a common operating picture across all 67 counties. University of Florida representatives highlighted Beacon, an AI-enabled public safety audio service developed with FDEM and public media partners to distribute official alerts across multiple platforms, including mobile devices and digital streams. UF IFAS described a geospatial AI “Gaia bot” that turns satellite data into natural-language answers and maps for crop damage assessment and flood-risk mapping, with a focus on making complex Earth-observation data more accessible to growers and policymakers. FIU presented AI models that predict water levels and flood mitigation settings much faster than traditional simulation tools, with comparable or better accuracy, and said the work includes explainability features and broader research on compound flooding. Members asked extensive questions about storm surge, hallucinations, whether generative AI or large language models were being used, data vetting, and hardware needs. The witnesses repeatedly stressed that their systems are not autonomous, that human review remains central, and that the models used are primarily data-driven predictive tools rather than chatbot-style generative AI. The meeting ended with thanks to the panelists and an announcement that the committee’s policy chief was leaving for another position. Representative Mooney then moved that the committee rise, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:34:14.600> on uh limit on uh limit on ours<03:34:16.920> those<03:34:17.720>
• > the ours those offsets are limited to the ours those offsets are limited to the state<03:34:
• Well, the plan assets are all one pool of assets available to pay benefits for all members and groups
• The defined contribution commission shall be allowed to co-mingle or pool assets with assets of other
• <05:13:52.320> accumulated administration of assets accumulated administration of assets accumulated

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 622, but after the sponsor said further research raised concerns, he asked that the bill be tabled. The committee then moved in executive session and voted unanimously to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, sending it to consent. The committee also retained House Bill 349, the ophthalmologic laser bill, after members said more time was needed for the professions involved to work out training standards and provide additional information; that motion also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 244, a municipal building/fire code recodification measure. Members said the bill needed more review and careful scrutiny because of its length and possible unintended effects, and they voted unanimously to retain it as well. House Bill 534 was then heard; the sponsor said the bill did not do what was intended because of a misunderstanding about current processing, and the committee voted inexpedient to legislate and placed it on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 233, with an amendment to remove a requirement affecting the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Supporters argued the bill would reduce an unnecessary burden and improve transparency, while opponents said the committee should not single out one private 501(c)(3) organization. The amendment was adopted 8-5, and the bill as amended then passed 7-6; a minority report was requested. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 536, a proposed 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for certain state retirees. The sponsor and supporters argued retirees had not received adequate COLAs and that the bill would help offset inflation, while the retirement system testified that the proposal would add significant costs, including an estimated $1.5 million for the state, $6.6 million for political subdivisions, and about $100.7 million in present-value unfunded liability, with the impact reflected in future employer contribution rates.

Transcript Highlights:

• The restated LEOFF 1 keeps all the existing benefits of the current LEOFF 1 but has less assets in it
• The restated plan retains enough assets to cover 110% of the actuarial liabilities of the plan, and the
• remaining LEOFF 1 assets will be placed in an account for possible transfer to the state general fund
• And so our work is guided and limited by the ethics rules.
• We would be happy to provide you with that contact information, and then that's pretty much the limit

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Select Committee on Pension Policy approved the November minutes by roll call vote, then held its annual officer elections. Senator Conway was elected chair, Representative Couture vice chair, Mike Yastramski to the executive committee as the active member representative, Bev Hermanson as the retiree representative, and Anthony Marietta as the employer representative. Each election passed by roll call vote, with 14 yes votes and 5 excused members. Staff then presented a high-level overview of the 2026 legislative session, focusing on pension-related bills and studies. Topics included the termination and restatement of LEOFF 1 in Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, DRS administration changes in House Bill 2124, administrative expense authority in Substitute Senate Bill 5834, exclusion of certain port workers from PERS in Engrossed House Bill 2179, and a one-time 3% COLA for PERS and TERS Plan 1 retirees in Substitute Senate Bill 5862. The presentation also covered new studies directed to the committee, including LEOFF 1 pension board and medical liability issues and oversight of the restated LEOFF 1 plan, plus related studies assigned to the LEOFF 2 Board and the Office of the State Actuary. Committee members asked about DRS’s role in implementing the LEOFF 1 termination/restatement bill, and DRS said it would help seek IRS approval and notify members about the bill and any challenge deadlines. A separate orientation presentation reviewed committee procedures, public comment, staff roles, voting rules, and the interim work plan. Public commenters from retiree and school administrator groups urged the committee to pursue another one-time COLA and to consider an ongoing COLA for Plan 1 retirees, pointing to inflation and the LEOFF 1 surplus account created by HB 2034. No further committee action was taken beyond adjournment, and the meeting ended after scheduling the executive committee to meet later that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's see, you said all right, so I know we're trying to limit ourselves to about 20 minutes of presentation
• long-term funding, we deal with the same thing that highways and roads and any kind of infrastructure asset
• items: making sure that the spaceport in western Oklahoma is a great aviation and general industrial asset
• We'll have enough tenants and enough activity out there to be a self-sustaining asset.
• And know these are the three slides we're limited to in our presentation.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of their borders, it limits some of that collaboration.
• Technically right now, I’m not sure we could deploy that asset outside of our district borders.
• Right now we are very limited in terms of governmental-backed securities with that five-year time frame
• Technically right now, I'm not sure we could deploy that asset outside of our district borders.
• And right now we are very limited in terms of governmental back securities with that five-year time frame

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We only allow this data set to be used if I have a limited resource or limited number of people: who
• If I have a limited resource or limited number of people, who are the optimal people that I'm going to
• So these folks are being sent out to the line with very limited information.
• So these folks are being sent out to the line with very limited information.
• What is kind of the worst limitation of it based on weather? Mr.

Bills: SB1020

Keywords: special plates, Arizona Space Commission, transportation, funding, space exploration, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So a cap and time limit are in the committee substitute.
• That is the limit. And they can be transferred in 2026, '27, and '28.
• So that's the time limit.
• Yet these assets operate in parallel rather than in concert.
• Yet these assets operate in parallel rather than in concert.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Am I right or wrong that the number of communities across the state who would otherwise be limited is
• Within our city limits, we've net metered over 7.3 megawatts of rooftop solar.
• Within our city limits, we've net metered over 7.3 megawatts of rooftop solar.
• What's holding us back now are policy limits that no longer serve the purpose.
• Because the limit is two megawatts. Could we put more? Sure. We did it because of the cap.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused broadly on solar policy and several related bills, especially S. 2269, S. 2270, H. 3520, H. 3521, and related measures on distributed energy resources, municipal solar caps, permitting reform, and tax credits. Testimony from the Air Force supported S. 2232, which would exempt federal military installations from renewable energy production caps and net metering limits to support energy resilience at bases like Hanscom. Most other witnesses argued that Massachusetts needs to speed up rooftop, municipal, and community solar deployment to address high electricity prices, federal tax credit rollbacks, grid reliability, and climate goals. A major theme was streamlining permitting through automated or “smart” solar permitting, including a statewide platform managed by DOER. Permit Power, SEIA, Vote Solar, 350 Mass, and others said current local permitting is fragmented and costly, and that instant permitting could reduce soft costs and speed installations. Several witnesses also urged changes to interconnection rules, including flexible interconnection, remote inspections, and faster utility approval timelines. Some speakers raised concerns about small towns lacking staff to meet short deadlines and suggested a state-hosted platform to reduce the burden on municipalities. Another major topic was lifting caps on solar deployment. Municipal officials from Lexington and Cambridge said the 10-megawatt municipal cap and regional caps are blocking shovel-ready projects and should be removed, including for behind-the-meter municipal solar and MBTA-community housing. Other witnesses described additional limits on project size, net metering, and residential tax credits, and called for making the state residential solar credit refundable and larger. Several speakers also supported virtual power plants, distributed energy resource targets, solar canopies, microgrids, and expanded access for affordable housing, tenants, and low- and moderate-income customers. No votes were taken. Committee members asked questions about permitting timelines, grid modernization, the rationale for caps, balcony solar, and interconnection delays, and witnesses said they would follow up with additional information where needed. The hearing ended with broad support from industry, municipal, environmental, and advocacy groups for advancing the solar and distributed energy bills, while some witnesses opposed provisions they viewed as overly restrictive, such as mandatory SMART participation for all solar projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions, but I wanted you to expand a little bit more on your energy assets there.
• So just kind of maybe talk about your energy assets there at Tampa.
• For instance, the Skyway, you can't really control that limitation.
• you have you can't and what limitations you can change?
• You must have data support, but then it's more of the assets required by the private sector.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee held a panel discussion focused on Florida seaports and their role in the state economy. Florida Ports Council CEO Mike Rubin opened with statewide figures from a 2023 economic impact study, saying Florida seaports support about 1.2 million jobs, generate roughly $195 billion in economic value, and produce about $7.4 billion in state and local taxes. He emphasized that ports are critical for fuel, food, medical supplies, construction materials, and hurricane response, and argued that continued state and federal investment is needed to expand capacity and move projects forward faster. PortMiami Director Heidi Webb described Miami’s cruise and cargo operations, noting the port generated about $61 billion in economic impact and 334,000 jobs. She highlighted record cruise activity, major private investment by cruise lines, the launch of shore power at cruise terminals to reduce emissions, and ongoing capital projects including a new Royal Caribbean terminal, berth reconstruction, and an inland port concept to reduce congestion. Members asked about security, hurricane procedures, AI use, infrastructure planning, collaboration among ports, and smuggling prevention; Webb said the port uses layered security with local law enforcement, CBP, Coast Guard, and radiation monitors, and that hurricane planning is coordinated in advance with county and federal partners. Port Tampa Bay’s Raul Alfonso said Tampa is the state’s largest port by land area and a major energy hub for Central Florida, with an estimated $34.5 billion economic impact. He discussed diversification into containers, food distribution, fertilizer, and construction materials, along with major needs such as a deep-dredge project and more warehouse space. He also addressed resilience and fuel distribution during hurricanes, and said the port is preparing for future LNG and alternative-fuel demand through partnerships, land planning, and education. Jaxport’s Nick Primrose then described Jacksonville’s container, auto, breakbulk, aggregate, military, and LNG businesses, including 1.3 million TEUs last year, major state-funded crane purchases, harbor deepening, auto-processing expansion, and its role as a strategic military port. He said Jaxport is a leader in marine LNG and has trained all employees on human trafficking awareness. The discussion ended with Port Panama City being introduced as a smaller but important Panhandle economic engine, with Rubin noting its cargo, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects and its continued need for state and federal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it's just that in this year, when we have kind of limited options with our budget... fight and then
• And in this bill, the costs that are associated with administering the account are limited to 3%.
• to collect from my next step any assets to collect from my next step was<01:21:34.360> to<01:
• and the assets aren't enough to cover the losses for the claims of the policyholders.
• lot of assets and the assets aren't lot of assets and the assets aren't enough<01:47:30.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we control funds to limit spending to the amounts appropriated by the legislature.
• > spending<00:10:23.320> to<00:10:23.400> the control funds to limit spending to
• reporting of the state's uh cash asset reporting of the state's uh cash asset account<00:15:28.320
• to promote and protect public assets to promote and protect public assets into<00:30:54.160>
• Sub. 1, safeguard public funds and assets and minimize incidents of fraud, waste, and abuse.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Last night I looked up the table of The table of assets that you would be in command of.
• We have a significant percentage of our military assets overseas in danger.
• “And number three, integrating military assets for civilian safety.
• And number three, integrating military assets for civilian safety.
• Because of his background, he knows exactly how to integrate military assets into the civilian needs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• and increased speed limits on certain highways.
• Speed limits and increased speed limits on certain highways; prohibits publicly owned airports from charging
• Your original bill, I believe, increased the speed limits on certain roads.
• Your original bill, I believe, increased the speed limits on certain roads.
• This amendment would limit the area which drilling is prohibited. County.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions and moments of silence recognizing recent tragedies and public figures, including students affected by the FSU shooting, John Thrasher, Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, and conservation and youth groups visiting the chamber. The body also adopted Senate Resolution 1878 honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim and Senate Resolution 1892 recognizing Florida Wildlife Corridor Week. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, passing several bills with little or no opposition. Measures approved included child care and early learning provider regulation updates (SB 738, 37-0), false reporting/swatting penalties and cost recovery (SB 726, 38-0), health care billing and collection protections/medical debt (SB 656, 38-0), hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren (SB 650, 38-0), young adult housing support for foster and homeless students (SB 584, 38-0), the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program disclosure bill (SB 508, 37-1), trust fund interest for court-approved purposes after a debated amendment (SB 498, 28-10), transportation and traffic-safety changes including school bus camera hearings and micromobility rules (SB 462, 37-0), public records exemptions for AHCA investigators and JQC/appellate court clerks (SB 342, 34-4; SB 302, 35-3; SB 300, 35-3), municipal water and sewer utility rate fairness for Miami Gardens/North Miami Beach (SB 202/HB 11, 36-2), motor vehicle offenses involving obscured plates and impersonation (SB 44/HB 253, 36-0), trespass at large-scale ticketed events and law-enforcement-controlled sites (SB 1828/HB 1447, 35-1), patient refund of overpayments (SB 1808, 37-0), stem cell therapy standards (SB 1768, 37-0), insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives (SB 1736/HB 1567, 38-0), and pre-arranged transportation services/rideshare impersonation (SB 1696/HB 1525, 37-0). Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers, and education. Debate centered most heavily on the trust fund interest bill, with supporters arguing it would stabilize funding and better reflect market rates, and opponents warning it would sharply reduce legal aid funding and hurt access to justice. The transportation bill also drew extensive questions and amendments, including removal of a speed-limit increase, changes to school bus infraction hearing procedures, micromobility regulation, and flood-wake enforcement. The municipal water bill prompted constitutional and fairness concerns, while the public records bills were defended as necessary to protect investigators and court personnel from doxing and harassment. Most measures ultimately passed with strong bipartisan support, though the scholarship disclosure bill and trust fund interest bill drew the most visible dissent.