Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want anybody in a classroom with our minor students, 18 years old or younger, in a classroom
• to classroom.
• within the classrooms.
• the distractions within the classrooms<04:39:21.760> these<04:39:21.959> major<04:39:22.359
• > distractions<04:39:22.959> were classrooms these major distractions were classrooms these

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 362, which would grant the Department of Education rulemaking authority related to educator licensure and testing requirements, including passing scores on professional education assessments. Representative Ladd said the bill is intended to preserve New Hampshire’s standards for classroom teachers and CTE instructors, while allowing DOE flexibility through rulemaking. He emphasized maintaining high standards, including for career and technical education, and said he was open to DOE clarifying the language further. Committee members raised concerns that the bill, as written, could remove language recognizing industry-recognized credentials for CTE instructors. Department of Education Director Steven Appy said DOE had drafted an amendment to clarify that the requirement applies to an initial New Hampshire license, to exempt CTE teachers from content exams, and to preserve current administrative practice allowing basic academic skills testing and industry-recognized credentials as substitutes. The committee discussed the distinction between basic academic skills tests and content assessments, and Appy said the amendment was meant to avoid conflating those requirements. The chair said the committee would take up executive session on HB 362 and related bills later. The committee then took up House Bill 90, which narrows and defines the rules for part-time teachers, especially in concurrent enrollment settings. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is meant to allow qualified college faculty or adjuncts from the University System or Community College System to teach high school concurrent-enrollment courses when local schools lack a teacher with the needed master’s-level credentials, particularly in math and STEM subjects. He said the bill is intended to expand student access to college-level coursework, save money, and preserve standards, while still requiring background checks and adherence to ethics and conduct rules. Members began asking questions about how the bill would work in practice, including certification and endorsement issues, but the hearing was not concluded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE DO NOT SPEAK FOR THE GOVERNMENT WHICH IS WHAT A TEACHER DOES WHEN THEY ARE IN THE CLASSROOM.
• WHEN YOU'RE AT SCHOOL IN A CLASSROOM YOU'RE NOT OPERATING AS A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL.
• IT'S A DISTRACTION.
• FRANKLY, IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE BEING SCARED LGBT ACUTE KIDS NOT WANTING ANY TALK OF IT IN A CLASSROOM.
• THERE'S NO COST TO MAKE SURE WE KEEP THE STUFF OUT OF THE CLASSROOM.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll have some classrooms there and sort of a... sort of dreamed this up and uh and again sort of
• And we'll have some<00:39:43.680> classrooms<00:39:44.160> there<00:39:44.400> and
• :44.640> sort<00:39:44.720> of<00:39:44.880> a<00:39:45.119> a Some classrooms

Bills: SB62, HB361, HB244, HB377, HB411, HB422, HB423, HB425, SB16, HB452, HB354

Keywords: SB62, Alabama, conservation and natural resources, hunting license, fishing license, wildlife heritage license, license identification, government-issued ID, residency determination, in-state residency, student residency, tuition classification, public higher education, domicile, resident status, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, Section 9-11-32, Section 9-11-33, Section 16-64-3

Bills: HB2028, HB1859, HB1851, HB1660, HB1890, HB1892, HB1893, HB2122, HB2012, HB1770, HB2121, HB1979, HB1650, HB1982, HB218

Keywords: Labor Day, construction workers, tax credit, economic development, state law, employer support, workforce development, employment, career counseling, local economy, high-demand jobs, taxation, apprenticeship, income tax credit, qualified apprenticeship program, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors

Transcript Highlights:

• of child care providers, speeds up the process for getting child care teachers hired and in the classroom
• And it was said that distracted driving causes more accidents, or more harm to the effect of 6x over
• And there's been a lot of conversation on whether distracted drivers who are causing accidents should
• But if distracted driving is 6x over that, then it would probably benefit drivers to make them aware
• We're adding specific exemptions to lock classroom requirements for certain CTE spaces like a welding

Summary: The committee first heard CS for CS for SB 344, which would modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 based on Public Service Commission recommendations. The bill drew no opposition and was reported favorably. Members then took up several Senator Burton measures: CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, which was amended to create a Department of Health website access point for a voluntary form allowing patients to notify providers they do not want opioid medications; CS for SB 738 on child care and early learning providers, which streamlines and updates child care regulation and was supported by industry and business groups; CS for SB 756 on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, which removes the age-8 diagnosis limit and age cap for mandated autism-related coverage; and CS for CS for SB 1356, creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot, later amended to add FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to the board and remove specific appropriations. All of these bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1624 on higher education, a broad bill affecting tuition policies, workforce programs, institutional governance, and naming changes. The bill generated extended discussion over replacing references to “minority” with “underrepresented,” with the sponsor explaining the intent was to focus on low-income access and student support, while members raised concerns about impacts on majority-minority institutions and preeminence pathways. An amendment added guardrails for private religious postsecondary institutions by requiring public review of affidavits of compliance and giving the Commission for Independent Education enforcement authority. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then passed CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, which addresses military-family investigations, emergency shelter certification, children’s services council appointments, criminal-background exemptions, group-home rates, licensing extensions, small residential group homes, missing-children procedures, and psychotropic medication refills; it was amended to adjust council board composition and then reported favorably. Additional bills approved included SB 178, directing Florida A&M University to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops for land taken out of production; SB 1162, expanding boating improvement funding for trailer parking and offering lease incentives for clean marine manufacturers; CS for CS for SB 958, creating a type 1 diabetes early detection information program for parents and schools; CS for CS for CS for SB 1070, requiring ECGs for student athletes with phased implementation and exemptions, after extensive testimony from parents and advocates about sudden cardiac arrest; CS for SB 774, requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders to sheriffs within six hours; SB 1516, creating an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida; SB 994, revising driver education requirements and prompting a commitment to add distracted-driving instruction; and CS for CS for SB 1402, expanding eligibility for dropout retrieval programs. The committee also took up SB 810 on stormwater management systems, amending it to focus annual inspections on vulnerable MS4 infrastructure. That bill drew significant opposition from the Florida League of Cities, counties, and stormwater groups, who argued the mandate would duplicate existing permit requirements and impose major costs, but supporters said it was a basic flood-prevention measure. The transcript ends during debate on SB 810, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• MODULAR CLASSROOMS, A MYRIAD OF DIFFERENT THINGS YOU ALL FUNDED FOR THE DEPARTMENT.
• WE HAVE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF LEVERAGE BECAUSE THOSE THAT DISTRACT FROM THOSE THAT WANT TO BE WELL OR
• YOU PROVIDED AND OF TEACHERS WE WOULD FILL EVERY CLASSROOM IN FLORIDA AND WE WILL EXCEED THE CAPACITY
• THE PHYSICAL SPACE, CLASSROOM ACTIVITY WE ARE MITIGATING THAT AS WELL AS I MENTIONED MODULAR UNITS.
• AND I CAN TELL YOU WHEN I GO INTO CLASSROOMS I CAN TELL YOU AS SOMEONE BREEZY THREE YEARS AGO I WOULD

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members, Senate Bill 1531 establishes the distracted driving special plate and distracted driving
• The distracted driving plate solves two problems.
• Just drive, no distractions, just drive. Okay. So we all hear about distracted driving issues.
• Kind of distracting. Yeah, it is. Is it a little distracting? I stole your line, didn’t I? No.
• Kind of distracting. Yeah it is. Is it a little distracted? I stole your line didn't I? No.

Bills: SB1088, SB1156, SB1157, SB1169, SB1245, SB1273, SB1330, SB1332, SB1391, SB1498, SB1531, SB1550, SB1598, SB1677, SB1707, SB1811, SB1818

Keywords: cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, medical education, physician shortage, healthcare funding, Arizona health care

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023 alone, nearly 300 lives were lost in Florida due to distracted driving.
• Thank you. ...who are distracted online.
• This is distracted driving.
• And distracted driving, we see it every day, whether you're distracted because you're having a meal on
• And distracted driving, we see it every day, whether you're distracted because you're having a meal on

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to review its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal and several bills. The chair outlined a roughly $18 billion budget area, including major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, library/cultural/historical initiatives, affordable housing, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical adjustments and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee next heard and approved CS/SB 666, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting scholarships, academic, athletic, and arts programs at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Members praised the school’s academic and athletic achievements, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee also heard extensive testimony on CS/SB 1318, which would rename Florida’s texting-while-driving law as the hands-free driving law and expand the prohibition to handheld use of wireless devices, including in work zones. Supporters, including law enforcement, health care, bicycling, and crash victims’ advocates, argued it would save lives and make enforcement clearer; some senators supported the goal but raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways in Hillsborough and Charlotte counties for Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen and Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, creating the International Aerospace Innovation Fund to be administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills were reported favorably with little debate. Senators also requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Berg asked, "How do you figure distracted driving and, frankly, distracted pedestrians
• Representative Berg asked a question about distracted driving and distracted pedestrians.
• Representative Berg asked a question about distracted driving and distracted pedestrians.
• Representative Berg asked a question about distracted driving and distracted pedestrians.
• and distracted distracted driving and distracted pedestrians<00:21:49.279> what<00:21:49.400>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• When he was younger, he eloped from his classroom multiple times.
• bringing it because frankly, 572 So the state of Florida should help provide these funds for the classroom
• It removes once and for all the flu-rusher distracted-driving pamphlet inspection requirement. 2 big.
• Rusher 1054 distracted-driving per 1055 distracted driving pamphlet Inspection requirement. 1056 It prohibits
• And I frankly could give exactly the same speeches I just gave about the distracted driving.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, beginning with HB 423 on school elopement plans for students with autism or other elopement risks. The sponsors described the bill as a statewide framework for school elopement response plans, immediate parent notification, campus search procedures, and staff training. Public testimony from parents, disability advocates, and a teacher emphasized the dangers of elopement and the need for standardized procedures; members from both parties spoke strongly in support. The bill was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. The committee next considered HB 1253, which allows coaches to use limited personal funds, up to $15,000 per athletic team per year, to support student-athletes with food, transportation, and physical rehabilitation services. An amendment added guardrails, including that the coach be a school employee, clarified the scope of athletic associations covered, and refined the rehabilitation language. Members discussed the bill as a way to help students in need while avoiding recruiting concerns, and the bill passed favorably 14-0 after the amendment was adopted. HB 1091 addressed dental screenings for K-12 students in districts that voluntarily offer them. The bill requires advance written notice to parents and an opt-out process, and clarifies that screenings are informational only, with any findings sent to parents rather than compelling treatment. An amendment added the language to student welfare provisions as well as school health services. Public testimony from dental and health advocates supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably 14-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 765 on child care and early learning services. The bill expands before- and after-care options for certain school-based preschool programs without requiring a child care facility license, removes a flu brochure inspection requirement, bars insurance cancellation based on providing child care, creates a professional recognition program, and establishes a child care tuition fund. Two amendments broadened the bill to public and nonpublic elementary schools and created the Brighter Futures fund concept. After debate, the bill passed favorably 13-1, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023 alone, nearly 300 lives were lost in Florida due to distracted driving.
• Thank you. ...who are distracted online.
• This is distracted driving.
• And distracted driving, we see it every day, whether you're distracted because you're having a meal on
• And distracted driving, we see it every day, whether you're distracted because you're having a meal on

Summary: The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• DESA also measured the effectiveness of delivering social-emotional curriculum in the classroom setting
• And my, my question is, how do you see this being utilized in the classroom?
• Extraordinarily blessed that I taught there for 6 years before I left to, left the classroom.
• They shouldn't be sitting in the classroom learning about the math.
• Um, it's not like when we went to school where we didn't really have those distractions.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, one thing I know for sure, after spending time volunteering sometimes in my son's classroom
• Those classrooms will be bigger. We can't do nothing. I don't know that this is exactly it.
• My fourth grader was just here last week with his classroom. Third grade and first grade.
• Well, we have schools that have one classroom a third grade.
• And maybe there's 12 kids in... ...classroom, well, we have schools that have one classroom a third grade

Bills: LB878, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB1209, LB937A, LB962A, LB1050, LB1050A, LB965, LB1022, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB745, LB749, LB778, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR495, LR496, LR497, LR498, LR499, LR500, LR501, LR502, LR503, LR504

Keywords: paid parental leave, state employees, workplace benefits, family support, economic impact, Medicaid, Medical Assistance Act, home and community-based services waiver, HCBS waiver, waiver participant, assessment tool, clinical interviewing, service tier, retroactive coverage, doula, doula reimbursement, maternal health, prenatal care, pregnancy, birth outcomes

Transcript Highlights:

• Nearly 3,000 lives were lost due to distracted driving and data shows that smartphone-based distracted
• Distracted driving is a growing public safety concern.
• It's estimated that distracted driving plays a role and up to 30% of crashes.
• Highly attributed to distracted drivers.
• I have to believe a distraction played at least some some role in that.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also has classroom visits so that we can see what's happening in the classrooms.
• It also has classroom visits so that we can see what's happening in the classrooms.
• I was a little distracted, thank you.
• I'll redo the question, I was a little distracted, thank you.
• I have served as a substitute teacher in a third-grade classroom and kindergarten. ...me.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't want anybody in a classroom with our minor students, 18 years old or younger, in a classroom
• We don't want anybody in a classroom with our minor students, 18 years old or younger, in a classroom
• We don't want anybody in a classroom with our minor students, 18 years old or younger, in a classroom
• to classroom.
• within the classrooms.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• By reducing these distractions, we can save lives.
• It's estimated that distracted driving plays a role in up to 30% of crashes. ...made it that distracted
• In Florida, seven people will lose their lives today due to distracted driving.
• I have to believe that distraction played at least some role. I don't know.
• I have to believe that distraction played at least some role in that.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met and considered a series of bills, beginning with SB 266, which would exempt sales and use tax on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft sold from manufacturers to operators. Senator Harold said the measure is intended to help Florida attract an advanced air mobility industry and create jobs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of EVTOL aircraft and excluding drones, then reported the bill favorably. SB 350, by Senator DeSigley, was also reported favorably after a minor amendment; it allows local governments to permit vehicles to travel slowly on flooded streets without being treated as unlawfully impeding traffic. Supporters from the Florida PBA and Florida League of Cities waived in support. The committee next approved SB 706, designating part of U.S. 92/Gandy Boulevard as the Senator James A. Sebesta Memorial Highway. SB 628, Lucy’s Law, was heard with extensive emotional testimony from Lucy Fernandez’s parents and others. The bill strengthens boating safety by increasing penalties for reckless boating, requiring boating safety education after certain violations, and aligning some boating penalties more closely with motor vehicle laws. A substitute amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 872, dealing with county and municipal price controls for the removal and storage of electric vehicles, was also amended and reported favorably after testimony from towing industry representatives about the added costs and storage constraints posed by damaged EVs; the Florida Insurance Council spoke in opposition. The committee then approved SB 650, which expands hazardous walking condition criteria for elementary school students to include walkways along freeways, ramps, and interchanges, regardless of speed limit. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated substantial testimony from safety advocates and families affected by distracted driving; it would rename Florida’s texting law as a hands-free driving law and prohibit handheld use of wireless devices while driving. The committee also passed SB 994, increasing driver education requirements for standard and learner’s licenses, and SB 662, designating a portion of West Beaver Street in Duval County as Harry Frisch Street. Several senators recorded affirmative votes on bills after the roll calls, and the meeting adjourned after all listed measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is a support for teachers and that classroom experience of student engagement.
• States across the country are taking steps to reduce classroom distractions.
• , including CTE classrooms.
• So, without the constant distraction of cell phones in their classrooms, we believe students and teachers
• If the teacher says you can't use your phone in the classroom, Done, it's over.

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• They hear from other kids what's happening online in the classroom.
• They hear from other kids what's happening online in the classroom.
• They hear from other kids what's happening online in the classroom.
• They hear from other kids what's happening online in the classroom.
• And so I think it's um in the classroom.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important. Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments. Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.

Transcript Highlights:

• to our students, a distraction for our teachers, and has been, as we have seen from other testimony,
• in a way that has become a distraction in a way that has become a distraction to<00:04:52.840>
• Well equipped to apply their knowledge in the classroom immediately.
• Representative Mueller continued describing classroom observations.
• Representative Mueller continued describing classroom observations.

Keywords: 1183, house