Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> rules of the game, rules of the game, if<00:47:25.960><c> we</c><00:47:26.040><c> want</c><00:47
• Social plus games are regulated.
• </c> spend money to play these games. spend money to play these games.
• ,</c> obviously covers the cost of the game, obviously covers the cost of the game, labor,<02:02:03.600
• </c><02:03:21.960><c> The</c> any way how the games operate. The any way how the games operate.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• feline diseases, as well as acquisition of panther habitat, and authorizing the FWC to use the non-game
• So keep in mind that we, the FWC, we charge them with protecting both game and non-game animals.
• Those would be non-game animals would include sea turtles, manatees. ...those would be non-game animals
• And so this allows them to use those dollars that are in the non-game Wildlife Trust Fund to oversee
• No, because the non-game wildlife. conservation. You are recognized.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee met to consider three bills before moving to its budget presentation. HB 843, relating to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds, was explained as a set of clarifying changes to improve budget flexibility, including use of certain trust funds for law enforcement and other conservation-related purposes. After questions about whether the bill would shift resources away from conservation, an amendment removed the sections dealing with the Administrative Trust Fund and the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund. The amended bill received support in public testimony and was reported favorably. The committee then heard HB 295, which directs the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026 based on prior recycling recommendations. Supporters, including students involved in an “Ought to Be a Law” program and representatives from the waste and recycling industry, said the bill would create a roadmap for improving recycling and waste diversion. An opponent argued the state should instead enact more direct statutory changes on issues such as food waste, yard waste, and manure handling rather than study them further. Members praised the student participation and the bill passed. HB 339, creating a temporary alternative credentialing pathway for surveyors and mappers, was presented as a response to workforce shortages and an aging profession. The sponsor said the bill would help meet demand while preserving oversight, and an amendment added a four-year work requirement and adjusted renewal provisions. After brief supportive debate, the amended bill passed. The subcommittee then received its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget proposal, which emphasized spending reductions, vacant-position cuts, and a smaller overall budget than the current year while still funding water resources, Everglades restoration, resiliency, land management, cleanup programs, agriculture facilities, and other projects. Members closed by thanking the chair for an inclusive budget process, and the meeting adjourned after a motion to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• night vision, thermal, transmitting trail cameras, and drones, and restrict their usage during big game
• But we put in some carve-outs that weren't in the rule that I think... ...big game hunting season.
• And that's a concern that Fish and Game has had, and that's why they wrote the rule.
• And that's a concern that Fish and Game has had, and that's why they wrote the rule the way they did.
• the state in accordance with the provisions of the Idaho Fish and Game Code.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• A soccer game was taking place the other night.
• And we need to come out of the game.
• , and I'm back coaching the next game.
• And if you get ejected, okay, the kids are back playing the next game.
• For example, after a high school football game, who has to do the laundry?

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football. The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:01:43.079><c> with</c> you uh next up uh boy gaming with you uh next up uh boy gaming with comments
• If you wanted to play blackjack or poker or other games like that, there are those types of games available
• </c><01:32:12.239><c> among</c> lot of people bet on games among lot of people bet on games among themselves
• </c> say that they would well for home games say that they would well for home games and<01:32:28.520
• </c><01:32:38.000><c> as</c> so I mean the the home poker games as so I mean the the home poker games

Summary: The joint hearing covered three measures on the 1 p.m. agenda. SB 817, relating to out-of-state offices, drew support from DBEDT and several community groups, with questions focused on the requested funding, staffing level, whether the office would expand broadly, and whether the Philippines was being singled out. SB 1578, relating to international affairs, received support from DBEDT and the Attorney General, with the chair noting the bill was intended to help DBEDT analyze Hawaii’s international partnerships and plan next steps. SB 1639, establishing Hawaii Beach Day, had limited testimony and was moved along without substantive debate. SB 582, relating to DBEDT, was also heard with support from state agencies and a few individuals, and was described as a vehicle for organizational and funding changes affecting the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, including moving some positions and programming to general funds and narrowing the works-of-art special fund's uses. The committees then took up recommendations. All three measures were advanced with amendments: SB 817 was amended to include technical changes and a defective effective date of July 1, 2025; SB 1578 was amended to address the Attorney General’s concerns, make the commission subject to Senate confirmation, and add technical changes and a defective date; and SB 582 was amended to incorporate provisions from SB 1577, clarify SFCA authority over performing arts, shift SFCA positions and programming to general funds, restrict the works-of-art special fund, and add a defective date. Each committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendations, with no reservations or no votes noted in the Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee and only Senator Dela Cruz voting no on SB 817 there; in the Economic Development and Tourism committee, SB 817 passed with Senator Kim in reservation and Senator Awa voting no, while SB 1578 and SB 582 passed with Senator Awa voting no. The later 10:00 a.m. agenda hearing focused on SB 1589, relating to the stadium development special fund, and SB 1629, relating to taxation. On SB 1589, the Attorney General asked for clarification of section 3, particularly the proviso about remaining monies lapsing to the general fund if the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District is terminated before completion; the interim stadium manager explained the bill would allow spending of $49.5 million already in the special fund for consultant, construction management, quality assurance, and contingency costs. On SB 1629, testimony was sharply divided: supporters, including film industry and business representatives, said the measure would support local film production, restore prior GET treatment, and help attract studio development; opponents argued the bill was vague, overly favorable to a specific project, and lacked oversight and accountability. The hearing ended with extensive questioning about whether the bill was effectively tailored to a particular studio project and how it related to other film tax credit measures, but no final committee action on SB 1589 or SB 1629 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even the fish and game department, law enforcement does not keep a round chambered.
• Even the fish and game department, law enforcement, does not keep a round chambered.
• enforcement</c><00:47:54.079><c> does</c> game department, law enforcement does game department, law
• That hasn't happened in many years, and I believe the Fish and Game has got a hold of that.
• That hasn't happened in many years, and I believe the Fish and Game has got a hold of that.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, I'm just thinking back to yesterday's discussion with Fish and Game about the Pheasant
• For instance, I'm just thinking back to yesterday's discussion with Fish and Game about the Pheasant
• For instance, I'm just thinking back to yesterday's discussion with Fish and Game about the Pheasant
• with fishing game about you the<03:16:35.640><c> Pheasant</c><03:16:36.040><c> fund</c><03:16:36.319
• Onset of it is we are looking at a state to get more out of the charitable gaming facilities, uh, in

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:

• as they come forward with different types of games.
• To individuals as they come forward with different types of games.
• We're just amusement game operators, our members.
• Again, our members supply amusement games throughout Florida. They have to transport those.
• Senator Pizzo, for your amusement games, does it take cash? I'm sorry.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with CS for SB 592, the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program. The bill was explained as revising condominium eligibility and grant rules, lowering the approval threshold to 75%, changing roof project rules, capping reimbursement at $175,000 per association, and excluding detached units. Two amendments were adopted, including one clarifying the three-story threshold and another adding wind-driven rain mitigation devices for sliding glass doors as an eligible improvement. A late-filed amendment to appropriate $500 million for the program was adopted on a roll call vote, but the bill itself was then reported favorably. Testimony generally supported the program, with members noting strong demand and the need for more funding, though one amendment drew concern from a window manufacturer and some members about product approval and fairness. The committee then approved CS for SB 622 on pari-mutuel permit holders, which would allow certain facilities to be leased to Hialeah permit holders and other same-class permit holders, with an amendment making the lessee eligible to apply for, rather than automatically receive, a license for inter-track wagering or Hialeah games. CS for SB 1404 on illegal gambling was also reported favorably after amendments added a declaratory judgment process for veterans organizations, strengthened ethics/revolving-door restrictions for Gaming Commission personnel, and then withdrew a late amendment concerning a Miami casino property. Prosecutors and the Gaming Control Commission supported the bill as a tool to target criminal gambling operations, while amusement machine operators and veterans groups raised concerns about overbreadth and uncertainty for lawful operators. SB 604 on residential swimming pool requirements was temporarily postponed after questions about how the new sale/transfer disclosure and safety-feature requirement would work in practice, especially for cash transactions and whether home inspectors would be involved. SB 1682, adding 911 dispatchers to the definition of first responder, was reported favorably with support from dispatchers and members who emphasized the trauma and public safety role of telecommunicators. SB 818 on utility relocation and SB 1228 on spring restoration were both reported favorably, with counties opposing the utility bill as a cost shift to taxpayers and the spring bill drawing support from JEA. The committee also approved CS for SB 948 on flood disclosures for tenants and condo buyers, and CS for SB 1742, a major condominium and cooperative association reform bill that would adjust reserve funding rules, allow temporary reserve pauses after milestone inspections, require substitute budgets over a certain threshold, permit lines of credit in lieu of reserves through 2028, expand disclosure and data reporting, and add conflict-of-interest and governance changes. The condo bill drew extensive discussion and testimony, with supporters praising the flexibility and transparency provisions and some owners urging additional relief for inland, lower-rise buildings; it was ultimately reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> problematic gaming and program funding. problematic gaming and program funding.
• </c> the gaming. I believe it's a task force. the gaming. I believe it's a task force.
• </c> the Game and Fish budget topic. the Game and Fish budget topic.
• And we try to keep our game technology.
• So I think it's a good consideration. the Game and Fish budget and finances the Game and Fish budget

Summary: The committee opened with quorum and housekeeping, then began setting interim topics for discussion. The first major topic was trapping, including prior legislation on mandatory trapper education and trapping setbacks. The Game and Fish director said the department had already gone through a trapping reform process in 2018-2019 and was prepared to testify on those issues again, noting that the commission had previously wanted legislative authority for them. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on a proposed non-motorized trail user fee. Supporters argued it could help fund trail systems and match state trail grants, citing demand for professionally built trails and examples from other states. Testimony estimated potential revenue at roughly $150,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on the model, while noting enforcement would likely rely on an honor system. Committee members discussed possible alternatives and related ideas, including using good neighbor authority with federal land managers and looking at motorized trail funding models. The director said the concept was not yet ready for immediate passage but was worth continued discussion. The committee also briefly discussed fishing outfitter issues, with the co-chair noting a prior bill had passed and that the current board still exists, but more data would be needed later in the interim. Another topic addressed ticket scalping and fake tickets at Jackson’s rodeo, which the sponsor said was affecting visitors and could warrant broader state discussion. The State Archives topic proposed expanding the digital archive and requiring agencies to use it, with added resources for local governments; staff said it would improve security, access, and storage efficiency. The committee then discussed problematic gaming and program funding, but noted a pending bill to create a separate statutory select committee on gaming, so the topic may be better handled there if formed. The final major discussion was the Game and Fish budget. The director said employee compensation increases had raised salary costs from about 40% to 60% of the budget, while overall revenue had not kept pace, forcing cuts to habitat and research work. She warned the department could reach a critical budget point by 2030. Committee members and the Wyoming Wildlife Federation supported a deeper interim review of the department’s finances and possible new revenue sources, with the director suggesting a three-meeting structure: first to lay out the budget outlook, then to discuss additional revenue options, and finally to consider what future generations may have to pay.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm aware of game and fishing game check stations where it's automatic: people pull over and share
• QR code to Fish and Game that my license has been renewed.
• But so to the... ...to Fish and Game that my license has been renewed.
• QR code to Fish and Game that my license has been renewed.
• But so to the... ...to Fish and Game that my license has been renewed.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Just the ground so that Fish and Game would own that ground.
• So Fish and Game approached me with an alternative, which is essentially codified here in this draft
• And that alternative is that Fish and Game would take over the lease.
• Tomorrow, we can expect to hear a bill that's going to fix the Fish and Game rules, hopefully.
• Tomorrow, we can expect to hear a bill that's going to fix the Fish and Game rules, hopefully.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that day Monday the 27th fishing game that day Monday the 27th fishing game safety<00:08:04.199>
• </c><00:15:26.959><c> Transportation</c> safety fishing game Transportation safety fishing game Transportation
• And then Fish and Game Fund, similar thing but to a smaller total dollar amount.
• And then Fish and Game Fund, similar thing but to a smaller total dollar amount.
• And then Fish and Game Fund, similar thing but to a smaller total dollar amount.

Summary: The meeting was an introductory House Finance Division Two session focused on committee procedures, staffing, and the upcoming budget process. Mickey Landrian, the division analyst, introduced himself and explained that the subcommittee operates more informally than the full committee, does not hold executive sessions or public hearings itself, and makes recommendations back to House Finance. Members were told that public hearings on legislation occur in the full committee, while Division Two will hold work sessions and vote on recommendations such as ought to pass, retain, or ITL. The chair also welcomed new members and a new clerk, and noted that meetings will be recorded and streamed, with microphones required for audio capture. A substantial portion of the meeting covered the division’s workload and schedule. Landrian outlined the agencies assigned to Division Two, including Safety, Fish and Game, Transportation, Education, the Lottery Commission, Police Standards and Training, the University System, and the Community College System. He explained the different fund types the division will handle, especially Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund, and reviewed reference materials distributed to members, including agency budget requests, prior recommendation tracking sheets, and surplus statements. He emphasized that the agency budget requests and related handouts are available online and useful for members to review before budget work begins. Members discussed the compressed timeline for the session, with a target date of March 26 for completing Division Two recommendations. Landrian said only a few bills had been referred to Finance so far, none yet to Division Two, but that more bills and amendments were expected, including many amendments to House Bill 2. He noted that the committee would need to move efficiently and frontload meetings. Representative Papich added that Fish and Game may require closer scrutiny than in prior years because of its push for direct general fund appropriations, and members also discussed the importance of getting preliminary budget documents before the governor’s budget is finalized. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond the procedural overview and distribution of materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:42.879><c> required</c><00:02:43.680><c> a</c> expanded gaming truly had required a expanded gaming
• Why only this form of of gaming? gaming? gaming?
• Gaming facilities are not, uh, not, um, you—they came in as basically the card gaming facilities.
• </c><00:35:04.640><c> Uh</c> charitable gaming establishments. Uh charitable gaming establishments.
• So, yes, you're absolutely correct. but the uh gaming gaming laws u already but the uh gaming gaming

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment seeks to close a loophole in our statutory ethics requirements of the gaming Commission
• There should be a review process by the gaming commission that can get straight answers to individuals
• as they come forward with their different playing 2 games were just amusement game.
• Again, our members supply amusement games, route Florida. They have to transport those.
• These are the suppliers amusement games throughout Florida. >> Alright, next step is acting executive

Transcript Highlights:

• And the first one's going to be with the Director of Fish and Game, Jim Fredericks. Thank you.
• I am the director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. A pleasure to be here.
• The Idaho Department of Fish and Game was created by the legislature back in 1890.
• The Fish and Game was created by voter initiative in 1938.
• policy in the state in accordance with the provisions of the Idaho Fish and Game Code.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you work with Game and Fish on this?
• I even showed the state game and fish that there's trust land right below me.
• I even showed the state game and fish that there's trust land right below me.
• So with that understanding, that's how the Game and Fish sees it.
• And the question is, do a lot of charitable gaming people get that money?

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1921 protects video game users against premature shutdowns of their digital games.
• AB 1921 protects video game users against premature shutdowns of their digital games.
• Many modern games can't go offline.
• you would actually own that game.
• online mobile games.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• So this reflects a change in the gaming systems, the gaming industry practices here in New Hampshire
• </c><01:52:26.320><c> systems</c> reflects change in the gaming systems reflects change in the gaming
• systems the<01:52:27.400><c> gaming</c> the gaming the gaming industry<01:52:29.639><c> gaming</c><01
• </c> the gaming the gaming commission<01:55:17.199><c> what</c><01:55:17.360><c> you</c><01:55:17.520
• </c><01:55:26.719><c> commission</c> of the work of this gaming commission of the work of this gaming

Summary: The public hearing focused on HB 290, which would raise cigarette and e-cigarette/vaping taxes and create a committee to study tobacco and nicotine tax policy. Representative Jerry Stringham introduced the bill as both a public health and revenue measure, arguing that nicotine use causes health harms and public costs, and that New Hampshire’s cigarette tax has been unchanged at $1.78 per pack since 2013. He said the bill would raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to $2.78, still below most New England states, and would also adjust vaping taxes, which he described as having been set as placeholder rates in 2019. He said the bill would also establish a study committee to review broader tobacco and nicotine taxation, including products such as premium cigars. In response to questions, Stringham said the proposed cigarette tax would be roughly equal in real dollars to the 2008 rate after inflation, and he suggested that a smaller annual increase could be considered, though he believed a larger increase would have a stronger public health effect. He explained that the vaping tax structure differs between closed and open systems because one taxes a fixed hardware product while the other taxes reusable liquid, and he said the proposal would move the rates toward a more uniform approach. He also said New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase, though members raised concerns about cross-border shopping, business impacts, and preserving the state’s competitive advantage. Several members questioned whether the bill’s main purpose was revenue or reducing smoking and vaping. Stringham said he viewed it primarily as a public health bill, but also as a revenue measure, and said he would consider it successful even if consumption fell enough to reduce revenue. Other members emphasized personal freedom and argued the committee should focus on taxation rather than cessation, while some supported the bill as a way to capture revenue from out-of-state buyers and keep New Hampshire’s rates below surrounding states. The hearing consisted of testimony and questions only; no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the end of his career, he had 92- two and a half sacks, 191 consecutive games played for the Bears
• Back then you could go onto the field after the football game. and visit, and I did, and we'd go talk
• Isn't it true that the returning Members are the ones that actually won the game yesterday?
• I think the score would reflect that the freshman won the game last night.
• We call for a round two of this fun game because we're coming back for our title. 588 589 590 591 592

Transcript Highlights:

• But for me, one of the fun things about this committee is we get to deal with Fish and Game.
• So I do think the more controversial rules on Fish and Game probably we'll do a whole meeting on that
• I look at the Fish and Game budget or the Department of Lands budget or Parks and Rec, and it's kind
• and Game.
• Now, Fish and Game is one that doesn't take any general fund revenue.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation