Transcript Highlights:

• And since we have quite a few appearance cards, I'm asking permission to limit testimony to about two
• The rising costs and limited availability can place enormous stress on working families.
• I'm going to limit your questions to two, if I may. Thank you.
• The best part of the report, though, is the acknowledged limitations.
• Without proper guidance, the long-term damage is the erosion of public trust.

Bills: S0118 , S0896 , S1690 , S1756

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals with Disabilities Act and the Office of Civil Rights, to other federal… …agencies without congressional
• She cut the department's workforce in half so they don't have the necessary staff to pursue… …congressionally
• Times, will segregate special education… …from the larger education system in direct defiance of congressional
• After each natural disaster, we find ourselves having to, to borrow a term, reinvent the wheel, reinvent
• A technical, economic term, Mr. Speaker. It means we’re screwed.

Bills: HB2478

Transcript Highlights:

• Just in terms of the ongoing community input processes that are used by you all in terms of Your economic
• One is in programming: short-term workforce training programming.
• These are short-term, upskilling workforce training programs.
• Once you start splitting that up, it's a very limited amount that we get.
• From some of the congressionally directed spending from our congressional delegation for workforce development

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• the State Affairs Committee, an act relating to state procurement, to revise definitions, to define terms
• That's an incorrect use of the term, since we know JFAC in the legislature is the one that appropriates
• That's an incorrect use of the term, since we know JFAC on the legislature is the one that appropriates
• Senate Bill 1389, by the State Affairs Committee, relates to polling places and provides a limitation
• A limitation of liability for owners of property used as a polling place. Mr. President.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:05.920><c> for</c> instituting a two-minute time limit for instituting a two-minute time limit
• </c><00:34:37.679><c> your</c> you could just please limit your you could just please limit your comments
• It's not limited in state.
• It's not limited in state. out of state. It's not limited in state.
• </c> in requirement that would severely limit in requirement that would severely limit the<00:51:45.920

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1694, which would create a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, and HB 1695, which would expand the state’s renewable fuels production tax credit. For HB 1694, supporters from the airlines, renewable fuels industry, business groups, and some environmental and youth representatives said sustainable aviation fuel is a practical near-term way to cut emissions in aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector, and argued the credit would send a market signal, support local production, and help meet state climate goals. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and a taxpayer-focused testifier, argued the bill could subsidize expensive fuels that may not be truly clean, could duplicate benefits available under other tax provisions, and should not support transpacific aviation or technologies they said are unproven or harmful. The Department of Taxation stood on written testimony, and the chair later asked that all verbal testimony on remaining bills be limited to one minute because of time constraints. HB 1695 drew similar support and opposition, but focused more broadly on renewable fuels for transportation, trucking, shipping, and other sectors. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Energy Office, airlines, PAR Hawaii, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, Pacific Biodiesel, and the RNG Coalition, said the bill would help scale local fuel production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support jobs and agriculture, and advance the state’s climate and energy goals. Several supporters emphasized that the credit would help build a local industry and that life-cycle accounting should be used to measure emissions benefits. Opponents repeated concerns that some biofuels and waste-based fuels may not be climate-beneficial, may rely on flawed modeling, and could create costly infrastructure that would need to be replaced later. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• or criteria for calculating limits in IPDS permits.
• Limits in IPDS permits. DEQ had two actions that modified Section 401.01. Ms.
• for the same thing, talked about wastewater treatment and had multiple terms for the same thing.
• And that's simply because those terms are used within the rule itself.
• Finally, two EPA rules were recently disapproved under the Congressional Review Act.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> our economic growth and our limits our economic growth and our limits uh<00:00:56.719><c> and</c
• <c> and</c> uh and limits wealth building and uh and limits wealth building and retirement<00:00:58.640
• There is no public dollars in these buildings, but there are also no income limits in terms of who is
• But building enough housing at all price points can also no income limits in terms of who is also no
• income limits in terms of who is allowed<00:14:39.040><c> to</c><00:14:39.199><c> live</c><00:14:39.360

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• For follow-up, what is required when you use the term medical pregnancy center?
• out and define what they can... ...don't we just take that term completely out and define what they
• So that's why I wanted to make a clear definition of what it is, so we wouldn't limit this.
• Recently, the FTC and Congressional House Judiciary studies have warned about these practices.
• Honestly, when we came in, I talked to members that we came in with that were terming out.

Summary: The Public Health Committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 4336, which updates definitions of acute and chronic pain to align with the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act and adds certain violations as unprofessional conduct. The committee adopted a PCS as the working draft, took no questions, and passed the bill 7-0. HB 3194, which would prevent pregnancy centers from being singled out for discrimination or censorship based on pro-life principles, drew questions about oversight, medical staffing, ultrasound interpretation, and contraceptive counseling; after discussion, it passed 6-1. The committee then passed HB 3934, described as a measure to help rural Oklahoma children get dental care through dental hygienists, with a question confirming parents could opt in or out. HB 3762, dealing with chiropractic practice and defining “serum” to cover vitamins, minerals, and nutrients while excluding blood products, was amended in committee but did not receive a motion and remained in committee. HB 1818, clarifying licensed social workers as licensed bachelor social workers and aligning Oklahoma with neighboring states, passed 6-0. Later, HB 3538 on pharmacy benefit manager vertical integration and community pharmacy reimbursement passed 7-0 after extensive discussion about independent pharmacy closures, mail-order pharmacy issues, specialty drugs, and network access. HB 3682, the Oklahoma Clean Indoor Air Act, would prohibit smoking in most public gathering places while allowing certain exceptions and local governments to adopt stricter rules; it passed 7-0. The committee also heard HB 3793, a placeholder bill on nursing education and diploma programs intended to address workforce shortages, but no motion was made and it remained in committee. The meeting ended with a short recess for the swearing-in of a new representative-elect.

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal CRA has its limitations.
• As financial cooperatives, profits go back to the members of the credit unions in terms of better interest
• There are more concerns, especially around some of the limitations credit unions have.
• has a domino impact; if you start losing licensees, that impacts what happens to the department in terms
• But funding disclosure is limited and is often the result of dissatisfied investors feuding after the

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• You often hear us use the term right of way, which we use Our property acquisitions.
• You often hear us use the term right-of-way, which we use interchangeably with property.
• Ratings affect the project's ability to get in the congressional funding process.
• there was to assess, for the purposes of this analysis, to understand what the comparison would be in terms
• That design is not going to work for a lot of people, especially people with limited mobility.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections. Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement. The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and so the ability to monitor the implementation of those agreements is quite limited.
• , and so the ability to monitor the implementation of those agreements is quite limited.
• Madam Chair, Representative, to clarify the terminology in terms of the use of the term inmate, this
• extremely limited.
• Local authorities have very limited ability to check the abuses of ICE.

Bills: SB100

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights

Transcript Highlights:

• whereas the purpose of this special session is to consider legislation relating to the drawing of congressional
• of Florida into a special session relating to consideration of legislation for the drawing of congressional
• Senate Bill 8D by Senator Gates, a bill to be entitled an act establishing the congressional districts
• Senate Bill 8D by Senator Gates, a bill to be entitled an act establishing the congressional districts

Summary: The Florida Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, who was welcomed by the chamber. The Secretary read the governor’s amended special-session proclamation, which expanded the call beyond congressional redistricting and related litigation funding to include legislation on artificial intelligence protections, an AI Bill of Rights, public records exemptions tied to AI investigations, and medical freedom/vaccine-related issues. The Senate then took up SB 2D, the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, and SB 4D, the related public records bill. Supporters said the AI bill was a first step to protect children, parents, privacy, and Floridians from deceptive or harmful AI practices, while opponents argued it was too weak, overly permissive, and could create a false sense of protection without meaningful remedies. Senators also raised concerns about balancing child safety with innovation and school technology use. SB 2D passed 37-1. SB 4D, described as the public records exemption accompanying the AI bill, passed 33-4 after brief discussion about which investigative files would be exempt while Department of Legal Affairs investigations are pending. The Rules Chair announced a committee meeting later that day, said SB 6D on medical freedom would be temporarily postponed in Rules, and the chamber set SB 8D on congressional districts for special order on Wednesday, April 29. The Senate then adjourned until 10 a.m. on April 29.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 131 by Senator Pressly, professions and occupations, limiting recovery of attorney fees,
• , liability, enforcement penalties, terms, and conditions.
• Senate Bill 131 by Senator Pressly, professions and occupations, limiting recovery of attorney fees,
• , liability, enforcement penalties, terms, and conditions.
• They are part of that same group in terms of public safety.

Bills: HR252 , HR253 , HR254 , HR255 , HR256 , HCR103 , HCR104 , HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , SCR40 , SCR60 , SB112 , SB131 , SB145 , SB194 , SB268 , SB307 , SB312 , SB319 , SB333 , SB341 , SB346 , SB464 , SB466 , SB488 , SB495 , SB503 , SB507 , SB509 , HR9 , HR196 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR50 , HCR62 , HCR67 , HCR71 , HCR78 , HCR81 , SCR20 , HB123 , HB251 , HB625 , HB662 , HB709 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB1011 , HB1057 , HB1155 , HB1186 , HB1224 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1254 , HB1255 , HB1256 , SB8 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB69 , SB75 , SB77 , SB78 , SB85 , SB102 , SB115 , SB133 , SB140 , SB148 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB185 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217 , SB235 , SB278 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB330 , SB411 , SB416 , SB420 , SB436 , SB438 , SB449 , SB455 , SB456 , SB477 , SB489 , SB521 , SB97 , SB105 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , HCR6 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB61 , HB98 , HB102 , HB139 , HB142 , HB170 , HB185 , HB194 , HB199 , HB231 , HB247 , HB294 , HB336 , HB474 , HB661 , HB842 , HB852 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB455 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , HCR32 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB59 , HB955 , HB1191 , HB1234 , HB646 , HB824 , HB341 , SB397 , SB442 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB926 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB47 , SB82 , SB89 , SB149 , SB382

Keywords: consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction, building codes, inspection practices, housing costs, task force, HR254, House Resolution 254, Ty Hebert, Acadiana Legislative Delegation, Louisiana State University, LSU, graduation, commendation

Transcript Highlights:

• Daggett case, which reshaped congressional districts nationwide.
• To waive the thirty-bill limit imposed by Rule 17:7. Thank you.
• The thirty-bill limit is now waived.
• But those limits mean towns can't grow their tax base.
• Establishes limits on the amount of certain intentionally added chemicals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Importantly, this bill does not limit access; it expands it.
• This bill does not affect how someone in the time limits of changing registration, so it doesn't have
• I was just trying to figure out what we were doing in terms of that.
• I do have... ...special congressional primary or general elections. I do have Ms.
• I could understand how it could be limited.

Bills: HR118 , HR196 , HR237 , HR285 , HCR85 , HB442 , HB443 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR63 , SB25 , SB202 , SB319

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The consequences of this underfunding extend beyond service limitations.
• At the same time, the Santa California, And no long-term support.
• Our homeless veterans response is not limited to outreach or point-in-time counts.
• Our homeless veterans response is not limited to outreach or point-in-time counts.
• I use that term very specifically, as that is what’s cited in the CFR.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the work of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s role in supporting them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, survivor benefits, education waivers, health care access, and broader wraparound support. Several speakers argued that California’s veteran population is underserved relative to demand, that CVSOs produce a strong return on investment, and that the state should increase funding to reduce backlogs, expand staffing, and meet the Legislature’s stated goal of funding 50% of county veterans’ services operations. Testimony from county officials highlighted local models of service. Los Angeles County described a “no wrong door” approach, the Veteran Peer Access Network, suicide review efforts, justice-involved veteran services, and coordinated homelessness response, all supported by county leadership and partnerships with the VA and community organizations. San Luis Obispo County described rural outreach, mental health grants, suicide prevention work, and a food pantry, while also noting reduced subvention funding despite increased workload and high client satisfaction. Witnesses repeatedly warned that unaccredited claims consultants charge veterans large fees, sometimes seek access to VA and banking logins, and can delay or harm claims; they urged stronger enforcement and more accessible free alternatives through accredited offices. CalVet Deputy Secretary Roberto Herrera explained the accreditation system, CalVet’s training academy, district office review process, and the role of CVSOs in improving claim quality and appeals outcomes. He said California’s claims filed under CalVet power of attorney are completed faster than many others and that appeals representation has favorable outcomes above the national average. A researcher from the Center for a New American Security said California’s CVSO structure is a strong model nationally and that higher investment in CVSOs correlates with better claims outcomes and improved service delivery. Committee members asked about collaboration, funding formulas, suicide prevention, and how to curb predatory claims businesses; witnesses said the state should strengthen county partnerships, expand resources, and continue pursuing legislation targeting for-profit claims companies and veteran tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• And unfortunately, counties have very limited real oversight ability.
• I know we're Not supposed to use the term illegal, but that's what it is.
• I sponsored the congressional redistricting map.
• I want to make sure that everyone's familiar with the term NOLI.
• In terms of treating somebody to competency or the lack of follow-up for that.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Real permitting reform would ensure public participation, not limited as HF 8 would.
• Real permitting reform would ensure public participation, not limited as HF 8 would.
• </c> have a we also have Congressional have a we also have Congressional legislation<01:10:19.560><c>
• </c> belongs to people why are you limiting belongs to people why are you limiting their<01:15:48.120
• </c><01:16:26.560><c> those</c> this case the bill would limit those this case the bill would limit those

Transcript Highlights:

• The original statute specifies the term unlawful but doesn't provide a penalty.
• It also doesn't define the term inoperable, and it doesn't appear to have any acknowledgement.
• It also doesn't define the term inoperable, and it doesn't appear to have any acknowledgement of any
• .. ...limited liability company that doesn't have a commercial location, or if the limited liability
• So let me just explain in layman's terms what this is doing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this special session is to consider legislation relating to the drawing of congressional
• whereas the purpose of this special session is to consider legislation relating to the drawing of congressional
• of Florida into a special session relating to consideration of legislation for the drawing of congressional
• Senate Bill 8D by Senator Gates, a bill to be entitled an act relating to establishing the congressional

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, with his family present. The chamber also read the governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on congressional redistricting and related litigation, artificial intelligence protections including an AI Bill of Rights and related public records exemptions, and medical freedom. The secretary then read the bills filed within the call: SB 2D (Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights), SB 4D (public records), SB 60 (medical freedom), and SB 8D (congressional districts).