Transcript Highlights:

• platforms, and users, aligning statutory requirements on how online notarization will operate in practice
• Online notarization will operate in practice.
• In short, AB 1977 will help streamline and expedite implementation of online notarization in California
• This is about aligning practice with the original intent of authorization, ensuring that approved care
• This is about aligned practice with original intent of organization, ensuring that approved care remains

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum established and 59 bills listed for consideration. The committee first approved two consent calendars: several bills were sent to the Assembly floor on a due-pass basis, and a smaller set was approved due-pass but not eligible for the floor consent calendar. The proposed suspense calendar was then deemed approved without individual debate on those measures. The committee heard several bills in regular order. AB 1977, sponsored by the Secretary of State, would clean up and clarify the Online Notarization Act to support implementation by 2030; it drew no opposition and was approved. AB 2011 would codify existing federal mental health parity standards into state law; supporters said it would preserve enforcement authority, while health plans opposed it as premature given federal uncertainty and possible premium impacts; the bill was placed on the B roll call. AB 1673 would give county fish and game commissions more flexibility to use certain revenues for wildlife conflict prevention, and it advanced on an A roll call. AB 2233 would allow unused authorized ABA therapy hours for children with autism to be made up within the authorization period; supporters emphasized access and continuity of care, while insurers warned of higher costs and reduced utilization safeguards; it advanced on an A roll call. AB 1660, as amended, would give courts more flexibility in cases involving financial institutions and public guardians/conservators, with supporters saying it could save counties time and money; it was approved due-pass as amended. During general public comment, speakers voiced support for AB 2081 and AB 1667, and opposition to AB 1777. After public comment and final vote recording for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• moment, the purpose of this bill is to ensure that biosolids and septage are treated at the highest practical
• moment, the purpose of this bill is to ensure that biosolids and septage are treated at the highest practical
• years immediately before applying for licensure in Florida, even if the veterinarian is licensed to practice
• Florida law lacks clear safeguards to differentiate bona fide agricultural reuse and land application practices
• evenly depending on whether or not it was sold or whether or not you apply it to your own land to streamline

Bills: S0204, S0540, S0772, S1294, S1474, S1504, S1708

Keywords: gaming, slot machines, veterans organizations, regulatory compliance, Florida Gaming Control Commission, declaratory statement, criminal penalties, financial regulation, vulnerable adults, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for veterinarians licensed in good standing elsewhere to qualify for Florida licensure; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and the ASPCA and was reported favorably. Members then considered CS/SB 204 on illegal slot machine operations. An amendment was adopted that set the baseline penalty at a second-degree misdemeanor, elevated violations involving six or more machines or repeat offenses to a third-degree felony, and made violations by a person of authority involving six or more machines or multiple prior convictions a second-degree felony. Testimony supported the bill’s effort to target larger illegal operations while protecting veterans’ organizations and other lawful users from felony exposure; the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all for CS/SB 1294 addressing Class AA biosolids, requiring agronomic-rate application, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of fertilizer-related requirements to bulk land application products, with an effective date of November 1, 2026; it was reported favorably after limited questions about oversight and IFAS’s role. Later, CS/SB 772 was heard to allow portable electronics limited licensees to sell “iware” insurance and define that term, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1504 updated pre-licensure education for the 440 customer service representative license so a high school student completing a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective can apply upon turning 18; it received supportive testimony from industry groups and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540 creating cybersecurity program requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, extending oversight to certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and adjusting director experience requirements for financial institutions; the bill as amended was reported favorably. Senators McClain and Truenow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• be on a physician's office, but I've got 9000 members, and they, you've seen one family doctor's practice
• , you've seen one family doctor's practice.
• Um, you know, who's in solo practice in East Texas, his cost structure might look like, might look completely
• So, it really helps streamline that process.
• We are an FSCD that's focused on the independent practice of emergency medicine.

Bills: HB138

Keywords: voter registration, application rejection, transparency, election integrity, state law

Transcript Highlights:

• regulatory framework and industry trends in Hawaii for medical cannabis and hemp, as well as best practices
• allows hospice providers and primary treating providers to certify patients, caps provider fees, streamlines
• <00:13:42.880> dispensary<00:13:43.440> wholesales<00:13:44.079> and streamlines
• dispensary wholesales and streamlines dispensary wholesales and expands<00:13:44.800> dispensary<
• :05.920> as scenario-based practical exercises as scenario-based practical exercises as well<00

Bills: HB1974, HB1853, HB1973, HB1574, HB2619, HB1966, HB1643, HB1671, HB2558, HB1854, HB2173, HB1575, HB2229, HB1535, HB1978, HB2508, HB1549, HB2187, HB1550, HB1977, HB2314, HB1871, HB2319, HB1591, HB1858, HB1898, HB2372, HB1765, HB2012, HB1706, HB1962, HB1963, HB1975, HB2009, HB2083, HB2224, HB1877, HB1959, HB1626, HB1665, HB2488, HB2456, HB2548, HB2207, HB1832, HB2079, HB1985, HB1618, HB2486, HB2242, HB2045, HB1703, HB2236, HB2480, HB1976, HB2287, HB2288, HB1777, HB276, HB1660, HB1676, HB1605, HB1751, HB1967, HB2383, HB2340, HB1946, HB2268, HB1950, HB2156, HB2118, HB1859, HB1863, HB1996, HB2114, HB2423, HB2429, HB2475, HB2534, HB2545, HB1813, HB1941, HB2474, HB2583, HB1576, HB1886, HB1939, HB2540, HB2590, HB2000, HB2163, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1692

Keywords: HB1974, hearing loss, audiology, audiologist, hearing screening, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tele-audiology, communication access, assistive technology, speech-language pathology, deafness, hard of hearing, public health, kupuna, keiki, dementia, cognitive decline, fall prevention, State Health Planning and Development Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:16.559> investigations<00:48:17.559> and<00:48:17.720> improve streamline
• investigations and improve streamline investigations and improve collaboration<00:48:19.599> between
• inappropriate billing practices inappropriate billing practices providers<00:55:38.920> in
• our processes to reduce um streamline our processes to reduce um the<01:05:32.680> manual<01:
• what<01:38:48.320> do Representative Gander asked what the county costs would mean in practice

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• reconsider because it overall improves the veracity of the program, the data of the program, and also streamlines
• And so I think our intent was to figure out a way to streamline efforts.
• And so I think our intent was to figure out a way to streamline efforts.
• Even one-time funding will help build capacity and improve practices, and we believe the investment in
• after school, to support their mental health and physical well-being, and their ability to gain and practice

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard the Governor’s May Revision proposals for TK-12 education, beginning with a Proposition 98 overview from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Finance said the May Revision increases the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee by about $6.4 billion relative to the Governor’s January budget across the three-year window, with higher guarantees in each year, continued full payment of the outstanding settle-up obligation in 2024-25, and a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up amount in 2025-26. Finance also described larger mandatory and discretionary deposits into the Proposition 98 reserve, ending with an estimated $10.3 billion reserve balance. The LAO said the overall estimates were reasonable, but urged the state to fully fund the guarantee and use other budget tools, including reserves, to manage volatility rather than delay settle-up payments. Members questioned the remaining settle-up amount, the risk of revenue volatility, and possible alternatives such as advance payments or other reserve strategies. The second panel covered Department of Education proposals and trailer bill language. Finance outlined additional state operations funding and positions for CDE, along with trailer bill changes affecting community schools, preschool, literacy, special education, charter accountability, teacher-related programs, and other technical cleanups. The LAO supported the overall structure of the package but recommended changes to several items, including rejecting some additional one-time community schools, literacy, math, multilingual screener, and inclusive college proposals, while supporting the ongoing LCFF and special education increases and raising concerns about the paid pregnancy disability leave proposal’s cost and implementation complexity. CDE supported the special education increase, community schools, literacy and math investments, homelessness funding, and the paid pregnancy leave proposal, while asking for more funding for county office support, clearer homelessness definitions, and continued preschool parity. Members also asked about immigrant student supports, community schools reporting, and the rationale and cost estimate for the paid pregnancy leave proposal, which Finance estimated at $218 million annually. The final panel addressed the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Finance proposed additional legal staffing for SB 848 implementation and educator misconduct caseloads, a fee increase for clear credential renewals from $100 to $125, a $5 million one-time Proposition 98 investment to build a transcript review platform, $2 million ongoing for transcript review staffing, and $30 million one-time for the statewide residency technical assistance center. The LAO had no concerns about the legal staffing, supported the transcript review platform if the fee increase and ongoing staffing were adopted, and recommended rejecting the residency technical assistance center expansion because existing funding runs through 2029. The Commission explained that the misconduct workload has grown over several years, that AI would assist but not replace human review in transcript matching, and that the residency technical assistance center helps recruit and retain teachers and support rural districts. Public commenters largely supported special education, discretionary block grants, community schools, literacy investments, homelessness funding, and teacher credentialing alternatives, while some urged rejection of the settle-up proposal and preschool COLA reduction.

Transcript Highlights:

• Streamlining is important in government.
• Through the Department of Education and the Chancellor's Office, we streamline those for efficiencies
• has been a theme of... ...the housing committee this year, which is related to permitting and streamlining
• that I still have significant concerns with, I commend the legislature for coming up with a more practical
• endorsement. on most things in the budget, but I do commend the legislature for coming up with a more practical

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• dental practice to ensure the law is applied consistently.
• Animal cruelty is strongly linked in research and practice... ...matters?
• This can create practical barriers for families, hunting clubs, and outdoor sports participants.
• I heard the word to streamline something. I don't think justice should be streamlined.
• Justice should be streamlined. I think justice should be carefully, carefully considered.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is not much we can do on that unless We line the entire reservoir, which is not practical.
• Hopefully a more streamlined, more flexible, less bureaucratic approach.
• Additionally, whereas Ruidoso had a record of managing with the emergencies as they came, Las Vegas practiced
• Those were really streamlined.
• The process to regionalize was really streamlined by you all at the legislature a couple of years ago

Transcript Highlights:

• And to have to all of a sudden build that relationship and trust with another physician and practice,
• That way, our nurses will be educated before they go actually out and practice.
• Under the current program, any area that is de-designated, the doctors currently practicing would lose
• The bill does not guarantee ACN health care providers get a certificate to practice, as the Board of
• It simply creates a pathway for the continuation of their practices to protect patients.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment on several health and human services funding concerns before moving through a series of bills. Testimony at the start focused on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, with a client warning that proposed changes to eligibility and drug access could disrupt care for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, and urging the Legislature to intervene. Another speaker asked for support for the iBudget waiver, saying provider costs have risen and requesting about a 7% increase for direct support professionals to help stabilize the developmental disabilities workforce. The committee then unanimously reported favorably several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7, based on drowning-prevention recommendations. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligned reporting dates with the House version. SB 1718 changed the definition of when an adult visitor in an out-of-home placement becomes a non-visitor, reducing repeated background checks, made the Step Into Success pilot permanent, adjusted foster youth stipends, and created a best-practices program within the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. The committee also approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials provided to new parents and requires hospitals and birthing centers to document compliance; members highlighted bathtub drownings as a key concern. SB 96 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level, while an amendment removed the bill’s specific appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before taking the NCLEX. SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in federally designated areas of critical need if an area is de-designated, to avoid disrupting patient-provider relationships. All bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the purpose of this bill is to remove obsolete reports and it would streamline statutes and make the
• They're prohibited for one year and codifies the common practice of allowing someone else to sign a contract
• this supersede, let's say there was some company that was especially egregious in their business practices
• or could they take into account something that might be a local condition or a specific company practice
• auditor and outside entities like Loft, which are really trained to shore up some of our financial practices

Bills: HB3057, HB3279, HB4428, HB3420

Keywords: government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, employment restrictions, state officers, prohibited acts, government contracts, public service, public finance, pension, pension fund, retirement system, board of trustees, proxy voting, proxy proposal, shareholder vote, shareholder activism, fiduciary duty

Transcript Highlights:

• And this covers both motorized and non-motorized safety tenets and practices.
• And this covers both motorized and non-motorized safety tenets and practices.
• It's certainly a good practice.
• These changes streamline administrative processes and have no fiscal impact. Thank you.

Summary: The Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and first received an implementation update on CS for SB 606, the Boating Safety Act of 2022, from FWC Lieutenant Colonel Robert Roe. He described the livery permit system, safety and insurance requirements, required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction, recordkeeping, overdue-vessel reporting, accident reporting, and penalties for violations. He also reported enforcement results since the permit requirement took effect in January 2023, including 1,428 permits issued, 1,093 liveries operating, three 90-day suspensions, one revocation, and two pending revocations. Members asked whether liveries may require boating safety education even for people exempt under current law; Roe said they may do so as a business decision, but current law does not require it unless the statute is changed. A member noted concern that many accidents involve boaters in the older exempt age group and said the issue may be revisited this session. The committee then considered SB 878 by Senator Martin, which extends probation for misdemeanor offenders who were using controlled substances when they committed the offense, allowing supervision for up to one year and aligning those cases more closely with existing alcohol-related misdemeanor probation rules. With no appearance forms or debate, the bill was voted favorably. Next, the committee took up CS for SB 538 by Senator Bradley, the state court system package. The bill updates statutes to reflect current court operations, including duty judge procedures, removal of a location limit for duty hearings, repeal of a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and an alternative method for judicial authentication when a court seal is unavailable. An amendment shifting certain clerk reimbursement requests through the Justice Administrative Commission was adopted, and the bill was then reported favorably with support waivers from several court-related entities. Finally, the committee heard SB 472 by Senator Truenow, which provides that inmates who complete classes meeting required curriculum standards may receive credit toward licensure requirements for those classes. Several organizations waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A STUDY SHOULD ALSO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICES TO SUSTAIN AND IMPROVE FLORIDA'S AGRICULTURAL
• THE DEPARTMENT WORKED WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO ENSURE THE CHANGES MAKE REGULATIONS CLEARER AND MORE STREAMLINED
• SECOND, THE BILL PROHIBITS THE USE OF ESG PRACTICES IN COMMERCIAL LENDING FOR FARMERS.
• ALL LENDING DECISIONS MUST BE MADE ON STANDARD FINANCIAL PRACTICES NOT SOCIAL ENGINEERING.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and future pharmacists in all practice settings across
• all practice settings across the state. all practice settings across the state.
• What exactly are the services practice.
• > can collaborate practice agreement, can collaborate practice agreement, can prescribe<01:00:
• insurance practices and address regulatory<01:38:12.600> gaps.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• substituted, House Bill 3483 is intended to address the problem by requiring TCEQ to develop a streamlined
• This bill provides more funding options and streamlines the process for SUDs to get revenue bonds, as
• housing affordability crisis for middle-income families while encouraging responsible development practices

Bills: HB1532, HB2731, HB3483, HB4308, HB4580, HB4582, HB5509, HB5663

Keywords: Lake Houston, dredging, maintenance district, flood control, environment, public works, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code, unincorporated areas, right-of-way, public highway, parking lot, livestock sales, live animals, vendor regulation

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several local-government-related bills, mostly with committee substitutes. House Bill 2731 would let certain border counties regulate roadside vendors selling live animals in unincorporated areas and along public rights-of-way; the substitute narrowed the bill to live animal sales only and excluded livestock and other roadside commerce. House Bill 3483 would streamline TCEQ review of special utility district revenue bonds by removing tax-bond requirements that do not apply to SUDs. House Bill 4308 would create a county industrial development district framework, limited in the substitute to certain counties including Fort Bend County, to help finance industrial sites and related infrastructure. House Bill 5663 would create a Wood County Hospital District memory-care-focused district with no taxing power, intended to help pursue grants and other funding for a new facility. House Bill 4582 addressed attainable housing in Dallas and Tarrant counties, allowing local reimbursement tools for developers under a uniform, optional framework. House Bill 5509 would let municipalities suspend or revoke a hotel’s certificate of occupancy if law enforcement and a criminal court both find probable cause of human trafficking, with the substitute adding due-process protections. House Bill 1532 created a Lake Houston dredging and maintenance district funded by revenue from dredged material sales and revenue bonds, with no taxing authority or eminent domain. House Bill 23, heard as pending business, would revise the process for local governments to rescind development documents and adjust third-party reviewer liability and eligibility rules. House Bill 4580, concerning property tax exemptions for charitable organizations such as the Houston Rodeo, was amended to remove language about exempting revenue from property use and instead focus on land used for agricultural, youth, and educational support. Public testimony was generally supportive on the bills heard, with witnesses including county officials, utility and water association representatives, hotel industry representatives, and housing developers. Several speakers emphasized the need for faster financing or permitting tools, flood mitigation, housing affordability, anti-trafficking enforcement, or local economic development. Some members raised concerns about scope, precedent, consultation with affected senators, and due process, particularly on House Bill 4582 and House Bill 5509, but the committee largely accepted the committee substitutes as improvements. No public testimony was offered on several bills, and most measures were left pending before later being voted out. The committee took recorded votes on multiple pending bills and reported them favorably, often with committee substitutes adopted in lieu of the filed versions. House Bills 1532, 2731, 3483, 5509, 5663, and 4580 were reported out, with 1532 and 5663 passing unanimously and 3483, 2731, and 5509 also receiving favorable votes despite one present-not-voting on 3483. House Bill 23 and House Bill 4582 were left pending subject to call of the chair. The committee then recessed until adjournment or later.

Transcript Highlights:

• It aims to streamline utility relocation for public road and rail corridor projects, ensure utility owners
• It deals with driver's license services, further streamlining the tax collector's critical role in driver's
• The CDL provision was removed at the request of FHP because it did not align with existing practices,

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, Senator Hoffman, as you know, it is our practice in the tax committee for you just to go through
• But, Senator Hoffman, as you know, it is our practice in the tax committee for you just to go through
• But, Senator Hoffman, as you know, it is our practice in the tax committee for you just to go through
• ,<00:16:02.480> limited resulting in canceled practices, limited resulting in canceled practices
• This means limited schedules, late-night practice for young athletes, and far-away practices and games

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:17:39.360> of<00:17:39.600> pharmacy practice is or the practice of pharmacy practice
• , streamlined licensure.
• , streamlined licensure.
• <00:45:12.319> So, enhance practice. So, enhance practice.
• So, >> practice. >> practice. >> practice. >> Yes. Wow. Wow.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So physicians who are currently practicing are eligible.
• And we intended to capture just about any practice category that exists. So I think...
• We intended to capture just about any practice category that exists.
• Such strong, repeatable clinical evidence stands in stark contrast to current practice.
• There are a lot of challenges practicing in an underserved state, but I’ve loved practicing here in the

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rather than standards of professional practice because we know that those lag.
• And so this is streamlining it to the Healthcare Authority.
• It says you have to upload an amendment to the website as soon as practicable, but it doesn't have a
• Pueblos that I represent in our district is that there's no practice of genetic testing.
• So, talking about practicability with the Chief, we did talk about the type of information that comes