Transcript Highlights:

• public and public safety majority of the public and public safety in<01:31:00.880><c> the</c><01:31:
• , the public colleges.
• only to the public universities, the public<01:32:45.920><c> colleges.
• Public allowing employees of public institutions of higher education.
• </c> the public sector. the public sector. &gt;&gt; Thank<10:56:51.436><c> you.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's always unconscionable to me to see that states around us have access to public transit and the MBTA
• to parks, beaches, and trails so everyone can enjoy farmland and expanding access to parks, beaches,
• We are using some of that money for language access and language interpretation so that public meetings
• So it's restricting access.
• So it's restricting access.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The hearing opened with welcomes from the co-chairs and local legislators, followed by remarks from UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, who highlighted the university’s research, sustainability, transportation, and workforce contributions and thanked the administration and legislature for support of public higher education. MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, along with agency leaders, presented the administration’s transportation budget package. They described a combined funding plan through House 2, a Fair Share supplemental budget, and a Chapter 90 bill, emphasizing investments in MassDOT operations, snow and ice response, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, bridge and pavement repair, housing-related transportation improvements, sustainable aviation fuel, microtransit, and local road programs. Officials also highlighted record highway construction activity, safety initiatives such as work zone speed cameras and pedestrian protections, RMV service and equity improvements, airport and drone technology programs, and MBTA gains in reliability, accessibility, ridership, and service expansion. Committee members asked about Western Massachusetts priorities, especially Chapter 90 funding for rural road mileage, bridge repairs, and the Compass Rail/West-East Rail program. MassDOT officials said pending federal grants were moving forward, with some awards recently obligated and others expected as federal processes advance, and they said Palmer Station remains part of the long-term rail plan. Members also raised the Cape Cod bridges and the need for multi-year Chapter 90 funding. Officials said the Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, with construction targeted for 2027, and reiterated that transportation investments support jobs, local economies, and municipal infrastructure statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2015, we have had over 1,000 beach closures and advisories.
• This is a public health emergency for San Diego.
• This impacts all of our beaches along the lower part of the San Diego County area.
• With that, the microphone is open for any members of the public who wish to add on.
• Any other members of the public? Thank you very much. I see some familiar faces.

Committee: House Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• Parks replace all guest room primary lodge entrance access controls.
• Parks replace all guest room primary lodge entrance access controls.
• Parks replace all guest room primary lodge entrance access controls.
• We had nearly $347,000 dedicated to beach refurbishment, which included sand replacement, beach amenities
• </c><00:19:26.480><c> $12</c> and repairs and beach refurbishment. $12 and repairs and beach refurbishment

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Energy and Environmental Protection met at 9:00 a.m., approved the June 3 minutes, and heard a presentation from the Department of Parks and the Finance Cabinet on Kentucky State Parks capital projects. Commissioner Mark Keelin and Scott Baker described the scope of the state parks system, the ongoing coordination with DECA/Finance Cabinet, and the status of projects funded through House Joint Resolution 76, House Bill 553, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. They said 36 of 44 state parks have received renovations or upgrades, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, and outlined work on campgrounds, utilities, wastewater systems, broadband, building systems, safety upgrades, ADA improvements, pools, golf courses, marinas, and lodge accommodations. The presenters highlighted several completed or active projects, including campground upgrades at Carter Caves, Ken Lake, and My Old Kentucky Home; utility and grid-resilience work at parks such as Kentucky Dam Village and Kincaid Lake; wastewater projects at parks including E.P. Tom Sawyer, Carter Caves, Dale Hollow, and Blue Licks Battlefield; and building and hospitality renovations at parks such as Lake Barkley, Baron River, and Cumberland Falls. They also noted completed playground upgrades, lock system replacements, beach refurbishment, and golf course improvements, and said the parks system is managing additional internal projects beyond those discussed. The department emphasized that parks often serve as sheltering locations during disasters and that infrastructure replacement is a high priority. Scott Baker then explained DECA’s role in managing the Commonwealth’s capital construction program, saying it oversees about 1,300 active projects across 28 cabinets and agencies, including 149 parks projects. He described DECA’s team-based approach, with dedicated project managers and field staff assigned to parks, and said monthly status meetings and more frequent check-ins are used to keep projects moving. In response to committee questions, Keelin and Baker said projects are assigned to DECA based mainly on the need for architectural or engineering services, while smaller or less complex work can be handled in-house by parks staff or the P11 construction crew. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This registry will be accessible for public inquiry, allowing communities to be informed and vigilant
• Access to information is a key component of public safety, in the same way as the sex offender registry
• But it is critically important that the public has access to this information because it is a public
• It is important that the public has access to this information because it is a public safety measure.
• And because it's open to the public, it's for public.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It's always unconscionable to me to see that states around us have access to public transit and the MBTA
• It's always unconscionable to me to see that states around us have access to public transit and the MBTA
• to parks, beaches, and trails so everyone can enjoy. farmland and expanding access to parks, beaches
• We are using some of that money for language access and language interpretation so that public meetings
• So it’s restricting access.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• IF TIME PERMITS WILL PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT.
• WE CAN INVESTIGATE SEIZURES, ACCESS TO RECORDS, PROCEDURAL AND MUCH MORE.
• OUR HIGHEST PERCENTAGE HOWEVER FOCUSED ON ACCESS TO ASSOCIATION RECORDS.
• IT'S THE PARTICULAR STUDY THAT FOCUSES ON PALM BEACH, BROWARD AND DADE COUNTY.
• SITTING ON SEVENTEEN .2 ACRES RIGHT ON THE BEACH. SEVENTEEN .2 ACRES.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to hear from the public about you. Thank you. We want to hear from the public.
• Any other public testimony? If not, Mr. Secretary, Senator Gaetz moves the nomination.
• meeting and is currently public information, was appropriate.
• If not, we do have public testimony. And, ma'am, if you'll take your seat for a moment.
• Is there any other public testimony? If not, is there a debate on the nomination? Senator Polsky.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several gubernatorial appointees, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his law enforcement background, social work training, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, seeking statutory recognition and training standards for juvenile detention and probation officers, and increasing bed capacity so adjudicated youth can move from detention into residential programming sooner. Members asked about the impact of detention “dead time” and the need for more beds; Walsh said DJJ is evaluating ways to let youth begin programming earlier while in detention. Public support was noted, and the committee voted unanimously to confirm Walsh and forward his nomination to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee to the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background, service on multiple boards, and prior service on FAU’s board pending confirmation, emphasizing governance, accountability, and strategic planning. Senators questioned her about FAU’s handling of faculty social media controversies, the university’s relationship with its new president, student and faculty engagement, AI planning, diversity, and her role on the Hope Florida board and with CDR Health’s state contracts, including work related to the Everglades detention center. Public testimony included strong opposition from one speaker who criticized her ties to state contracts and Hope Florida, while another senator spoke in support, citing her community service and business experience. The committee voted 5-2 to confirm her, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. Afterward, the committee considered the remaining nominees in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, en bloc. No separate votes were requested, and the committee approved the group of nominees by voice roll call to be forwarded to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a public school parent out of Orange County.
• public schools because... ...parents that have chosen public schools and will continue to choose our
• education, public schools, and two in Miami-Dade that go to public schools.
• First off, I'm a mom of four from Palm Beach County.
• Duval County Public Schools, waving in support.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:34.199><c> have</c> the hottest on record beaches have the hottest on record beaches have
• </c><00:10:08.120><c> and</c> charging stations are accessible and charging stations are accessible and
• </c><00:43:09.319><c> and</c> land access and tenure water access and land access and tenure water access
• , which is something we hear a lot of from the public: people losing access to the beaches, to public
• </c><00:57:49.039><c> health</c> to Solutions we have public health to Solutions we have public health

Transcript Highlights:

• Dave Shukla, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, support if amended.
• Dave Shukla, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, support if amended.
• Dave Shukla, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, support if amended.
• All utilities in California share transmission access charges.
• Do pass as amended to Labor and Public Employment and Retirement.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward. The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do they have access problems?
• It's a very popular beach.
• Public comment? Yes, public comment. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you.
• or geography, have access to education, trusted journalism, and critical public information.
• Our public information on facts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do they have access problems?
• It's a very popular beach.
• Public comment? Yes, public comment. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you.
• or geography, have access to education.
• , and critical public information.

Summary: The hearing focused on the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz) and several related budget proposals. Director D.D. Myers described the California Jobs First economic blueprint, regional planning efforts across 13 regions, and the state’s strategy to target sectors such as ag tech, space, life sciences, semiconductors, and emerging technologies. She also discussed the California brand campaign, export promotion, film tax credits, and the California Civic Media Fund, emphasizing job creation, regional equity, and business attraction/retention. Members raised questions about support for journalism, arts and creative industries, AI’s impact on jobs, foreign direct investment, manufacturing, tariffs, and how the Jobs First framework is being implemented across regions. Go-Biz then presented trailer bill language to extend the encumbrance deadline for remaining Jobs First administrative funds and to codify the Office of Regional Economic Development Initiatives. The department said $95 million of the $100 million Jobs First appropriation had already been deployed to grants for counties and tribes, and members asked for more information on regional outcomes, including Orange County and the North State. Public comment supported Jobs First and the Small Business Development Centers’ role in helping businesses access capital and create jobs. The committee also heard a request for ongoing CalExport funding to replace uncertain federal STEP support; the LAO noted the Legislature may want to weigh whether to backfill federal reductions, while Go-Biz argued the state program is needed because federal support appears unlikely to continue and demand exceeds available funding. The committee next heard the film and television tax credit staffing request. Go-Biz asked for funding for three permanent positions to manage the expanded program, and the LAO recommended approval given the increased workload. The Film Commission reported a sharp rise in applications after AB 1138 and the program expansion, with productions taking place both inside and outside the Los Angeles 30-mile zone and activity spread across the state. Finally, Go-Biz presented a request for one permanent position and one graduate student assistant to support innovation and emerging technologies, including quantum and fusion. Members asked about the use of the state’s quantum funding, and staff explained it would support microgrants, state capacity-building, and workforce education. No formal votes were taken in the portions provided, and the chair indicated some items would be moved and heard later in the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the same access and opportunities as men in every part of society, politics, government, business
• Eileen Mitro is a climate advocate and former public educator.
• She worked as a public school teacher and administrator in Santa Rosa before relocating to Ukiah.
• A long-time public servant and educator, Dr.
• She is dedicated to social justice and student access. Her accomplishments include.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have taken special districts to task for misusing public money.
• And act relating to water access facilities. Are there any amendments?
• It's a matter of public safety and also a moral responsibility as a lawmaker.
• We want to allow kids to have access to guns at 18.
• Mary McLeod Bethune in Daytona Beach, Florida, home to the world's most famous beach.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum confirmed, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for retired fire captain Bill Guston and a welcome for guests in the galleries. The Speaker then outlined the House’s budget approach, saying the proposed General Appropriations Act would be lower than both the governor’s proposal and last year’s budget, and announced plans to seek a permanent 0.75% reduction in the state sales tax. The chamber also received the governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001 and began considering motions to restore several vetoed appropriations. Members unanimously reinstated funding for the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, the Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1 project, the automated staffing/time management system for the Department of Corrections, and the Baldwin sanitary sewer and water main replacement project. The House also adopted special order and GAA amendment-procedure reports. On the special order calendar, the chamber passed HB 289 on boating safety (“Lucy’s Law”), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process, all by wide margins. The most debated measure was HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “free kill” law limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-sought justice measure for families who lost adult children and were barred from suing, while opponents argued it was needed to provide accountability and fairness. The bill passed 104-6. The House then took up HB 759, which would lower the minimum age to purchase or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. An amendment to keep the age at 21 was defeated, and debate featured strong arguments on both sides about constitutional rights, public safety, Parkland, military service, and data on youth violence; the transcript ends during continued debate on the bill, before final passage is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• access.
• And $20 million to complete projects on some of those public access lands that I talked about earlier
• And $20 million to complete projects on some of those public access lands that I talk. and $20 million
• to complete projects on some of those public access lands that I talked about earlier.
• The land management plans, as I said, will guide a phased expansion on public access infrastructure so

Transcript Highlights:

• After all the items are heard, we will take public comment.
• One is the transmission financing study that's due on July 1st, with some public outreach and public
• those essential services and public safety.
• If this hearing comes to an end and people want to make public comment, we'll open it back up for public
• First, on behalf of the Port of Long Beach...

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you're okay with that of Senator Dole Beach out to your sheriff who is well on the way home today
• Florida Police Chiefs Association by way of introduction, I currently serve as the vice president, public
• Whenever the crime was so committed against a police officer, Judge public defender for state attorney
• We, I would say is the domestic tranquility and security and public safety of the state.
• All of those are Lupe 10, really anything that attacks the safety of of the public.

Transcript Highlights:

• Campbell Eva Beach already and school.
• access.
• beaches.
• access.
• beaches.

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.

Transcript Highlights:

• I encourage members of the public who are in. intendents to be aware of and observe those rules.
• to access HIV and hepatitis C. testing.
• This does not only sound public health policy, but also fiscally prudent.
• There are significant risks and dangers to public safety.
• Seal Beach is in my district.

Committee: House Appropriations