Transcript Highlights:

• My professional background is education advocacy.
• My professional background is education advocacy.
• FDLRS is professionally—I love it—but my private life prepared me for FDLRS.
• I love what I do professionally. My blood and sweat is in this work.
• Professional learning opportunities can be offered face-to-face.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process. The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data. The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• professional license. professional license.
• again hold that full professional again hold that full professional license<00:14:46.800> both
• a you know an hour of professional a you know an hour of professional development<00:41:14.800><
• And as a professional development.
• So, I just professional requirements.

Bills: HF3635, HF3638

Keywords: teacher mobility, interstate compact, licensure, military spouses, education, teacher regulation, teacher qualifications, state sovereignty, educator licensing, paraprofessional credentials, mental health, professional development, data sharing, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• electricians to design systems alongside professional engineers.
• It maintains long-standing regulatory understanding and supports professionals who have worked within
• The design shall not be subcontracted to unlicensed professionals, firms, or corporations.
• , for, for professional engineering, license renewal for 1 year to 2 years.
• This adds professional rodeos.

Transcript Highlights:

• Electricians are allowed to design systems alongside professional engineers.
• Designed professionals are authorized by statute.
• It shall not be subcontracted to unlicensed professionals, firms, or corporations.
• I'm sorry, for professional engineering license renewal from one year to two years.
• This adds professional rodeos.

Bills: HB589, HB705, HB1842, HB1874, HB2349, HB2614, HB2827, HB3012, HB3214, HB3308, HB3385, HB3529

Keywords: cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, charitable raffles, nonprofit, wildlife conservation, ticket sales, fundraising, master electrician, electrical work, occupational licensing, work scope, Texas law, Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC, real estate broker, sales agent

Transcript Highlights:

• 37:55.520> piece<00:37:55.760> is that professional development piece is that professional
• appreciate that the professional appreciate that the professional teaching<00:45:15.040> standards
• language instruction, this professional language instruction, this professional development<01:09
• <01:20:52.560> development for what this professional development for what this professional
• <01:23:34.880> development then uh offers professional development then uh offers professional

Bills: HB0023, HB0024, HB0025

Keywords: extracurricular activities, public school participation, enrollment, Wyoming, student access, charter schools, application process, authorizers, public hearing, community support, scholarship, education, eligibility, continuous enrollment, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Agricultural science professionals who work with the farmers of the South Plains to maximize production
• Tech University Health Sciences Center produces by far the largest number of health care professionals
• areas, like mental health professionals, addiction counselors, PT, OT. school counselors, and the list
• Nationally, only 5 percent of professional pilots are women.
• We recognize statistics tells you that where medical professionals gain their education is more likely

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1 of this bill requires the Commission on Professional Standards in Education to exempt applicants
• Participants will take part in professional development curriculum, including at least 10 sessions.
• So they would meet, and then they would provide additional support and professional development to their
• So they would meet, and then they would provide additional support and professional development to their
• Dedicated professionals who play a vital role in our classrooms and communities.

Bills: SB175, SB277, SB374, SB400

Keywords: military, veterans, education, teaching, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, licensure, certification, public schools, charter schools, school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, internship, practicum, student support services, mental health, harassment, bullying, power-based violence, school safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say my professional as well as my personal.
• As a professional, I've been in the field for almost 40 years now. Actually, it's been 40 years.
• Upward Bound program at Cal State San Bernardino needed a speaker who wasn't a professional.
• I think it goes along with what my colleagues said: professional learning.
• And I know that I actually do a lot of professional learning around math.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board and Christopher Ferguson, Brian Haynes, Anna Marie de Mars, and Ronald Fiore to the Student Aid and Student Athletic commissions. The committee also approved references of bills to committees by a 5-0 vote. It then heard testimony from Julia Montgomery, nominated as General Counsel to the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, who described her long career serving agricultural workers and said the ALRB’s mission is to protect workers’ rights, support fair bargaining, and ensure access to information and resources. Questions to Montgomery focused on card-check unionization procedures, signature authenticity, outreach to farmworkers, and enforcement of make-whole orders. Senator Grove raised concerns about workers being pressured or not knowing what they signed, while Montgomery said objections and unfair labor practice charges can be filed and investigated, though the office does not independently verify signatures unless there is an allegation. Senator Reyes pressed on delays in collecting make-whole awards, including the Tri-Fanucchi case; Montgomery said appeals, bankruptcies, and employer closures often delay relief, but the agency seeks settlements and enforcement when possible. The committee voted 3-2 to advance Montgomery’s appointment to the full Senate. The committee then considered three State Board of Education nominees: Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez. In their testimony, all three emphasized long careers in education, support for students and teachers, and the importance of early learning, community schools, professional development, and aligning instructional materials with standards. Members questioned them about math achievement, the 2023 mathematics framework and Algebra I access, the state’s low national rankings, transitional kindergarten access, and a proposed change to education governance. The nominees said they support flexibility for students ready for Algebra I, believe recent instructional materials and professional learning will help improve outcomes, and had not been involved in governance-structure discussions. Public witnesses from school and child-serving organizations spoke in strong support. The committee then advanced Glover Woods and Gonzalez on 3-1 votes and Lewis on a 4-1 vote for full Senate confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• She approaches complex problems with professionalism, humility, and a collaborative spirit.
• This bill expands the licensed professionals eligible to act as medical consultants in the following
• Today, we have a lot more professional licenses that are fully qualified that can fit under this same
• This bill expands the licensed professionals eligible to act as medical consultants in the following
• This bill expands the licensed professionals eligible to act as medical consultants in the following

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're talking about it. else, optometrists are highly, highly educated professionals.
• We could talk to some of the professionals today, and you'll In fact, there are doctors.
• It is very vague how these professionals are going to be trained to do these procedures.
• It is very vague how these professionals are going to be trained to do these procedures.
• However, optometrists are highly, highly specialized and educated professionals as well.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Professional evaluations and physicians' letters are not the same thing.
• to professional evaluations to make<00:07:28.680> the<00:07:28.800> bill<00:07:29.120>
• evaluations and Physicians professional evaluations and Physicians letters<00:07:33.919> are<
• could just add in um professional could just add in um professional evaluations<00:07:44.599>
• Professional evaluation—so is this something that's been discussed?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee continued hearing several bills. HB 399 would create an additional district court judgeship in the First Circuit; it drew support from the Judiciary, Public Defender, State Bar, Financial Services Association, and others, and there was no opposition. HB 560 would appropriate funds for Judiciary contracts with community-based organizations; many service providers and coalition representatives testified in support, emphasizing the growing gap between contract payments and the actual cost of services, especially for domestic violence, youth, legal aid, and other vulnerable populations. HB 648 would establish a two-year pilot program in the First Circuit probate and family court for guardianship and conservatorship-related resources; the Office of the Public Guardian and disability advocates supported it, while suggesting amendments to clarify that the bill refers to professional evaluations, including psychological, neurocognitive, or functional evaluations, rather than just physicians’ letters. The committee also heard HB 990, which appropriates funds for claims against the state, with the Attorney General noting 21 claims totaling about $6.5 million plus two additional resolved claims and requesting corrections to identify two matters as judgments rather than settlements. HB 991 would clarify that the Attorney General may conduct FBI fingerprint-based background checks on contractors and employees; it was supported by the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and others, with an amendment to include subcontractors. HB 998 would provide that omissions or errors in citations do not require dismissal or reversal if they do not prejudice the defendant; the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while one testifier opposed it, and members discussed whether the language adequately protects due process and how it would apply when identifying information is unavailable. Finally, HB 1174 would address payment-under-protest lawsuits by allowing interest earned on certain funds to be paid in non-taxation cases if the claimant prevails and by setting procedures for premature filings. After testimony, the committee moved into decision-making and recommended passage of HB 399, HB 560, HB 648, HB 990, HB 991, HB 998, and HB 1174, generally with amendments where noted, including effective-date changes and the requested clarifications. The measures were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 10:06.959> that<00:10:07.279> professional may know that professional may know that professional
• both a mother and a working professional both a mother and a working professional serving<00:24:
• > load Because of the professional load Because of the professional load teachers<00:25:41.520
• There are so professional standards.
• <00:53:33.280> standards um variances on professional standards um variances on professional

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We coordinate professional development, learning, and networking opportunities for staff.
• teachers and providing professional teachers and providing professional development<00:34:55.200
• schools and part-time par professionals schools and part-time par professionals struggling<01:16
• funding to support for for professional funding to support for for professional development<01:36
• <01:37:30.679> member-driven Association a professional member-driven Association a professional

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes professionalism. It includes ethics.
• Technology that can save money, technology that can allow legal professionals, the support professionals
• And then we also have a professional ethics committee, which, you know, We also have a professional ethics
• So we're really proud of our professional ethics committee.
• So we're really proud of our professional ethics committee.

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 413, relating to attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs in family law cases. Representative Gottlieb explained that the bill and strike-all amendment were intended to promote fairness, create more uniformity across circuits, expand judicial discretion in awarding fees, and strengthen enforcement language. Members discussed how the amendment’s reference to good-faith settlement offers would apply only after trial in fee determinations, not during the trial itself. Jamie Epstein of the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section supported the measure overall, saying it would improve consistency and deter bad-faith litigation, but noted concern about one paragraph creating a presumption of entitlement to fees in contempt actions. The committee adopted the strike-all amendment and then passed HB 413 favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. Chair Koster said the bill would provide needed clarification in family law practice and help parties litigate more professionally and amicably. After the vote, the committee heard a presentation from Florida Bar President Sayah Baker Barnes on the Florida Bar’s role and the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. Baker Barnes described the Florida Bar as an arm of the Florida Supreme Court responsible for regulating lawyers, protecting the public, handling discipline, reimbursing some victims of lawyer theft through the client security fund, and providing continuing legal education. She said AI use among lawyers has grown rapidly and that the Bar has created committees, guidance, and an ethics opinion to help lawyers use AI responsibly. She emphasized that lawyers remain responsible for the accuracy of AI-generated citations and work product, noted that Florida courts have already disciplined lawyers and a pro se litigant for fake AI-generated citations, and discussed confidentiality, privilege, and deepfake concerns. Members asked about protecting client information and finding best-practice resources, and she directed them to the Bar’s LegalFuel site and AI guidance materials. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:15:57.600> associations<01:15:58.520> and professional associations and professional
• patients who receive professional patients who receive professional interpretation<01:24:16.920>
• <01:25:00.159> interpreting highquality professional interpreting highquality professional
• professional professional development<01:26:17.080> advocating<01:26:17.600> for<01:26
• interpreters healthc care professional interpreters healthc care professional policy<01:29:10.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 72 is really a common-sense bill, and all we're looking for is parity for professionals.
• They see their jobs as professionals, and their responsibility is very different from those who
• this professional abdigate this professional responsibility<00:31:59.279> is<00:31:59.440>
• <00:37:25.200> or health health care professional or health health care professional or health
• I'm trying to figure out where the stigma and the fear about our professionals come from.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first moved through administrative regulations without comment. The committee then heard Senate Bill 56, sponsored by Senator Gerald Neal, which would require Medicaid and its managed care entities to treat non-opioid pain medications on equal footing with opioid analgesics by prohibiting more restrictive coverage controls, prior authorization, or step therapy for non-opioids. Neal argued the bill would improve access to safer pain treatment options and reduce the risk of opioid use disorder, and Billy O'Brien of Young People in Recovery testified in support, describing personal experiences where non-opioid options were difficult to obtain despite a desire to avoid opioids. After discussion, the bill received a motion and second and passed the committee on a 10-0 vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Senator Don Douglas and presented with Greg Chaffin of Alliance Defending Freedom. Douglas described the bill as a provider recruitment and retention measure intended to protect health care workers from being compelled to act against their conscience and to address workforce shortages and pressure in health care settings. He said the bill would protect individual beliefs while maintaining professionalism. A large number of witnesses then testified, and the chair limited public comments to two minutes each because of the number of speakers and the controversy surrounding the bill. Most public testimony opposed SB 72. Speakers including representatives of the Kentucky Council of Churches, a psychologist, an ordained minister and nurse, a nurse practitioner, and an ACLU policy strategist argued the bill was overly broad, could allow refusals of care by a wide range of health care workers, and could delay or deny treatment, especially for vulnerable patients and in rural or emergency settings. Several cited concerns about discrimination, patient safety, and the lack of adequate protections for patients. One witness recounted the death of an 18-year-old pregnant patient as an example of the harm that can result from delayed care. The transcript ends during additional testimony on SB 72, before any committee vote or final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND A VARIETY OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SESSIONS READ AS FOR ALL THESE FACILITATE ONE OF THE TWO STATE
• THE SRLD CONTRIBUTED TO PLANNING WITH K2 TEACHERS AND PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SESSIONS TO IMPROVE
• THE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SESSIONS FOCUSED ON INCREASING UNDERSTANDING OF HOW FOUNDATIONAL LEADERSHIP
• SRLD'S PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING THROUGH RAISE UNIVERSAL WEBINARS IN THE DISTRICT AND SCHOOL-BASED
• PROFESSIONAL LEARNING SESSIONS ALL RAISED SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND UNIVERSAL WEBINARS WHICH ARE

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolutions commending the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals on
• Welcome to our guests from the American Association of Safety Professionals.
• Whereas the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals will recognize May
• And whereas the American Society of Safety Professionals, members, the Occupational Safety and Health
• Day, and further encourages all residents to support activities... ...Safety and Health Professional

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution commending the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals for recognizing North American Occupational Safety and Health Week and Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day. Senators welcomed guests from the chapter, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber also briefly recessed for a photo with the guests. The Senate then received a message from the Governor filing the Ride Safe Act, which would enhance the safe use of micromobility devices such as mopeds, electric scooters, and bikes. The message noted the bill’s connection to the Mass Leads Act and a special commission on micromobility regulation. The matter was referred to the Committee on Transportation. The Senate next took up and passed to be engrossed House No. 5245, establishing a sick leave bank for Courtney Cochran, an employee of the Department of Children and Families. The Senate also adopted an order setting its next formal session for Thursday at 11 a.m. and later considered an order governing filing deadlines for amendments to the General Appropriation Bill and scheduling its second reading on May 19, 2026. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• organizational structure and accountability of the certification, pathways for advancement and professional
• Also, the centers will create professional development opportunities in Indigenous pedagogy.
• So this would replace the existing associate, professional, Three-tiered system.
• You've been a wonderful addition and always pleasant, very professional.
• You've been wonderful addition and always pleasant, very professional.

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's mental health professionals first were clinical trainees.
• > clinical professionals first were clinical professionals first were clinical trainees. trainees
• What you are compensated as a professional within an organization is a separate question.
• And so to um and I'm professional is being compensated is professional is being compensated is based<
• compensating the professional. compensating the professional.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on a health insurance/home care nursing provision and on other consumer protection items. Nick Keis and Emily Walters, both parents of medically complex children, testified that commercial health plans had recently begun capping home care nursing as if it were intermittent home health visits, which they said was contrary to Minnesota law and legislative intent dating to 2010. They described severe impacts on their families, including hospitalizations, loss of nursing coverage, strain on waiver budgets, and the risk of children being forced out of the home and into institutions. Representative Bierman echoed that the bill was a straightforward clarification of existing law, not a new mandate or added cost, and a staff member later cited the statutory definition of home care nursing as ongoing, continuous nursing services that cannot be met through intermittent or visit-based care. The committee also discussed the practical difference between home health visits and private duty/home care nursing, with testimony emphasizing that the latter is medically necessary, assessed, and not unlimited in practice. Laura Sales of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office testified on changes to the Consumer Protection Restitution Fund (CIPRA). She said the fund has begun distributing restitution, starting with consumers harmed by the closure of Woodbury Dental Arts, but that current statutory language limits the office’s flexibility to prorate payments. She asked for an amendment allowing the AGO to distribute available funds more equitably so more eligible consumers can receive some payment, rather than requiring full payment to the oldest claims first. Annette Meeks, representing Citizens Against Gambling Expansion, testified in support of banning sweepstakes gambling in the Commerce Committee omnibus report. She argued that online sweepstakes casinos are an illegal gray-market form of gambling, cited rapid growth and billions in revenue, and said other states have acted through enforcement and legislation to stop them. She urged the committee to include language from Senate File 4474 to clarify state law and prohibit sweepstakes gambling. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting shown; members mainly asked questions and received testimony.