Transcript Highlights:

• </c> subcommittee on this procurement stuff. subcommittee on this procurement stuff.
• So they could create a subcommittee on examinations or a subcommittee to consider criminal background
• So they could create a subcommittee<00:10:39.360><c> on</c> subcommittee on subcommittee on examinations
• </c> prohibited from creating subcommittees. prohibited from creating subcommittees.
• I'll second. substantially in subcommittee. Uh having substantially in subcommittee.

Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• listen for subcommittee announcements. >> Judiciary. >> Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• </c> >> Thank you, Madam Speaker. >> Thank you so much. >> Any subcommittee announcements?
• c><00:13:32.840><c> Committee</c> Subcommittee of the Health Committee Subcommittee of the Health Committee
• Vehicle and Transportation Subcommittee Vehicle and Transportation Subcommittee of<00:14:13.720><c> the
• <c> will</c><00:14:25.280><c> meet</c> Subcommittee on Appropriations will meet Subcommittee on Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• And when I call subcommittee announcements, I'm going to uh reference for now to your county.
• Will you please tell us the subcommittee you're representing? Subcommittee announcements.
• </c><00:05:31.440><c> you're</c> please tell us the subcommittee you're please tell us the subcommittee
• <00:05:32.560><c> Subcommittee</c> representing? Subcommittee representing?
• Subcommittee announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Formerly was ranking member on the behavioral health subcommittee. Thank you. Glad you're here.
• work group, Chris, other work groups that have sunsetted, and subcommittees.
• These are just And subcommittees.
• This came out of a subcommittee recommendation, and then... ...the subcommittee recommendation.
• Yeah, I was on that subcommittee, so I think you guys are getting right at the layers.

Summary: The committee met for its final session before submitting a report to the governor and legislature, with introductions from state officials, legislators, advocates, providers, and facilitators. Staff explained that the meeting would focus on finalizing the committee’s strategic priorities and recommendations for a five-year behavioral health plan centered on prevention, early intervention, and community-based services. Members reviewed the draft overarching priorities, including the need for a statewide behavioral health vision and an executive-level role to coordinate behavioral health across agencies, and discussed how those priorities should reflect people with lived experience, families, and community voice. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the draft recommendations and how they should be organized and worded. Members raised concerns that the document was too aspirational and not specific enough, and several suggested moving more detailed actions under the broader priorities rather than leaving them in a separate section. There was also discussion about the use of the term “evidence-based,” with tribal representatives and others asking for language that also recognizes practice-based evidence, promising practices, cultural specificity, and flexibility in funding and implementation. Members also discussed clarifying “early intervention,” adding examples such as universal screening, outpatient access, primary care integration, and home visiting, and ensuring the plan reflects accountability and community feedback. Other edits included clarifying credentialing recommendations to distinguish between licensure and payer credentialing, adding mentorship as a workforce retention strategy, and broadening Medicaid-centric language to include carriers and insurers more generally. Staff noted the report would be revised and sent back out for review by May 22, with comments due by May 27, in order to meet the June 1 submission deadline. No public comment was offered, and the meeting ended with thanks to members and facilitators for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• subcommittee file.
• Subcommittee report is adopted.
• Subcommittee report is adopted.
• Subcommittee report is adopted.
• Subcommittee report is adopted. oppose. Subcommittee report is adopted.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there reports of standing committees and subcommittees? On the desk, Mr. Speaker.
• Are there motions relating to committee and subcommittee references?
• Members, the subcommittee chairs will be recognized to explain their portion of the budget.
• I want to say a quick thank you as well to my entire Pre-K-12 subcommittee. We...
• I want to say a quick thank you as well to my entire Pre-K through 12 subcommittee.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy. Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions. The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the subcommittee reports are normally given by the chairman of the subcommittee.
• The subcommittee report, the chairman would normally give that subcommittee report.
• Chairman, I move for adoption of the subcommittee report.
• Counsel will explain the subcommittee report, or subcommittee bill, in lieu of having it read.
• That was changed by the subcommittee. These were changed by the subcommittee.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• The special language subcommittee met on Wednesday the 22nd and reports the following actions.
• The packet includes all the attachments acted upon by the subcommittee.
• The subcommittee do pass the following six bills.
• the easiest subcommittee, and I'd ask for you to vote against the substitute motion.
• the easiest subcommittee, and I'd ask for you to vote against the substitute motion.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• O'Brien because I know him — on behalf of the subcommittee, yes, so say Mr.
• Are there any other questions from the subcommittee at this point?
• subcommittee subcommittee so<01:53:48.320><c> from</c><01:53:48.599><c> that</c><01:53:48.920><c> perspective
• Representative Nome, any comments or considerations for this subcommittee?
• Representative Burnham, any comments or considerations for the subcommittee?

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Would those subcommittees be included or would that also be exempted from this?
• Would those subcommittees be included or would that also be exempted from this?
• </c><00:02:47.599><c> meetings</c> sub many those subcommittee meetings sub many those subcommittee meetings
• .<00:03:17.599><c> Would</c><00:03:18.000><c> those</c><00:03:18.239><c> subcommittees</c> subcommittees
• Would those subcommittees subcommittees.

Committee: Joint Government Structure

Transcript Highlights:

• What my bill does, members, is it allows a subcommittee of that workforce board to get together and look
• of that workforce board a subcommittee of that workforce board to<00:04:01.680><c> get</c><00:04:01.840
• </c> like to have an additional subcommittee like to have an additional subcommittee on<00:19:09.840>
• </c><00:19:25.760><c> A</c><00:19:25.919><c> subcommittee</c><00:19:26.400><c> that</c> is a subcommittee
• A subcommittee that is a subcommittee.

Summary: The House debated a motion to suspend the rules so House File 3843 could be recalled from committee and given second and third readings for final passage. The bill, carried by Representative Baker and supported by Representative Niska, would create a subcommittee of the governor’s workforce development board to vet nonprofit and other applicants for workforce development dollars, with the legislature retaining final authority. Supporters argued the proposal would add an extra layer of scrutiny, reduce fraud risk, and help prevent problems like those highlighted in recent reporting and past nonprofit funding scandals. Supporters repeatedly tied the bill to concerns about fraud in state grantmaking, citing the Feeding Our Future scandal and other nonprofit cases as examples of why more oversight is needed. Representative Baker said the committee process can be overwhelmed by many direct-appropriation requests at the end of session, and that a board-based vetting process would help identify red flags. Representative Enen and Representative Schultz also backed the motion, saying the bill would improve accountability and protect taxpayer dollars. Representative Pinto opposed the urgency motion, saying he supports moving toward more competitive grants but not adding another layer of bureaucracy without a fiscal note or fuller committee process. He argued the bill would not do what supporters claimed and that the legislature already makes funding decisions. After debate, the House took a roll call vote on the motion to suspend the rules. The motion failed by one vote, 67 yeas to 66 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is from the subcommittee working group on children. We should have this in their packets.
• So having said that, I think a vote would be appropriate. ...and safety protocols from that subcommittee
• Now we have subcommittee recommendations from the subcommittee on parents, money, and sports, and facilities
• Our recommendation number two... ...again from the subcommittee on facilities, money, and sports, and
• Is it, am I accurate in my understanding that all of the subcommittees, after today, that we just voted

Summary: The Massachusetts Youth Sports Working Group held a public hearing and working group meeting focused on finalizing recommendations for youth sports regulation. Members first approved the minutes from the April 27 public hearing and the April 7 working group meeting by roll call votes. The group then discussed and approved a health and safety protocol recommendation from the children’s subcommittee. The updated language broadened the state’s authority from concussion-specific rules to protocols covering injuries and health risks more generally, including issues such as heat and related emergency responses. Members noted that this could also encompass emergency action plans for sports events. The recommendation passed by roll call. Next, the group considered two recommendations from the parents, money, sports, and facilities subcommittee. The first would prohibit facilities or organizations from banning parents or family members from recording youth sports events, reflecting concerns about private streaming requirements. The second would direct the state agency to work across government on a grant program offering low- to zero-interest capital funding for organizations or facilities that meet youth sports access benchmarks. Both recommendations were approved by roll call. No public testimony was offered beyond a few attendees indicating they were only observing, and the meeting adjourned after a final call for comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Behavioral Health Subcommittee members.
• Our Legislative Health and Human Services Committee has two subcommittees. attached to it.
• So we set in place last year, a committee, Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee.
• So, it'll be the Federal Funding Stabilization and Affordability Subcommittee. And Mr.
• I've already mentioned the Behavioral Health Subcommittee.

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason for that is if this subcommittee decides today to move forward with this contract, it will
• then go through the Executive Subcommittee at its March 19th meeting, and then final approval would
• of work for what's presented to the Executive Subcommittee.
• So the subcommittee is defined at the beginning of the contract as this subcommittee.
• Sir, so the subcommittee is defined at the beginning of the contract as this subcommittee, and that's

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee met to review an audit and recommendations from the Alliance for Opportunity on reforming Arkansas workforce and social service delivery. Members discussed creating a more integrated, regional, “one-door” system that would combine eligibility screening, job training, and service referrals across DHS, workforce, health, and related programs, with an emphasis on reducing administrative overhead and redirecting more funds to direct services and training. Several members raised the need to include groups such as people in generational poverty, rural residents, reentry populations, and people involved in the court system, while also ensuring access for those without digital skills or technology. Artificial intelligence was a major topic. Members suggested using AI and a centralized database or virtual hub to pre-populate forms, identify program eligibility, notify workforce agencies, and improve efficiency, while still maintaining case managers and in-person support for those who need it. There was also discussion of benefit cliffs, DHS processes that may hinder employment, and the need for industry input and working groups to study AI and other issues. Members repeatedly asked for measurable outcomes, including return-on-investment estimates, cost savings, and performance metrics tied to the number of people moved into self-sufficiency and employment. The committee then reviewed a draft consultant services agreement with Work Ed Consulting LLC, represented by Mason Bishop, to assist with the study under Act 145 of 2025. The contract would run from March 20, 2025 through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000 plus possible additional services up to 10% if approved. Bishop said his work would include ongoing ROI updates and that his experience included helping create Utah’s workforce department and assisting Louisiana with similar reforms. After questions about oversight and deliverables, Representative Beck moved to advance the contract, Senator Sullivan seconded, and the committee approved it by voice vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there reports of standing committees and subcommittees? On the desk, Mr. Speaker.
• Are there motions relating to committee and subcommittee references?
• Members, the subcommittee chairs will be recognized to the Florida House.
• I want to say a quick thank you as well to my entire Pre-K-12 subcommittee.
• I want to say a quick thank you as well to my entire Pre-K through 12 subcommittee.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then adopted the special order report and moved into a series of budget-related bills. The chamber first took up HB 5011/SB 2506 on environmental resource management and natural resources funding, where Democrats argued the bill would reduce recurring support for the Resilient Florida program, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. Supporters said the change would shift money from recurring to nonrecurring funding so the Legislature could reassess priorities each year and rely more on private-sector stewardship. After a strike-all amendment and conference posture change, SB 2506 passed 97-12. HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves, passed 108-0, and HB 5501, redirecting documentary stamp tax distributions from housing and transportation trust funds into general revenue, passed 82-26 after extended debate over its impact on affordable housing and transportation funding. The House also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, which requires DMS to develop a formulary management system and was described as producing significant savings; members raised concerns about prescription access and implementation, but the bill passed 109-0. HB 5201 on state financial accounting and HB 5203 on the Capitol Center both passed unanimously, as did HB 5009, which creates a Florida Accountability Office and reorganizes audit functions. The chamber then passed HB 7031, a major sales tax reduction bill lowering the state sales tax rate and several related rates; supporters framed it as permanent relief for all Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more meaningful and that the sales tax cut would also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. HB 7031 passed 112-0. The House then began consideration of HB 501, the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget, totaling $112.9 billion and emphasizing reduced recurring spending and large reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined their budget silos: K-12 education at $20.6 billion with teacher raises, school hardening, literacy, transportation stipends, and security funding for Jewish day schools; health care at $47 billion with full Medicaid and KidCare funding, opioid settlement spending, mental health beds, and senior services; transportation/economic development at $18.5 billion; agriculture and natural resources at $5.8 billion with reduced Everglades spending but continued water, resiliency, and land management funding; higher education at $8.7 billion; state administration at $2.9 billion; justice at $7.3 billion; and IT at $529 million for Florida PALM, FX, and other systems. Members then began questioning the K-12 budget, focusing on FEFP funding, proration, voucher growth, stabilization dollars, mental health and school safety funding, and whether districts would be held harmless under the proposed allocations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the House grant permission for all committees and subcommittees to meet while the House is
• For purposes of this motion, committees and subcommittees scheduled to meet. be convened today upon final
• HB 2836 by Nishihara, relating to the minimum wage, refer to the subcommittee. in the workforce.
• Lease to an elderly person for the subcommittee on property tax appraisals.
• Army Sergeant Raymond Garcia-Gutierrez. for the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there motions relating to committee and subcommittee references?
• By the Health and Human Services Committee, Justice Budget Subcommittee, Criminal Justice Subcommittee
• Education Subcommittee and Representative Cassell and others.
• Education Administration Subcommittee, Careers and Workforce Subcommittee, and Representative Hunchowski
• By Education Administration Subcommittee, Careers and Workforce Subcommittee, and Representative Hunschofsky

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two fallen service members, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement officers and visiting students and advocates. Members then adopted the special order report and moved into the special-order calendar. The first major item was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which was explained as a broad measure covering sales tax holidays, property tax changes, tax credits, pari-mutuel tax reductions, vacation-rental tax collection, and decoupling from federal tax changes. Members asked about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution and the package’s mix of consumer and housing provisions, while opponents objected to the gun-related tax holiday. The bill passed 105-2. The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations 107-0, with supporters saying it would strengthen Florida’s competitiveness in commercial aerospace. CS for SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed unanimously after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened specialty-plate financial and nonprofit requirements. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed 100-0 after supporters said it built on prior PBM reforms by requiring fairer pharmacy reimbursement and limiting forced losses on drugs. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed 109-0 after an amendment clarifying fingerprinting requirements, and CS/CS HB 527 on insurance claim denials passed 100-0 with a requirement for human review before claims are denied or reduced solely by AI. The House also passed CS HB 1449 on the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program 100-0 after narrowing the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims at or below $50,000. CS HB 93 on protection from surgical smoke passed 178-0 after extensive emotional debate, with supporters describing it as a long-sought patient and worker safety measure requiring smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers. Later, CS HB 1217 on prohibited governmental greenhouse-gas policies passed 29-0 after questions clarified that it would bar net-zero policies and related funding arrangements but not general energy efficiency or incidental emissions reductions; opponents argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts, while supporters said it protected energy reliability and affordability. The House then began debate on CS/CS HB 1461 on advanced nuclear reactors, with sponsors describing a framework for licensing and oversight of small modular and microreactors and supporters arguing it would help meet future energy demand and improve reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Natural Resource Disaster Subcommittee CS for...
• SUBCOMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVE MELO AND OTHERS.
• BY INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE AND...
• BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUBCOMMITTEE AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND IS AFTER THE SUBCOMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVE
• By the Professional Activities Subcommittee and...

Bills: SB 2 , HB 2 , HB 2000 , HB 2196 , HB 213 , HB 222 , HB 645 , HB 1458 , HB 1022 , HB 141 , HB 502 , HB 643 , HB 3093 , HB 1700 , HB 117 , SB 503 , SB 2 , HB 120 , HB 20 , HB 150 , HB 6 , HB 100 , HB 210 , HB 215 , HB 1393 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB 142 , HB 451 , HB 124 , HB 2 , HB 2000 , HB 2196 , HB 213 , HB 222 , HB 645 , HB 1458 , HB 1022 , HB 141 , HB 502 , HB 643 , HB 3093 , HB 1700 , HB 117

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to bring in a subcommittee now.
• And then to the members of the Subcommittee.
• Of the subcommittee are listening.
• Any questions from members of the subcommittee?
• We'll have to see if we have two more than subcommittees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I would like the committee to restore Senator Bobby Champion as the chair of the subcommittee
• </c><00:20:25.280><c> on</c> as the the chair of the subcommittee on as the the chair of the subcommittee
• Senator Pappas moves to remove Senator Pappas as the chair of the subcommittee on ethical conduct and
• on ethics because Senator subcommittee on ethics because Senator Champion<00:21:40.559><c> asked</c>
• Uh, Senator Pappas moves to remove Senator Pappas as the chair of the subcommittee on ethical conduct

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration