Transcript Highlights:

• We certainly saw that on the ground in places like Horseshoe Beach, where they had lost a marina.
• I was there on the ground and saw it and represent Horseshoe Beach and Perry.
• So I commend you in your spirit of public service. Thank you.
• Pine Island, we restored access in three days.
• Our initial response is just simply to get access restored.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met to continue its review of hurricane impacts and state response. The committee first heard from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which described its four core functions—preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation—and highlighted its 24/7 State Watch Office, regional training efforts, and disaster assistance work. Deputy Executive Director Keith Pruitt detailed the state’s 2024 storm response, including Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, citing large-scale mission support, flood-control deployments, meal and water distribution, power restoration, debris removal, and billions in disaster funding and mitigation dollars. He also discussed debris management challenges and recommended that local governments update and exercise debris plans and maintain contingency contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where are the people with power, influence, access when rights are being tested?
• :33.279><c> with</c><00:15:33.600><c> power,</c><00:15:34.480><c> influence,</c><00:15:35.680><c> access
• </c> people with power, influence, access people with power, influence, access when<00:15:36.800><c>
• </c><00:23:02.960><c> Councilwoman</c><00:23:04.159><c> Michelle</c> North Beach Councilwoman Michelle
• North Beach Councilwoman Michelle Crosby,<00:23:05.919><c> my</c><00:23:06.240><c> sister,</c><00:23

Transcript Highlights:

• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• Jeff Aaron to the Public Employees Relations Commission.
• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• Moving them to direct dispense also means they're losing access to their health care and access to their

Transcript Highlights:

• We are providing better access to care.
• But but we are and it's just access to care.
• This legislation simply removes unnecessary barriers to access accessing mental health care while maintaining
• Access to the Florida.
• Are you seeing no further public testimony?

Transcript Highlights:

• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings which members of the public were invited
• Jeff Aaron to the Public Employees Relations Commission.
• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• Moving them to direct dispense also means they're losing access to their health care and access to their

Summary: The Senate first handled a large batch of executive appointments reported by the Ethics and Elections Committee. Senators debated several nominees, with some members objecting to particular appointees over their views or past conduct. The report on the first group of appointments was adopted 31-0, and Jeffrey Aaron’s separate confirmation to the Public Employee Relations Commission was approved 26-10 after extended debate centered on his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations that he helped facilitate the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds into political activity. The chamber then considered Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. Supporters praised her work on Medicaid directed payments and hospital funding, while opponents criticized her prior tenure at the Department of Children and Families, citing problems with Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage, Hope Florida oversight, and a women’s shelter case. The Senate adopted her confirmation report 32-5. Next, Taylor Hatch’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families was taken up; the committee report noted ongoing concerns about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and Hope Florida, but recommended confirmation based on her stated commitments to reform. After debate over DCF’s performance and accountability, the Senate adopted her confirmation report 33-4. After a brief recess, the Senate held a recognition ceremony for outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered lengthy remarks praising her leadership, diligence, humor, and support for members, often recalling personal interactions and her role in shaping legislation and mentoring newer senators. The ceremony emphasized her service as Senate President and continued leadership as Rules Chair, and included a presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would protect public health.
• health and public purpose goals; welcoming and attracting improved private support for important public
• We need public resources for public health.
• access license.
• I understand sand is used for beach nourishment projects, including on Duxbury Beach to mitigate the

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination. Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, no public testimony, no public comment.
• Do we have public testimony? Seeing no public testimony, thank you so much. Thank you.
• Do we have public testimony? We do have some public testimony.
• colleges public.
• Colleges public.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not public.
• public safety.
• accessing it.
• the public can see it.
• Also needed to access.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• that was actually author largely by Florida makes that was a partnership with about 30 different public
• And and and we said, you know, how many life sciences companies there are in Palm Beach County, your
• She didn't know there's about 300 in Palm Beach County and she was blown away.
• I think to tell that story, you need public private partnership with the companies to actually helps
• Access to capital is is always the case. Part of that is just promoting the programs that we have.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tab 7 Cs for Cs for SB 268. >> On public records, congressional members and public officers.
• Sb 268 creates a public record exemption far.
• We all have office hours very accessible to the to the public, but to just show up at someone's house
• But I've always maintain that this is a public, a public job, and I have no problems discussing public
• I will continue to have everybody open and accessible to.

Transcript Highlights:

• My only question really relates to ends in state statue, Miami-Dade County, Broward and Palm Beach, all
• I fact sheet frequently asked questions and answers and also a public engagement checklist.
• I am working on entitlements and Palm Beach and Broward and Dade to build these first locations.
• Chairman Matthew and leading the relations and public policy freedom ability.
• I would venture to say first in the world, some of the publications that have been coming out of this

Transcript Highlights:

• Any members of the public who wish to testify in opposition to the bill?
• And this doesn't affect their eligibility for public benefits or financial aid.
• Orkidia de Bray Reyes, on behalf of Long Beach City College, in support.
• Members of the public. Chair and committee members, I'm Barbara Schmitz.
• Any members of the public who wish to testify in opposition to the bill?

Committee: House Human Services

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several measures focused on child welfare, early childhood services, and access to public benefits. AJR 12 recognized May 2025 as Head Start Month and urged Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding. Supporters described Head Start’s role in providing education, health, nutrition, and family support services, especially in rural and low-income communities. The resolution passed 6-0, later updated to 7-0 with an add-on vote. SB 624, the Foster Act, would expand access to the California Foster Youth Tax Credit by requiring county child welfare agencies and juvenile probation departments to mail information to non-minor foster youth and by directing CDSS to issue guidance on outreach and filing support. Testimony emphasized that many eligible youth do not claim the credit, while those who do often receive meaningful refunds that help with rent, transportation, debt, and other basic needs. The bill was supported by foster youth advocates and committee members and passed 7-0 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 778 would broaden eligibility for the Migrant Child Care and Development Program by redefining migrant agricultural worker family and allowing self-certification of income eligibility. Supporters said the change would ease enrollment for farmworker families facing seasonal work, language barriers, and verification challenges. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 444, SB 471, and SB 792, all on a 7-0 vote. Finally, SB 739 would authorize CDSS to check whether counties in federally declared disaster areas can provide timely CalFresh and Disaster CalFresh services, aimed at preventing delays when local systems are damaged or overwhelmed. Supporters said the measure would help ensure families can access food benefits during emergencies. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations, and the committee adjourned after all items were processed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's ultimately all about trying to leverage the public dollars, or at least the backstop of public
• access to coastal resources.
• access to coastal resources.
• They also impact the environment and public access to the coast, potentially, especially in places like
• access policies.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Transcript Highlights:

• for public schools and K-12 scholarships, representing a $693 million increase over the current year
• Public and charter schools. Five million for district threat management coordinators.
• Charters are public schools, too, and so we certainly reflect that. Leader Berman. Thank you, Mr.
• hospitals. ...cuts when it comes to Medicaid for the non-critical access hospitals.
• Not for state attorneys or public defenders, but yes, for the judges.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing. After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will do just that, ensuring that all public school students have access to computer science
• By expanding access to technology and incorporation in our public education, we are...
• By expanding access to technology and incorporation in our public education, we are opening doors for
• We need all children to be children and for them to have equal access to public education, including
• We need all children to be children and for them to have equal access to public education, including

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sweezey for legislation to establish a review process for guidelines for managing recreational use of beaches
• Sweezey relative to over-sand vehicle access and other recreational activities on beaches, severally
• supplied to manufactured housing communities, local approval received; House Bill 1113, regarding public
• The House bill regarding public insurance adjusters. House number 1113.
• An act regarding public insurance adjusters. House No. 1113.

Summary: The House took up a series of Rules Committee orders extending reporting deadlines for several committees, including Education, Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, and Revenue. Each order was considered under suspension of the rules and adopted. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals on consumer-connected devices, a trail designation in Groton, beach and habitat management, genetic discrimination in insurance, and antitrust enforcement. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended a slate of bills for House consideration, largely local or municipal matters involving Taunton water billing, public insurance adjusters, electronic filing of property valuation forms, tax payment interest rules, and various local property tax exemptions and housing trust fund matters. Those bills were read a second time and ordered to a third reading. The House also passed to be enacted several engrossed bills, including police age-waiver measures for Boston officers, Bridgewater town governance bills, and a Cambridge employment and job training trust bill. Later, the House concurred in a Senate further amendment to the Rockland charter bill, passed a Wellesley property tax deferral bill to be engrossed, and passed a bill allowing Nick Santos to take the civil service exam for a Harrell police officer position despite the age limit. The session ended with an order to adjourn and the House standing adjourned until the next Wednesday morning, with roll calls scheduled for 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it could create an actual access crunch on the other.
• done by the Florida Sheriff's Association, but that's not for public view.
• It's taking three to four months for people in Palm Beach County to get a bed.
• Matt Metz, public defender from the Seventh Circuit. That's the Daytona Beach area.
• That's the Daytona Beach area.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• And that ends public testimony. Yes, sir. Thank you for being here. And that ends public testimony.
• in Palm Beach County, right?
• Palm Beach is the only one we're changing. Thank you. Beach issue. You're recognized.
• Palm Beach is the only one we're changing. Thank you. Palm Beach issue. You're recognized.
• We have an obligation to protect the public.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first considered SB 86, which would make it unlawful for unauthorized aliens to operate commercial motor vehicles in Florida. The sponsor described the bill as a highway safety measure, requiring lawful presence, a valid CDL, English proficiency, and the ability to communicate with law enforcement. The bill also provides for impoundment, custody transfer to federal authorities, a civil penalty on the motor carrier, and an out-of-service order. An amendment was adopted, public testimony included support from the Florida PBA, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport. An amendment was adopted to make the change subject to FAA approval, a trademark agreement, and a reasonable implementation period for Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County representatives supported the measure and the amendment, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee approved SB 1670, a specialty license plate bill for the “outsider” plate, after adopting an amendment reducing the Huber Brothers Foundation’s share of proceeds from 25% to 10%. The committee also passed SB 1054, which increases penalties for traffic infractions that result in crashes involving red lights or stop signs, including higher fines, license suspensions, and a one-year bodily injury insurance requirement after injury-causing crashes. Testimony from law enforcement and advocacy groups supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 422 on ADS-B aviation surveillance data. The bill would prohibit use of ADS-B data to calculate or collect landing-related fees, and an amendment narrowed the prohibition to fees tied to landings, touch-and-goes, or entering a fee-assessing airspace radius. Aviation groups, pilots, and airport officials offered extensive testimony, with supporters arguing the bill protects safety and prevents inaccurate or surprise billing, while airport representatives said they use the data for fee collection and operational purposes and wanted further changes. Despite those concerns, the committee reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings which members of the public were invited
• In aid of such inquiry, the committees held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• In aid of such inquiry, the committee held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• In aid of such inquiry, the committee held public hearings, which members of the public were invited
• Moving them to direct dispense also means they're losing access to their health care and access to their

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't have access to so much and we can afford it.
• Thank you so much for being here and seeing no further public testimony.
• This bill will relieve pain and suffering and increase access.
• There are no amendments were in public testimony home.
• There are no amendments were in public testimony.