Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Judiciary, I apologize for the delay, is now in session.
• can live with six months on my regular can live with six months on my regular license<01:05:11.680
• Do I have most of the session? So moved, second. Thank you all. In session, so moved, second.
• Some say driving privileges only, but they indicate something different than their regular license.
• All in favor of coming out of executive session? I opposed. Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• session and a final report prior to the 2027 regular session.
• session and a final report prior to the 2027 regular session.
• session and a final report prior to the 2027 regular session.
• session and a final report prior to the 2027 regular session.
• the start of the 2027 session.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands. DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance. The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects. Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• to be dealing with in work session.
• Both bills are in this work session.
• Uh, the first one, the 209 bill first, please. session. So I have two amendments here session.
• It's a work session.
• It's a work session. So, docket today. It's a work session.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 209, which would require schools seeking building aid for construction or reconstruction projects to use an owner’s project manager. The chair explained an amendment that would remove the bill’s requirement that the manager be engaged before application and instead revert to current law, while updating the project threshold from the older $1 million figure to a more current amount and clarifying that the manager’s role is to protect the project owner’s interests. Members asked about the cost of hiring a project manager over several years before a project is funded, the 1.5% fee in rule, and whether the rules already define the manager’s duties. The chair said the amendment addressed those concerns by leaving the timing to current law and relying on existing administrative rules for qualifications and responsibilities. The committee then voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 209 OTPA, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee then moved to SB 99, which concerns allowing students enrolled in career and technical education programs at receiving comprehensive high schools to take additional academic courses there. The chair said the bill was intended to make it easier for students to access CTE without being blocked by scheduling conflicts in their sending schools, and to clarify how agreements between sending and receiving districts would work. He described concerns about the bill’s cost formula, transportation, part-time versus full-time status, and whether the proposal could unintentionally create open-enrollment or athletic-transfer issues. He said the amendment would mirror existing treatment for homeschool and charter school students, use a familiar funding model, and limit participation to students already enrolled in one or more CTE classes at the receiving school. The chair also emphasized that comprehensive high schools already have a statutory definition and that the bill would help more students participate in CTE, which he said currently reaches only a relatively small share of students statewide. He noted that transportation would be covered only when a CTE bus is available, otherwise students would be responsible for arranging travel as under current practice. After brief discussion, the committee voted 18-0 to adopt the amendment and 18-0 to recommend SB 99 OTPA, also placing it on the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. you know, your regular, let's say, vehicle, right?
• And the EV is certainly more expensive than your regular vehicle, right?
• Affordability is a key word for this legislative session, as it should be.
• One of the themes of this session is affordability, right? And it's been mentioned.
• One of the themes of this session is affordability, right? And it's been mentioned.

Bills: S0558, S1294, S1468, S1474, S1682, S1628

Keywords: stormwater systems, environmental standards, municipal infrastructure, engineering certifications, local compliance, Florida Department of Transportation, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming, compost products, wastewater treatment, environment, sewage disposal, pollution control, reporting requirements

Summary: The committee took up several environmental bills, beginning with SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions. Senator Trumbull said the bill would give cities and counties tools to address abandoned, derelict, and long-term anchored vessels while following state standards and FWC guidance. Members from affected areas spoke in support, citing recurring derelict vessel problems and the difficulty and cost of removal once vessels sink. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment, which would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants, including construction age, treatment levels, contaminant data, spill history, flood risk, and receiving waterbody impairment information. Florida Rural Water Association testified that any move to require advanced treatment for all plants over one MGD could create major financial burdens without dedicated funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management, with a strike-all amendment adopted. Senator Bradley said the revised bill would require bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products to be land applied only at agronomic rates and, absent a bona fide sale, only at permitted DEP-approved sites, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it would protect water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while rural utilities asked for funding and flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1628 on net zero policies by governmental entities. Senator Avila said the bill would prohibit local governments and other governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, imposing related fees or taxes, or operating cap-and-trade or carbon trading programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of carbon dioxide. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued it would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy policies, including electric buses, energy-efficiency measures, and climate resilience planning. After public testimony on both sides, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which Senator Gates said would require biosolids and septage to be treated at the highest practical level when wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible and would bar Class B land application within 50 miles of a permitted wastewater facility. An amendment applying the statutory definition of septage was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 558 on stormwater system standards. Senator Burgess said it would create statewide standards for municipal and county stormwater systems using FDOT guidelines and third-party inspections, with an amendment making technical changes and broadening who may perform inspections. Supporters said uniform standards could improve safety and reduce failures, while contractors, engineers, and industry groups warned it could raise costs, delay projects, and preempt stronger local standards. The bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is being proposed and will be proposed in this next legislative session.
• I think it's a great reminder as we approach session. I was wondering about your...
• There was an effort to present the Crossover Youth Act, but it didn't go anywhere last session.
• We are just regular people. We're not scared.
• And La Placita really helped me get back into my regular life.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Gomez, As you know, as we all know, under the agreement for House organization for the 94th regular
• legislative session adopted February 5, 2025, the affirmative vote of a majority of all appointed committee
• games further. as you know, as we all know, under the agreement for House organization for the 94th regular
• legislative session adopted 2/5/2025.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1359 was passed in, looks like, session 24.
• last year in FY 20, or I mean in a 20-25 session.
• Yeah, these were established within, um, yeah, Senate Bill 4 in the 2025 session.
• Senate Bill 4 in the 2025 session.
• So that then impacts your regular operating budget, you know, as a public entity.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But no, it's not the, like, regular kind of laptop. Oh, yeah. Yeah, it's not. No, it's not.
• The legislature may wish to ask the administration for regular updates on the details of that guidance
• In fact, we are doing so right now. this session and into the next sessions to strategize and mitigate
• Without urgent resources before the end of session, efforts to maintain access to food benefits will
• This is the urban Indian, the California Indian, and the regular Indian population.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But overall, we, as the CFOs, monitor this on a regular and consistent basis.
• what happens on our balance sheet on a regular and consistent basis.
• what happens on our balance sheet on a regular and consistent basis.
• Construction is one aspect of it, but just regular operations.
• So those three are the same as a regular employee.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear an overview of State University System finances from the Board of Governors and detailed budget presentations from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of North Florida. The witnesses explained how university budgets are organized into fund categories such as education and general, contracts and grants, auxiliaries, local/designated funds, capital projects, and component units such as direct support organizations. They also described carry forward funds, the statutory reserve and spending-plan requirements, the PICO/HECO capital outlay process, and how universities use investment accounts, audits, and board oversight to manage restricted and unspent funds. The universities emphasized that most operating dollars are restricted to specific uses and that state support helps keep tuition low. Members asked about differences in funding levels among institutions, especially why FSU receives more funding than UCF despite lower enrollment. Officials said preeminence funding, performance funding, and special legislative appropriations explain much of the difference, and the Board of Governors noted that Florida now has four preeminent universities, with UCF nearing that status. Questions also focused on what happens to unspent carry forward money, how it is invested, and whether the Board of Governors or Legislature can require funds to be returned; officials said the money is invested conservatively, subject to board and audit oversight, and can roll forward under a detailed spending plan, though the Legislature can change funding levels. The committee also discussed capital projects, with members asking about delays, inflation, and whether more projects should be phased or funded faster; witnesses said PICO funds remain with the state until needed and are reimbursed as construction proceeds. A substantial portion of the discussion covered athletics, research, student fees, and endowments. The universities said athletics is generally expected to be self-supporting, though limited use of auxiliary or carry forward funds may be allowed for projects benefiting the broader student body. They also described the financial pressures from name, image, and likeness changes and new NCAA-related costs, and said institutions are planning for those changes now. On research, the universities explained sponsored research funding, indirect cost recovery, compliance obligations, and tech transfer, but did not provide specific commercialization revenue figures and said they would follow up. Members also asked about student fee increases, student input, counseling and wellness funding, and how housing costs affect affordability; the universities said student committees and boards review fees, and aid packaging is intended to keep student debt low. Endowments were described as being held in separate foundations/DSOs with independent investment committees and used mainly for scholarships, faculty support, and research.

Transcript Highlights:

• And because this is a morning hearing, we need to get to session at 12:00.
• <00:20:34.800> at hearing, we need to get to session at hearing, we need to get to session
• um what bills go through this session. um what bills go through this session.
• <01:38:09.720> day fought hard for because my regular day fought hard for because my regular
• Oh, prior to the regular session of 2027 and submit a final report at the end of 2027, prior to the 2028

Bills: SB3253, SB2401, SB3169, SB17, SB3014, SB3032, SB1432, SB2002, SB2972, SB3247

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll close the executive session on Senate Bill 56 and open the executive session on Senate Bill 470,
• Next, I will close the executive session on Senate Bill 470 and open the executive session on Senate
• <02:02:10.880> on I'll close the executive session on I'll close the executive session on
• And I'll notice the executive session for 6:40 immediately to follow the work session that we already
• And I'll notice the executive session for 6:40 immediately to follow the work session that we already

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, for Democrats, we'll get together at 1:10 as well. session at 2 o'cl so um I assume session at 2
• Regular calendar it is. I'll close the executive session on House Bill 452.
• Bill the executive session on House Bill the executive session on House Bill 452<05:04:12.440>
• <05:57:57.718> on<05:57:58.120> host<05:57:58.478> Bill session on host Bill session
• 419 is adopted 10 to 6 this regular 419 is adopted 10 to 6 this regular calendar<06:04:25.760>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've been working on this bill for multiple sessions.
• We are one of the highest regulated entities in the entire country - regular banking.
• This is a bill we had last session. Everyone that's returning supported this bill last session.
• It was our first session...
• In a way, I imagine there would be just like we do with a regular jury panel or venire.

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• Emmerich mentioned, we've been working on this for a few sessions now.
• You know, what I was going to say is like regular...
• This is a bill we had last session. Everyone that's returning supported this bill.
• That bill passed in 2009, it was our first session, Representative Moody.
• How would a regular person who doesn't have access and connections ever be selected?

Bills: HB285, HB795, HB1795, HB1871, HB2407, HB2461, HB2695, HB3507, HB4911, HB200

Keywords: animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, aggravated assault, penal code, public servant, deadly weapon, mass shooting, Penal Code, penalties, felony, Texas Penal Code, felony enhancement, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, violent crime, assault punishment, serious bodily injury

Transcript Highlights:

• Givhan, Senator Hatcher, Senator Hovey, Senator Kelley, Senator Melson, Senator Roberts, Senator Sessions
• Senator Sessions, my question is this does cover special education teachers. Okay."
• >> Senator Sessions, you were next. >> Senator Sessions, you were next.
• >> Senator<00:13:38.160> Sessions, >> Senator Sessions, >> Senator Sessions,
• Senator Sessions. >> Hi. Senator Singleton. Senator Smitherman. >> Hi. Senator Wagner. >> Hi.

Bills: HB178, HB124, HB96, HB250, SB289, SB317, HB359, HB178, HB124, HB96, HB250, SB289, SB317, HB359

Keywords: HB178, Ten Commandments, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama, school display, religious display, Bible, Judeo-Christian, Establishment Clause, church-state separation, religion in schools, founding documents, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Northwest Ordinance, social studies, civics, history curriculum

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the good news is 16 days is a lifetime in a legislative session, and that's what we have left at
• So, in the 25th regular session, I had Senate Joint Memorial 1 which made it all the way through the
• Attorney General, we have appropriated 40 million the last two sessions to clean up some sites.
• We shall see what comes to us for implementation when the session is over.
• Another one is just a regular phone.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• stating that combating waste, fraud, and abuse is a priority this session.
• parties are coming into this session parties are coming into this session stating<00:02:05.600><
• a priority this session uh the governor<00:02:11.039> has<00:02:11.200> brought<00:02:
• really had this problem this session really had this problem this session with<00:20:17.120>
• <00:32:27.480> and agricultural employers last session and agricultural employers last session

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Altogether, students answer 26 questions during their session.
• Over the past few legislative sessions, you as lawmakers have attempted to enact some of these strategies
• During that same session, lawmakers did pass, and the governor signed, Laws 2025 Chapter 75, or Senate
• For each survey administration, the Safe and Healthy Schools Bureau hosts multiple training sessions
• The PSB in-person sessions create clarity and coherence across the state. The state.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, I have a little trepidation today because before this session, subcommittees were
• But we have regular policing by the sheriff. Why isn't this something?
• Not only of this session but of several sessions.
• I think we are A product in the history goes back to the last legislative session.
• We did good things this last legislative session.

Bills: HB336, HB554, HB849, HB 1033, HB1338, HB 1246

Keywords: law enforcement, sheriff, constable, contracts, county governance, HB 554, fireworks, Juneteenth, Juneteenth holiday, retail fireworks permit, Texas Occupations Code, Local Government Code, county commissioners court, drought conditions, Texas A&M Forest Service, fire safety, holiday sales, seasonal fireworks sales, Fourth of July, Independence Day

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, we pray that we would have a very successful today and the rest of this session.
• inform you that on April 27, 2006, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the fiscal session
• of the 95th General Assembly. 2006, I reviewed and approved the following measures from the fiscal session
• We will now go back to the regular agenda. Senator Johnson.
• Regular agenda, Senator Mark Johnson with Senate Resolution 31.

Keywords: 1204, all