Transcript Highlights:

• not the blue cup and there was only blue not the blue cup and there was only blue cups<00:10:31.080
• <01:15:13.720> Ribbon appointed members of the Blue Ribbon appointed members of the Blue Ribbon
• just want to remind us what the Blue just want to remind us what the Blue Ribbon<01:15:24.120>
• we can support the work of the Blue we can support the work of the Blue Ribbon<01:20:07.160>
• The<01:26:22.520> Blue<01:26:22.760> Ribbon The Blue Ribbon The Blue Ribbon Commission's

Bills: HF3493, HF4114

Keywords: safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, special education, funding, education finance, appropriations, budget, cross subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• Spoiler alert: the battle reenactment, the Americans will win. Americans are winning.

Keywords: American Revolution 250 Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WATER BREACH DEVICES TO ALERT TO AN ISSUE. I WILL GIVE YOU A SPECIFIC EXAMPLE.

Transcript Highlights:

• A marine enforcement alert was sent out to all marine law enforcement agencies across the state instructing

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we just want our community here to understand, to be on alert in that manner, because we are in a

Transcript Highlights:

• SHARP assessments when we intake sites, that there are potential current exposures that we need to alert

Summary: The I-900 Subcommittee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s performance audit, Community Engagement During Contaminated Site Cleanups. Auditors said Ecology directly conducts or supervises cleanup at only about 8% of active contaminated sites, while most sites are handled by third parties or have no cleanup plan yet. The audit found that Ecology generally met legal requirements at the sites it oversees, but community engagement varied, was not consistently tailored to local needs, and lacked a systematic “lessons learned” process. Auditors also found inconsistent coordination between Ecology and the Department of Health, and limited guidance for staff on when to collaborate. Tribal feedback was mixed: some tribes said engagement met their needs, while others wanted earlier and more tailored outreach. Committee members pressed the auditors on why many third-party-managed sites appeared to have little or no public involvement, and whether Ecology has broader authority to require public engagement and oversight. The auditors responded that their review focused on community engagement requirements, not the full cleanup permitting process, and said the gap they identified was the lack of required oversight for third-party engagement. Members also asked about tribal engagement, exposure scenarios, and the meaning of “active” and “planless” sites. Ecology officials said they agreed with many of the findings, were already taking steps to improve community research, lessons-learned reviews, tribal guidance, and coordination with Health, and had recently launched a public email notification system for site status changes. They also said some recommendations would require additional funding or staff resources. Public testimony supported stronger community engagement and more resources for Ecology. Washington Conservation Action said contaminated sites disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities, praised the audit for highlighting the need for better site-specific engagement, and urged full funding for MTCA-related work. The hearing ended with the chair inviting written comments and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eligible homeowners should receive a communication from DFS alerting them that the portal is open.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week. The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide free services to all of their residents, such as health checks, transportation, emergency alert

Bills: HB 103, HB 1256, HB1587, HB1632, HB2027, HB2525, HJR88, HJR138, HB103

Keywords: taxing unit, bond database, local government, transparency, civil penalty, education reform, funding allocation, school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, student achievement, tax exemption, water conservation, graywater systems, rainwater harvesting, ad valorem taxation, county commissioners, HB 1587, Texas sales tax holiday, back-to-school tax holiday, clothing tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be on the blue calendar in the morning. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, committee.
• It will be on the red calendar, blue calendar tomorrow.
• It will be on the blue calendar in the morning. No. The resolution is passed.
• It will be on the blue calendar in the morning. Thank you, Madam.
• And it is on the blue calendar in the morning. Thank you, Madam Chair and committee.

Summary: The committee opened by explaining a new process for non-controversial resolutions: they will be heard on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. for presentation only, without a vote, and then placed on a Thursday consent calendar for approval. Regular resolutions will continue on the red calendar. Members were told the new procedure may take some adjustment, and the committee proceeded through the first set of items under that system. House Bill 1003, by Speaker Brian Evans, was presented as a staff appropriation measure to allow payment for House staff; it was approved without questions and sent to the red calendar. House Resolution 1017, by Representative Stetson Painter, recognized May as ALS awareness month and was approved for the blue calendar. House Resolution 108, by Representative Mark McElroy, honored the Barton Bears for winning the state basketball championship; after a brief question about the opponent, it was approved and scheduled for the red calendar, with a request to move it to the next Wednesday noted. House Resolution 1019, by Representative Joey Carr, recognized the economic impact of NewCorp Corporation, and House Resolution 1020, by Representative Richard Womack, honored Frederick Henry Middleton for 50 years of service in Arkadelphia; both were approved for the blue calendar. Several other items were skipped because sponsors were absent, including House Memorial Resolution 1001, House Memorial Resolution 1002, and House Resolution 1021. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to see if the supposed Blue Dog caucus will actually do that, because I fear that it's going
• I do want to see if the supposed Blue Dog caucus will actually do that, because I fear that it's going
• dog Democrats we've heard about, maybe they are blue dog Democrats, that will actually reach across
• dog Democrats we've heard about, maybe they are blue dog Democrats, that will actually reach across
• dog Democrats we've heard about, maybe they are blue dog Democrats, that will actually reach across

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on behalf of the Met Council, as had been done with what the Hiawatha line, which we now call the Blue
• Greenfield, and also just obviously we're just at the very threshold of, you know, Blue Line.
• Greenfield, and also just obviously we're just at the very threshold of, you know, Blue Line.
• are already sort of embedded in the blue are already sort of embedded in the blue line<00:56:23.160
• Some of them will find their way onto the Blue Line project specifically.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He also says it takes $7 million from the Blue Line and moves it into this to backfill it. testimony
• So the underlying House File 5 doesn't have a change to the Blue Line general fund appropriation.
• doesn't um have a change to the Blue doesn't um have a change to the Blue Line<00:31:56.000>
• <00:32:19.679> line appropriation that was for blue line appropriation that was for blue line
• from the previous appropriation for blue from the previous appropriation for blue Blue<00:37:27.680

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If he hit with blue cross or tell you.
• Blue Cross dumped every last come in.
• Um who's going to be Blue know provider.
• But the blue line is now causing both of us problems.
• And uh that's but the blue pretty flat.

Bills: SB344, SB344

Keywords: Alabama Memorial Preservation Act, monuments, historic preservation, memorial buildings, memorial schools, memorial streets, architecturally significant buildings, public property, waiver process, Committee on Alabama Monument Protection, Attorney General, civil penalty, historic marker, renaming, relocation, removal, public memorials, heritage preservation, state historic preservation fund, governmental entity

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start with the dark blue bar farthest to the left.
• Moving to the next set of blue columns, our starting balance of $3.7 billion in FY 26-27 is reduced by
• <00:04:47.600> bar we'll start with the uh dark blue bar we'll start with the uh dark blue
• 2627 moving to the next set of blue 2627 moving to the next set of blue columns<00:05:01.280>
• You may notice on this slide the significant decline in the light blue bar from 2024 to 2026.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So red being the highest rate of rise, blue the lowest.
• And that's what AB 399 was meant to do with my blue carbon banks. To do.
• And that's what AB 399 was meant to do with my blue carbon banks.
• AltaSea is a blue economy hub. I know how microphones work; you have to be close.
• California leads in the blue carbon space.

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Sea Level Rise and the California Economy focused on infrastructure, pollution, climate resilience, public health, access, and economic impacts of sea level rise in California, with an emphasis on San Diego and the Bay Area. Chair Tasha Boerner Horvath opened by describing the committee’s purpose, the state’s sea level rise action planning, and the need for better monitoring and early warning systems. She also referenced her prior bills AB 66 and AB 72, which supported Scripps research on coastal bluff collapse warning capabilities. Assembly Members David Alvarez and Jessica Caloza later joined and emphasized that sea level rise affects not only coastal communities but inland areas as well, and that the issue should inform future legislative and budget decisions. In the first panel, Dr. Mark Merrifield of Scripps Institution of Oceanography described observed sea level rise of roughly 0.8 to 0.9 feet since the early 1900s, with acceleration expected by mid-century and potentially much greater rise by 2100 depending on emissions. He highlighted flooding, groundwater rise, beach and cliff erosion, salinization, and risks to transportation, sewage, ports, and national security. Dave Gibson of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board discussed how sea level rise affects wastewater systems, stormwater, contaminated sites, wetlands, and coastal groundwater basins, and said the board is requiring climate adaptation planning, updating stormwater permits, and seeking more flexible state permitting and mitigation tools. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better mapping, more monitoring, and more state funding, especially if federal support from NOAA and other agencies declines. The second panel addressed public health, equitable access, and local economies. Ramon Chiras of Un Mar de Colores described how sea level rise, pollution, and access barriers threaten the Tijuana River Valley and Imperial Beach, especially for underserved communities and youth programs that rely on safe, welcoming access to the ocean. He stressed the cultural and spiritual importance of coastal access and the need for water safety and environmental education. Jessica Fane of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission explained that the Bay Area faces major economic exposure from sea level rise, citing a regional estimate of $96 billion in adaptation costs versus $230 billion in potential losses from inaction, and said BCDC is working with local governments under SB 272 on shoreline adaptation planning, funding, and regulatory innovation. Members discussed the tension between environmental permitting and the need to move projects faster, including the possibility of planned retreat in some areas and the use of simultaneous permitting and longer-term state authority to streamline adaptation work. In the final panel, Philip Gibbons of the Port of San Diego described the port’s climate adaptation efforts and its vulnerability assessments under AB 691. He said the port manages state tidelands, supports maritime commerce and recreation, and is already seeing flooding at king tides and during El Niño events, including storm-drain backflow and damage to bikeways and parks. He explained that future sea level rise could inundate major port areas and disrupt operations, underscoring the need for continued planning, mitigation, and infrastructure investment. The hearing did not take formal votes, but it concluded with a clear call for more science, funding, coordination, and regulatory streamlining to prepare California’s coast and nearby communities for worsening sea level rise impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• doing a lot of this blue high test.
• This is an agricultural blue dye. There's nothing scary about it.
• And so we inject blue dye into the drip tape and then stop the injection of blue dye and let the former
• And so when they dig, we're trying to keep the blue dye in the root zone.
• Well, the blue dyes moving towards the fertilizer and we were able to track that.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll do the blue sheets first: Blue Sheets 16, 17, and 18 in order.
• So let's start with Blue Sheet 16. The first bill is 2104. Mr.
• Let's go to Blue Sheet number 18. The first bill is 2114. Mr.
• The last bill on Blue Sheet 18 is 2729. Mr.
• Okay, so all three blue sheets are done.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, we'll move to Tab 2, Senate Bill 354, Blue Ribbon Project.
• Senators, we'll move to Tab 2, Senate Bill 354, Blue Ribbon Projects by Senator McLean.
• You can put as many blue ribbons on a special interest carve-out as you want and call it a blue ribbon
• And as described in this staff report, the blue ribbon process provides less clarity about the roles
• And as described in this staff report, the blue ribbon process provides let's clarity about the roles

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 330, by Sen. Bradley, clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, including allowing a prior physical exam to count if a transferring officer is not given a new one; an amendment declaring the act an important state interest was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. SB 594, by Sen. Burton, would make mobile home residents eligible for local housing assistance programs such as SHIP for lot rent and home repairs; it received supportive testimony from manufactured-home advocates and passed favorably. SB 840, by Sen. DeSigley, revised hurricane-related land-use restrictions from prior legislation by shortening the affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles, ending certain temporary limits on June 30, 2026, and exempting some water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; it passed favorably after supportive comments from local-government interests and members noting the need to fix unintended consequences of prior law. The committee also approved SB 526, by Sen. Grawe, which addresses no-damages-for-delay clauses in public construction contracts, creates a uniform commercial permit application, requires permit fee reductions when private providers are used, and adds mitigation to statewide product approval categories. County representatives testified with concerns about the contracting language, unfunded mandates, and fee reductions, but the bill passed favorably. SB 504, by Sen. Burgess, creates a statewide framework for code inspector body camera use, and SB 506, its linked public-records bill, exempts certain sensitive content from disclosure; both passed favorably with support from the sponsor and no opposition in committee. The most heavily debated measure was SB 354, by Chair McLean, which creates a “blue ribbon project” framework for very large developments that trade state preemption over local land-use regulation for reserving at least 60% of the land for conservation, agriculture, recreation, utilities, and related uses. The bill drew significant testimony from environmental groups, counties, smart-growth advocates, and local residents who argued it could weaken local control, reduce public review, and allow sprawl or inadequate infrastructure planning; supporters argued it could help address housing needs and preserve large amounts of land. The committee adopted two amendments clarifying reserve-area easements and requiring certain easements to be granted without charge, and the committee then reported the bill favorably, with some senators noting they supported it in concept but wanted further changes before later stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• The color coding on the map is: the gold represents the long-distance network, the blue lines represent
• in blue.
• The<00:02:06.159> blue<00:02:06.399> lines<00:02:06.799> represent<00:02:07.200>
• our<00:02:07.360> state The blue lines represent our state The blue lines represent our
• as well, but they're overlaid in blue. as well, but they're overlaid in blue.

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, January 14, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: Amtrak officials Todd Stenis and Jeff Mann briefed the committee on Amtrak service in Mississippi, with a focus on the new Mardi Gras state-supported route on the Gulf Coast. They reviewed Amtrak’s national structure, including the distinction between long-distance and state-supported service under PRIIA section 209, and noted that Mississippi is served by the City of New Orleans, the Crescent, and the new Mardi Gras service. They said the Mardi Gras began service on August 18 and operates four trains a day between New Orleans and Mobile with Mississippi stops, supported by Mississippi, Louisiana, and Mobile. The officials reported strong early performance for Mardi Gras, saying ridership had already exceeded 60,000 by the end of December against a 71,000 first-year projection, with about 435 passengers per day and a 64% average load factor. They also cited 86% on-time performance, a 94% customer satisfaction index, and average fares of $27 in coach and $66 in business class. They said the service is benefiting from strong demand, good coordination with host railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern, and planned capital improvements totaling more than $200 million that they said should reduce trip times by 30 to 40 minutes. Committee members responded positively, with Senator Williams praising the train experience and another senator noting personal use of the Mardi Gras service. The presenters invited members to ride the train and described it as a state investment paying off across South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast. After the Amtrak presentation, the committee returned to business and took up one bill, 2019, which would delete the sunset on the provision directing the first $80 million of lottery proceeds to the state highway fund. Senator Blackmon asked for clarification, the chairman confirmed the bill would make the road funding provision permanent, and the committee approved the title and reported the bill out.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, in this one right here, we’re back in the blue or we’re against the blue is the way it sounds
• You know, in this one right here, we're back in the blue or we're against the blue is the way it sounds
• Nix, I wouldn't pose it as back in the blue or against the blue.
• I am 100% committed to backing the blue. I'm sure... ...important topic.
• I am 100% committed to backing the blue, as I'm sure all of you are.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard three bills. HB 1479, by Rep. Baker, created a public records exemption for lethality assessment forms and the victims’ answers under the domestic violence lethality assessment law. The sponsor said the goal was to protect victims and keep the form consistent statewide; a question was raised about whether other agencies such as DCF could access the information. The only public testimony was in support, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then took up HB 317, by Rep. Fabricio, which would require complaints against law enforcement and correctional officers to be written and sworn, require officers to receive the complaint and supporting evidence before interrogation or discipline, and keep unfounded investigations out of personnel files and from being used for promotions or commendations. Supporters, including the Fraternal Order of Police and a state corrections PBA representative, argued the bill would protect officers from frivolous or retaliatory complaints. Opponents, including the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association, warned it would undermine transparency, early warning systems, accreditation, and accountability, and could discourage legitimate anonymous complaints. Several members debated the balance between officer due process and victim protection; the bill passed 11-6 and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 961, a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles measure presented by Judge Maney. A strike-all amendment replaced the original language with a package aimed at improving customer service and efficiency in driver and vehicle services, including online title and registration requests, longer renewal periods for certain permanently handicapped persons, and a new misdemeanor offense for selling DHSMV appointment slots. The amendment and the bill as amended were supported by Florida tax collectors, adopted, and the committee passed HB 961 unanimously, 17-0, with a favorable report.