Video & Transcript Research : 'Delaware Foundation'
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HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:23:17.520>
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on <01:23:20.120>zoom <01:23:20.520>in foundation on zoom in foundation - respected in fact our our foundation respected in fact our our foundation gives<01:23:44.639>
- Thank you. of the tax Foundation of Hawaii oh yeah of the tax Foundation of Hawaii oh yeah we<01:50:06.440
- <01:50:13.080>
of on behalf of the tax Foundation of on behalf of the tax Foundation of Hawaii
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the Hawaii Conservation Alliance Foundation in support on Zoom. Not present.
- >
in Conservation Alliance Foundation in Conservation Alliance Foundation in support<01:04:48.400 - I'm calling in on behalf of the Hawaii Conservation Alliance Foundation.
- <01:13:06.719>
Aloha, Conservation Alliance Foundation. - Aloha, Conservation Alliance Foundation.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection.
HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection.
HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure Nov 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Now I'm going to just kind of shift back to some of our more recent executive actions and the foundation
- And then finally, this is really built on this foundation of our core principles about how we think about
- And then finally, this is really built on this foundation of our core principles about how we think about
- CARB's regulatory program is the foundation for long-term, sector-wide emission reductions.
- Our foundational success lies in the development of our charging infrastructure.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions. The chair opened by emphasizing California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing challenges with affordability, access, interoperability, heavy-duty electrification, and federal headwinds. She highlighted interest in technologies such as inductive charging and thanked host organizations and staff before moving to the first panel.
State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described current programs and priorities. Go-Biz outlined its role in coordinating agencies, supporting permitting, and advancing the state’s ZEV market development strategy and equity action plan. CARB discussed federal attacks on its clean vehicle regulations, litigation to defend waiver authority, and the importance of incentives and regulatory programs such as Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, Clean Truck Check, HVIP, and Clean Cars for All. The CEC detailed its funding and regulatory work on charging and fueling infrastructure, charger reliability, payment methods, roaming, and statewide planning, while stressing the need for more charging in multifamily housing and more public DC fast charging. All three agencies said federal rollbacks and permitting delays are major obstacles, but that California remains committed to expanding ZEV adoption.
The second panel featured advocates, local government, utility, and research perspectives. CalETC urged continuous state funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and emphasized the low-carbon fuel standard, multifamily charging, and managed charging. An EV advocacy group proposed a conquest-style state incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily housing is a major untapped market, while also favoring Level 2 charging over Level 1 for most home and apartment settings. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale local deployment of chargers, fleet electrification, workforce training, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and streamlined permitting and grid interconnection. UCS recommended prioritizing replacement of older high-emitting vehicles, using fuel policy revenues to support cleaner cars, and expanding bidirectional charging. The chair closed by asking for more discussion on Level 1 versus Level 2 charging and noted the importance of education, affordability, and practical deployment strategies.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF2298 5/8/25
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Emily Stewart, and I'm an associate director at North Country Cooperative Foundation.
- The foundation has enabled me to give back to my community and work every day to ensure that others can
- FHPAP is the foundation of Egot's rapid rehousing and prevention efforts.
- FHPAP is<00:56:51.680>
the <00:56:51.839>foundation <00:56:52.240>of <00:56:52.480 - >
AGOT's <00:56:53.040>rapid is the foundation of AGOT's rapid is the foundation of AGOT's
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Starbase, Black Men Teach, Teachers of Color, Indigenous Teachers Administration, and the SANE Foundation
- Teachers Administration and<00:05:27.039>
the <00:05:27.199>Sane <00:05:27.600>Foundation - <00:05:28.560>
We're <00:05:28.800>able <00:05:28.960>to and the Sane Foundation - We're able to and the Sane Foundation.
- The exception was the SANE Foundation, that keeps steady funding in 2026 and cuts grants in half in 2027
Bills:
HF1049
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Casey Foundation.
- Casey Foundation.
- So I want to give praise to the NEKC Foundation and Mr. Bishop.
- That system is built on the firm foundation that kids are not mini adults.
- But safety rehabilitation occurs upon a foundation of safety. Thank you, Sheriff Laberbeck.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair calls Chuck Devore, representing Texas Public Policy Foundation. Hello, sir.
- The chair calls John Coleman with the Foundation of Individual Rights and Expression. Hello, sir.
- FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Foundation, is that a Texas or national?
- The Chair calls John Coleman with Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Welcome, sir.
- You're representing Foundation for Individuals.
Bills:
HB304
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- This is my husband Charlie, Sarah’s Wish Foundation, and John Kalura, who is with the UMass Transportation
- We founded Sarah’s Wish Foundation, Massachusetts.
- We founded Sarah’s Wish Foundation, which for more than 20 years has been on a mission to increase seatbelt
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 41 bills covering accessibility, motorcycles, vehicle operation, and water transportation. The chair and vice chair outlined the hearing process and noted the committee members present. Testimony was taken in person and remotely, with written testimony accepted throughout the hearing.
Several bills drew testimony in support. Representative Lee Davis supported H. 4130, which would renew and expand the accelerated bridge program, arguing it would speed repairs to structurally deficient bridges, especially in rural areas, and reduce long-term costs. Testimony also supported H. 4402 and S. 2639, which would authorize automated curb enforcement and improve parking violation procedures; witnesses said automated curb management could reduce double parking, improve safety and traffic flow, and should include privacy protections and local opt-in authority.
The committee also heard strong testimony for S. 2611, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seatbelts, with witnesses from Sarah’s Wish Foundation citing a fatal crash involving their daughter and low seatbelt usage on buses. Senator O’Connor and Vincent DeAndrea testified for S. 2430, which would tighten motorcycle permit rules for drivers under 18 by requiring rider training, a junior operator’s license, and a clean driving record; they cited teen crash risks and Mr. DeAndrea’s son’s death in a motorcycle crash. The hearing ended after a brief recess and a final request to report out another bill concerning breakdown lanes and fines, followed by a motion to adjourn.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Gwenpe A Warnemann, the Executive Director of the Leno Foundation, to speak. Good morning, Mr.
- Representative Members of the House Committee, Gwenpe A Warnemann of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation
- Chair, or foundation Mr. Chair, thank you. Thank you, Mr.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Present here as an expert witness is Katie Byerley with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and thank
- I'm the higher education policy analyst at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
- Byerley, you work for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, correct? That is correct.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 heard several bills and took no final votes, leaving each measure pending. The first major item, SB 1322 by Senator Hagenbuch, would create a Texas Higher Education Accrediting Commission to evaluate and approve accrediting agencies for public colleges and universities using outcome-based metrics such as retention, graduation, employment, debt, and repayment. Supporters, including Kate Byerley of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, argued the bill would add competition and align accreditation with Texas workforce needs; Senator Menendez questioned the need for a new bureaucracy and noted the $3.6 million fiscal note, suggesting existing reporting and oversight structures could serve the same purpose.
The committee then heard SB 1998, which would establish a pediatric subspecialty preceptorship program to encourage medical students to enter pediatric subspecialties. Dr. Lauren Gamble testified in strong support, saying the program would help address shortages and improve access for children, especially in rural and underserved areas. SB 2788, authored by Senator Menendez, would add the PSAT as an accepted assessment for dual credit and Texas Success Initiative purposes; Priscilla Camacho of Alamo Colleges supported the bill, citing strong student outcomes and widespread use of the PSAT as a readiness indicator.
Senator Creighton laid out SB 2076, which would remove or modify certain Capitol view corridor restrictions affecting the UT Austin Academic Medical Center project, including the planned specialty hospital and MD Anderson Cancer Center expansion. He said the existing corridors are outdated and limit development. The committee also heard SB 1418, a cleanup bill replacing outdated references to ACT Plan with Pre-ACT and removing obsolete SAT subject test language. After brief testimony and no opposition on the later bills, the committee closed public testimony and left SB 1322, SB 1998, SB 2788, SB 2076, and SB 1418 pending before recessing for the floor session.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- He established the Harris Rosen Foundation, an organization that provides funds for projects such as
- Rosen started a foundation and donated $12 million to cancer research.
- Rosen started a foundation and donated 12 million to cancer research, the Adam Michael Rosen Neurooncology
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered two bills. The first, CS for SB 88 by Senator Wright, would create a framework for local governments to allow or prohibit utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain low-speed roads, define UTV equipment and driver requirements, and make violations noncriminal traffic infractions. An amendment was adopted to correct the insurance requirement to match automobile-style minimums of $10,000 personal injury and $10,000 property damage liability.
Testimony on SB 88 was divided. The Florida Justice Association and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association opposed the bill, arguing UTVs are designed for off-road use, do not meet federal safety standards, and could increase crash risk on public roads; Honda’s letter was cited as opposing road use. Supporters, including the sponsor and agencies waiving in support, argued the bill would address an existing loophole, provide insurance and licensing requirements, and help rural users and law enforcement by creating a clear legal pathway. Senators raised concerns about nighttime visibility, taillight spacing, speed limits, and whether the bill should be more restrictive, but the committee ultimately voted to report CS for SB 88 favorably.
The committee then heard SB 274 by Senator Arrington, which designates a portion of International Drive in Orange County as Harris Rosen Way in honor of hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen. The sponsor and several senators praised Rosen’s business success, philanthropy, and support for education, cancer research, veterans, and the Central Florida community. There was no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 18th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- More recently, Fred served as a board member of the Simi Valley Police Foundation. serving three times
- In 2013, Ed was recognized with the Simi Valley Community Foundation.
- Foundation Humanitarian Award. His commitment to the community's youth was unparalleled.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Nathan Hoffman from the Foundation for Florida's Future, waves in support.
- Nathan Hoffman, Foundation for Florida's Future, waving in support, and Tabitha Fazzino from Miami-Dade
- Nathan Hoffman, Foundation for Florida Futures, waving in support, and Tabitha Fazzino from Miami-Dade
Summary:
The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee heard and passed two autism-related bills. SB 112, by Senator Harrell, would expand autism screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services from age three to age four, designate the University of Florida autism center as a statewide hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish an autism microcredential for educators and paraprofessionals. Three technical or clarifying amendments were adopted, and the bill received support from Autism Speaks, The Arc of Florida, Foundation for Florida’s Future, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who emphasized early intervention and the need for training and expanded services. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote.
The committee then considered SB 102, by Senator Gaetz, which would direct the Department of Education to create a workforce credential for students with autism spectrum disorder, including badges for job skills and workplace safety, and require reporting on outcomes such as employment after graduation. An amendment was adopted to allow students on a modified curriculum before formal diagnosis to participate and to require coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Testimony from Amy Weatherby of the FSU Autism Institute and CARD strongly supported the bill, stressing the importance of employment outcomes and early preparation, while other organizations also supported it. SB 102 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after Senator Harrell was recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 112.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And to do that with the foundation of skills I've gotten through deep educational...
- And to do that with the foundation of skills I've gotten through deep educational... >> Yeah, absolutely
- And to do that with the foundation of skills I've gotten through deep educational...
- And to do that with the foundation of skills I've gotten through deep educational... probably someone
- And to do that with the foundation of skills I've gotten through deep educational... >> okay and pardon
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met without a quorum, so the minutes were not approved. The main presentation was from retired economics professors John Garren and Dr. Kums, who discussed their Bluegrass Institute research on teacher compensation in Kentucky since the Kentucky Education Reform Act era. They said teacher base salaries, adjusted for inflation, have declined over the last decade, while state-paid “on-behalf” benefits such as pension and health insurance contributions have risen sharply; they argued total teacher compensation has increased modestly overall, but less than per-pupil funding. They also presented broader context on staffing growth, declining average daily attendance, Kentucky’s low share of teachers among total school staff, and flat or weak NAEP and ACT performance trends, including widening white-Black score gaps on NAEP.
Members questioned the methodology and interpretation of the compensation figures. Representative Bojanowski argued the on-behalf calculations may overstate teacher compensation because they include insurance and pension costs that also benefit classified employees and retirees, and he asked for clarification on the denominator used to derive the per-teacher amount. Representative Truit said the presentation could be misleading if it implies teachers earn $94,000 in salary, and he objected to framing pension stabilization payments as teacher pay. The presenters responded that they were using total compensation, not salary alone, said they had divided total personnel-related on-behalf payments by the relevant staff count, and promised to review and send a technical explanation.
Representative Truit and Chairman Typton both emphasized that compensation should be viewed as salary plus benefits, not salary alone, and noted that pension contributions are part of the cost of employing teachers. The presenters said their intent was to show the full compensation package and its relevance to labor supply and teacher shortages, not to claim that individual teachers earn the total compensation figure as salary. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the decision to revisit the minutes at a later meeting due to the lack of quorum.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Fri Mar 7, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- are the foundation for resilient agricultural<00:19:16.240>
system <00:19:16.640>yet <00 - So not just the food hubs, but also this kind of healthy soils work, because it's really foundational
- So not just the food hubs, but also this kind of healthy soils work, because it's really foundational
- Healthy soils work because it's really foundational to all of that development work.
- Tom Yamachika, Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Greg Hearner on behalf of the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation in full support of the bill, and just
- And the success of the broader crisis continuum depends on getting these foundational pieces right.
- I've also been asked to offer support from CASRA, the Miles Hall Foundation, California Coalition for
- CASRA, the Miles Hall Foundation, California Coalition for Behavioral Health, and Smart Justice.
- Shana England with the California Community Foundation in strong support.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (09/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the notion of something in the order of a $5 base foundational contribution that came out of the
- And so the notion of something in the order of a $5 base foundational contribution that came out of the
- <01:07:07.039>
contribution contribute foundational contribution contribute foundational contribution - foundational opportunity grant concept. foundational opportunity grant concept.
- representative Luno's uh foundational representative Luno's uh foundational opportunity<02:01:34.159
Summary:
The Education Funding Committee Subcommittee on Adequacy and Funding Sources opened its second meeting by reviewing four retained bills assigned to it: HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 734. The chair said the goal was to compare the bills across the board, consider whether any one of them should be the committee’s recommended vehicle, and then vote on a recommendation to the full committee. He noted the bills would move out before November 21 and be taken up on the House floor in January, while related LSRs were also being developed for the coming session.
Representative Ames argued that HB 651 should be the main vehicle because it would substantially raise the adequacy base and adjust differential aid categories to better reflect real school costs, including poverty, special education, and English learner needs. He described the bill as building on court guidance and said the current funding formula is far below actual district needs. He also supported HB 491 as a study vehicle to examine revenue options, saying the legislature needs informed choices about how to pay for the changes. Representative Damon strongly backed HB 651 and HB 491, citing constitutional obligations, the Conval and Rand rulings, and large projected funding increases for districts such as Claremont, Windham, and communities in the chair’s district if HB 651 had passed earlier.
Representative Fellows said he has an LSR similar to HB 491 that would study existing and new revenue options using criteria such as revenue potential, administrative cost, affected groups, implementation timeline, and implementation cost, with input from revenue administration and outside agencies. Representative Papich Muller emphasized constitutional separation-of-powers concerns, reading Article 83 and saying he was not comfortable with the broad claim that “cherish” clearly mandates a specific spending level, though he said he intends to follow Supreme Court guidance. Representative Ricky read testimony from a local school board member arguing that the state already imposes many mandates on schools while providing the least funding in the country, and that HB 651 would help restore meaningful local control. No final vote or action was taken in the portion provided, though the chair had indicated the subcommittee would vote before adjournment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- known impacts to wildlife aside, what happens when gardeners are digging in the soil around their foundation
- known impacts to wildlife aside, what happens when gardeners are digging in the soil around their foundation
- known impacts to wildlife aside, what happens when gardeners are digging in the soil around their foundation
- Freedom's Way National Heritage Area, the Nashua River Wild and Scenic Council, and the Community Foundation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access.
A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice.
The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Coast Guard Academy and the Coast Guard Foundation.
- as Lupus Awareness Month in California and honor the extraordinary work of the California Lupus Foundation
- Since 1976, the California Lupus Foundation has provided education, advocacy, patient support, research
- Month, but also the compassion, leadership, and public service demonstrated by the California Lupus Foundation
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day weekend prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members also handled several procedural motions, including suspending blackout-period rules for budget subcommittee hearings, removing certain items from the inactive file and consent calendar, and confirming multiple gubernatorial appointments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The body then took up a series of resolutions and bills. Resolutions approved included National Safe Boating Week (SR 102), Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month (SCR 172), World No Tobacco Day (SCR 177), Lupus Awareness Month (SR 107), and the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris (SR 115). Senators used those measures to highlight boating safety, asthma and food allergy risks, tobacco harms, lupus awareness, and the economic and cultural importance of California wine. The Senate also passed SB 1341 on bag-in-box beverage container processing fees, SB 1083 on school employee misconduct procedures, SB 1153 on wildfire preparedness for urban retail water suppliers, SB 1199 on prescription cost-sharing and out-of-pocket accounting, SB 1240 creating an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment, SB 1337 establishing an energy coordination working group, SB 1360 expanding language access for voters, SB 920 on gaming fee transparency, SB 1016 on mental health/Care Court evaluation options, SB 1198 on reckless driving penalties, SB 1213 on reporting prices for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, SB 1265 codifying the Go Green financing program, SB 1338 on post-repossession vehicle transport interference, and SB 1135 on wildlife coexistence. Most passed on unanimous roll calls; SB 1265 and SB 1135 drew a small number of no votes.
The session concluded with a lengthy adjournment-in-memory ceremony led by the Veterans Caucus, reading the names of 82 fallen service members and pausing in their honor. The President pro tempore then announced the Senate would recess and return for the next floor session on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 24, 2026 - 11:45 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Bobbi Block, First Amendment Foundation, is an opponent wishing to appear. >> You are recognized. >>
- Block: Members, I am with the First Amendment Foundation.
- Annette Lasorda with the Autism Foundation of Florida. >> Good afternoon.
- YOU. 669 >>Chair McClure: THANK YOU FOR COMING. 670 ANNETTE LASORDA WITH THE AUTISM FOUNDATION
Summary:
The Budget Committee met with a quorum present and heard several bills, with HB 1483 temporarily postponed. The most contentious measure was HB 945, which would create a state counterintelligence/counterterrorism team within FDLE. The sponsor said it was aimed at terrorists, nation-state actors, and other criminal threats, not political speech, and noted an amendment would address First Amendment concerns later. Opponents from the First Amendment Foundation, ACLU Florida, and other groups argued the bill was too vague, lacked guardrails, and could enable surveillance of protected speech or political activity. Members also raised questions about fiscal impact, oversight, warrants, and the bill’s July start date. Despite those concerns, the committee reported HB 945 favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then unanimously passed HB 6507, a claims bill appropriating funds to compensate for damages caused by departmental negligence. HB 813, which clarifies Florida’s firefighter cancer law and death-benefit provisions, also passed after an amendment narrowed the bill and added language allowing a firefighter’s family to receive the death benefit if the firefighter separates from employment and dies within one year. Firefighter representatives supported the bill as a compassionate fix, while one local firefighter representative opposed the amendment, saying it would remove protections and create an arbitrary cutoff. Sponsors responded that DROP would not be affected and that the change was intended to help terminally ill firefighters spend their final days at home without losing survivor benefits.
Finally, HB 365, dealing with law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism, passed favorably. Supporters, including family members and autism advocates, said in-person training and positive interactions are crucial to preventing escalations and tragedies during police encounters. They described real-life incidents where lack of training led to harmful outcomes and urged adoption of the bill’s training provisions. Members from both parties voiced support, calling the measure overdue and important for both public safety and the autism community. The chair closed the meeting by noting it was likely the committee’s last budget meeting and adjourned without objection.