Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 646 conforms to the laws of 20 other states to allow the use of drug testing tools, test
• clinics, community health organizations, individuals, as well as law enforcement, may use these basic testing
• wife and I spend a lot of time in our district helping people with autism, and we have over 250 students
• wife and I spend a lot of time in our district helping people with autism, and we have over 250 students

Bills: S0132, S0418, S0646, S0820, S1734

Keywords: voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture, juvenile justice, detention, Medal of Heroism, probation officers

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 646, relating to drug paraphernalia, was presented by President Gates as a narrow measure to allow drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants and help prevent overdose deaths. Senator Osgood spoke in strong support, describing the bill as important for people in recovery. The bill had one support appearance and was reported favorably by unanimous roll call. The committee then heard SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Jones explained that the bill requires autism awareness and communication/de-escalation training for officers and creates a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with ASD. Multiple advocates, including Disability Rights Florida, an Autism Society representative, parents, and a retired federal officer, testified in support, emphasizing safety, communication, and the need to avoid tragic misunderstandings during police encounters. Senators also discussed whether broader disability training should be considered in the future. SB 418 was reported favorably unanimously. Next, the committee considered SB 132 on restoration of voting rights, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to create and maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed sentence requirements for rights restoration and to publish clearer instructions for eligible individuals. An amendment was adopted to make the database subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1734, which recognizes juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extends training, certification, and certain benefits, and CS/SB 820, which strengthens reporting requirements for problem-solving courts and sets annual reporting deadlines. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support appearances.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not tested, and some of the tests that I have learned from my friends with Aaliyah, as they've
• tested them, have had as high as 24 milligrams of THC.
• I ask you to make an amendment to make sure we are not just testing at dry weight; we're testing at end
• We back comprehensive testing and clear labeling for consumer safety.
• The certificate of analysis compared to the testing that we've done is not congruent.

Bills: HB441, HB445, HB477, HB441, HB445

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill relates to Holocaust education and training provided to students enrolled. ...at public schools
• Members, the bill relates to the transfer of certain public school students who are children of peace

Bills: SB1224, SB2972, SB2615, SB735, SB800, SB2986, SB2310, SB2055, SB1049, SB784

Keywords: educator misconduct, reporting requirements, local law enforcement, public and private schools, penalties for non-compliance, expressive activities, freedom of speech, public forum, higher education, protests, student rights, telework, public education, employee rights, emergency provisions, Holocaust education, Holocaust Remembrance Week, antisemitism, genocide education, public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're a Chinese student visiting here, you're going to be recruited into a Chinese Students and Scholars
• You know how many Chinese students there are in U.S. universities?
• Do these students—are they paid by the other countries to be here?
• We want to have more students going to college.
• We expand faculty-to-student ratios.

Bills: HR171, HCR49, HB632, HB1084, SB310, SB351, SB399

Keywords: HR171, House Resolution 171, M.J. Foster Promise Program, TOPS-Tech, TOPS Tech Award, Board of Regents, Louisiana Works, Louisiana Community and Technical College System, LCATCS, financial aid, scholarship, workforce development, career training, technical education, vocational education, postsecondary credential, associate degree, industry-based credential, high-demand jobs, high-wage occupations

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does not change how Florida Virtual School serves students. ...to clean up outdated statutory
• The bill does not change how Florida Virtual School serves students day to day.

Bills: S0124, S0216, S0382, S0488, S0490, S0524, S0584, S0656, S0816, S0892, S1156

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and first postponed SB 524 and SB 1156. It then heard and favorably reported several bills, including SB 488 and SB 490 by Sen. Massullo, which update Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles procedures, raise the crash-reporting threshold, expand email use, and create a related public-records exemption. The committee also favorably reported SB 892 by Sen. Martin on enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders, SB 124 by Sen. Rodriguez updating Florida Virtual School statutes, and SB 584 by Sen. Yarbrough strengthening oversight of commercial driving schools and tax collector authority. SB 656 by Sen. Bradley, codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 by Sen. Bradley, formally establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute, also passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The most extensive debate centered on SB 216 by Sen. McLean, which would tighten unemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, more frequent verification, and fraud-reporting measures. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud and improve program integrity, while opponents from labor groups and several senators warned it would burden claimants, especially rural residents, seniors, and workers facing layoffs, and could sharply reduce access to benefits. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. The committee also considered CS/SB 382 by Sen. Truenow on electric bicycles, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, while creating a task force to study broader regulation of e-bikes and related devices. A mother whose son was killed on an electric scooter urged the committee to restore scooters to the bill, and several members expressed support for further work on that issue. The committee reported the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional affirmative votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.

Bills: HB148, HB203, HB360, HB552, HB 1244, HB 1284, HB1533, HJR30, HB148, HB203, HJR30

Keywords: residential property, ad valorem tax, leasing, property appraisal, fair market rent, housing affordability, appraised value, tax limitation, housing market, affordable housing, leased residential real property, rent control, Texas Tax Code, property tax, residential leasing, homestead, tax code, appraisal review board, real estate sales, property tax relief

Transcript Highlights:

• This is also a threat to academic freedom, as it could pressure universities to censor student groups
• Students involved in these groups could get expelled or lose their scholarships.
• It will target students like the ones who just spoke.
• Instead, we're trying to pass a bill that is going to suppress the free speech of students, community
• We put these same requirements on our students and employees of our school districts, and this is an

Bills: S0330, S0526, S0862, S1072, S1078, S1192, S1250, S1296, S1298, S1642, S1698, S7022

Keywords: firefighter disability, law enforcement disability, correctional officer disability, correctional probation officer, presumptive disability, workers' compensation, line of duty presumption, heart disease presumption, hypertension presumption, tuberculosis presumption, public safety employees, first responders, physical examination, preemployment exam, medical specialist, Medicare reimbursement, employing agency, Florida Statutes 112.18, Florida Statutes 943.13, occupational disease

Summary: The committee heard several bills and confirmations, with most measures reported favorably. Senate Bill 330 clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, codifying the medical definition of heart disease and allowing transferring law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if a new agency does not provide one. Support was waived in by the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Fraternal Order of Police, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 526, as amended by a delete-all amendment, addressed commercial construction contracts, permit standards, fee reductions when private providers are used, floodproofing, product approval categories, and adoption of certain electrical code standards; it drew support from several construction and business groups and one opposing appearance, then was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families to reduce hold times for callers seeking re-employment assistance and public benefits, and it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 1078 established transition procedures for a governor-elect, including agency liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment shifted IT support to the Department of Management Services, narrowed access to confidential records, and increased penalties for unauthorized disclosure, after which the bill was approved. Senate Bill 7022 extended a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031 and expanded coverage to school district boards and public schools; it was also reported favorably. Senate Bill 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members and witnesses emphasized recruitment, retention, and safety, and the bill passed. Senate Bill 1250 removed the requirement that the Commission on Human Relations use registered mail for certain notices under the Florida Civil Rights Act, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1698 allowed certain employers to post required workplace notices electronically instead of physically, and it passed without opposition. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1072, which created an anti-Semitism task force within the Department of Legal Affairs to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, evaluate hate crime statutes, and recommend policy changes. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address a growing problem and noted that Florida already uses the Holocaust Remembrance definition of anti-Semitism in statute. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it could chill protected speech, especially criticism of Israel, and could be used selectively against students, activists, Muslims, Arabs, and Jewish anti-Zionists; several also said existing hate-crime and civil-rights laws were sufficient and that the task force should include protections against Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. One member raised concerns about the constitutionality of creating such task forces in light of prior actions by the Attorney General. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote with Senator Bracey Davis voting yes along with the majority. Senate Bill 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, was also heard and drew significant questioning. The bill would bar public employers and contractors from requiring pronoun use, certain gender-identity-related training, or non-binary sex options on forms, and would protect employees and contractors from adverse action based on religious, moral, conscience-based, or biology-based beliefs. Senator Polsky questioned whether the bill could interfere with anti-harassment training and workplace discipline, while the sponsor said the measure was meant to prevent government coercion and extend protections similar to those in school settings. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're seeking to have 25,000 students by 2028.
• And I know our almost 1,000 students in that program now.
• Pensacola State has almost 16,000 students.
• And we do have some programs that hopefully will pass that will enable students, or encourage students
• A lot of close faculty-student work.

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill would establish an education grant program to support students pursuing a career in genetics

Bills: S1376, S1570

Keywords: genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance, missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1376, which would create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors by supporting students in genetics programs at state universities. Senator Burgess described genetic counselors’ roles in oncology, prenatal care, rare diseases, and other clinical settings, and noted Florida’s limited number of licensed counselors. The committee adopted an amendment requiring graduate programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members spoke in support, and CS/SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up SB 1570, which would revive Project Leo, a prior Florida program that helped locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering or elopement. President Gates explained that the bill would allow participating CARD centers to work with local sheriff’s offices to provide voluntary tracking devices and included $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell supported the measure, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism, and the importance of preventing drownings and other tragedies. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, no senators requested to be recorded on the bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So all students that would be affected have already been affected, those 400 students in the state.
• But this does not prevent any student from attending college.
• How many students do you think would be affected by this?
• How many students currently are enrolled in programs over the age of 21? More than one.
• Limiting it to the original intent of the program, which is high school students.

Bills: SB710, SB843, SB1317, SB1338, SB1410, SB1477, SB1489, SB1593, SB1614, SB1630, SB1632, SB1633, SB1670, SB1726, SB1734, SB1725, SB1735, SB1894, SB1975, SB346, SB2045

Keywords: teacher preparation, teacher education, teacher shortage, teacher workforce, educator pipeline, alternative certification, apprenticeship, residency program, paraprofessional pathway, high school to teacher pathway, nontraditional teacher candidates, Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, TeachForwardOK, higher education, public school districts, workforce development, grant program, technical assistance provider, mastery-based assessment, emergency clause

Transcript Highlights:

• and meeting the needs of our students. and meeting the needs of our students.
• student achievement increases. student achievement increases.
• a para educator test to stay employed. a para educator test to stay employed.
• specifically. 37% of high schoolers in Minnesota are students of color. 35% of PSO students are students
• c><01:41:09.840> students color. 35% of PSO students are students color. 35% of PSO students are

Bills: HF3698, HF3067, HF3730

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Bills: HB483, SB133, SB133

Keywords: virtual currency, cryptocurrency, tax exemption, ad valorem tax, digital assets, regulatory preemption, juvenile court, juvenile delinquency, school notification, student safety, K-12, public schools, private schools, superintendent, principal, Class A felony, Class B felony, criminal charges, adjudicated delinquent, school discipline

Transcript Highlights:

• The student appealed it.
• And they can have that data and that test result to show if they want to.
• , these students are going to have to keep up with their grades.
• Homeschooled students and students from unaccredited high schools shall have to complete high school
• I mean, it's the same expectations that we have for other students.

Bills: HB3700, HB3315, HB3242, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB2950

Keywords: education policy, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents, accreditation, credit hours, emergency declaration, gender, privacy, public schools, sleeping quarters, restrooms, criminal history, admissions process

Transcript Highlights:

• The green represents higher test scores, and they are also the students who attended intersession more
• So the students who attended intersession… So the students who attended intersession three times during
• the students who attend intersession less.
• In those early grades in particular, the average student scored lower than the other students but made
• Um, but we every take those to students.

Bills: HB447, HB447

Keywords: HB447, school buses, student transportation, public schools, local boards of education, dual enrollment, career technical education, CTE, community college, trade school, technical college, offsite educational venues, student access, transportation policy, school bus law, Alabama education law, Montgomery County, probate court, judge of probate, will registration

Transcript Highlights:

• University of Law School, setting up an immigration law clinic with a staff attorney and using law school students
• School students, and we had the discussion: the way it was written, it would have been ongoing and general

Bills: SB2004, HB1600

Keywords: ethics commission, immunity, conflict of interest, complaints, public officials, transparency, legislative action, criminal prosecution, complaint resolution, HB 1600, immigration law clinic, University of North Dakota, UND Law, law school clinic, legal aid, immigration attorney, student clinic, pro bono, immigration legal services, caseload limit

Summary: The committee reconvened to continue work on water-related appropriations and related bills, with the chair emphasizing the need to move the water bill to conference committee soon because of differences with the House. Members reviewed project funding levels and carryover balances across several water projects, including NAWS, Southwest, Valley City, Cirrus River flood control, Hart River, Redder water supply, municipal and rural water, general water, and discretionary funding. The discussion focused on reduced revenue forecasts, the use of a $150 million line of credit as a working assumption, and concerns about large carryover amounts and piling up cash. No final changes were made to the water funding numbers, but the chair said the committee would revisit the bill after further cleanup of the draft language. The committee then took up House Bill 1600, which would create an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota law school. Members agreed the program should be treated as a one-time pilot rather than ongoing general fund spending, so they adopted an amendment changing the $400,000 appropriation to one-time funding from the strategic investment fund. The amended bill passed unanimously, and Senator Meyer was assigned to carry it. House Bill 1417, dealing with parole and probation-related policy, was also amended. The committee removed Section 8, which eliminated the bill’s appropriations language, based on testimony that the referenced funding was already included elsewhere in the budget. The amended bill then passed unanimously. The committee also discussed possible future amendments to water study language, including earlier reporting deadlines and a proposal to require larger new water project requests to go through the Water Topics Overview Committee before being introduced, but no final action was taken on those concepts. Several other bills, including the AI-related House Bill 1448 and law enforcement bonus bill 1193, were left for later consideration.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNiyP7jGYM8, 2026-06-21T07:17:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00:00 Meeting Start / Roll Call 00:01:14 Approval of Minutes 00:01:40 Enrollment, Attendance, and Truancy Trends 00:42:29 Early Childhood Education 01:27:10 Student Discipline – District Perspectives 01:50:02 Student Discipline – Teacher Perspectives 02:34:40 – Announcements / Adjournment, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Bills: HB818, HB1063, SB28, SB64, SB142, SB234, SB482

Keywords: higher education, accountability, curriculum review, faculty governance, disciplinary procedures, SB 28, Act 233, associate educator program, associate teachers, teacher certification, alternative teacher pathway, education workforce, teacher shortage, minimum age, age requirement, Louisiana schools, Title 17, R.S. 17:7.8, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment

Bills: HCR26, HB113, HB380, HB392, HB476, HB513, HB608, HB682, HB905, HB987

Keywords: human growth, development education, prenatal education, state standards, biological science, grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, community college, technical education, pilot program, driver training, transportation, Safe Haven Law, flyers, child safety, infant relinquishment, name image likeness

Transcript Highlights:

• I’ve taken them, and the pass rates, and then if teachers don’t pass the test— if it’s the content test
• math test, and then do they have to retake the test or just to make sure that they know how to teach
• don't pass the test and it's the content test I don't know which one it is if it's one the test and
• it's the content test.
• The actual content test, then they take a math test, and then do they have to retake the test or just

Bills: SB175, SB277, SB374, SB400

Keywords: military, veterans, education, teaching, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, licensure, certification, public schools, charter schools, school social worker, school counselor, school psychologist, internship, practicum, student support services, mental health, harassment, bullying, power-based violence, school safety

Bills: HB558, HB558

Keywords: education funding, public schools, student achievement, RAISE Act, K-12 education, state budget, accountability, rural impact, legislation, report, government analysis, community assessment, 1136, house, all