Transcript Highlights:

• thank you for allowing us to kind of say, you know, not have our information out there, but full disclosure
• When you look at your master's, and again, full disclosure, Madam Chair, I was a recipient.
• When you look at your master's, and again, full disclosure, Madam Chair, I was a recipient.
• And is that in statute, or is that the Department of Education's policy, Mr. Haskin?
• or not is at the sole discretion of the institution to be able to answer that question of what the policy

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee heard and advanced House Bill 1145, which clarifies that public charter schools may participate in the CAP Grant Fund. The bill’s amendment expanded a separate “money-back guarantee” concept for state colleges, requiring participating institutions to offer six eligible programs and refund tuition if graduates do not find qualifying employment within six months under standardized job-search requirements. Members asked about refund rates, student notification, fiscal impact, and whether the proposal accounted for disability or out-of-state job searches. Public testimony on the amendment and bill was in support from Nathan Hoffman of the Foundation for Florida’s Future, and the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute by a 16-1 vote, with Representative Aristide voting no over the charter school issue. The committee then received presentations on the William L. Boyd IV Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) Grant and the private nonprofit college sector. Department of Education staff explained that EASE, created in 1979, provides tuition assistance to eligible full-time undergraduates at participating private institutions, with a 2024-25 maximum award of $3,500 and an additional EASE Plus incentive of up to $850 for students in high-demand fields. The department reviewed the program’s funding history, disbursement process, and accountability metrics, including access, affordability, graduation, retention, and postgraduate employment/continuing education. Members asked about award proration, eligibility for other aid, religious-program restrictions, and why some institutions had low or unavailable graduation-rate data. ICUF President Robert Boyd argued that EASE is a strong return on investment and described ICUF institutions as not-for-profit, four-year schools serving many Pell-eligible, adult, military, and minority students. He said the sector produces a significant share of Florida’s bachelor’s, graduate, nursing, and education degrees, and highlighted ICUF’s dashboard with additional transparency metrics, program earnings data, and net price calculators. Boyd and members discussed graduation and completion rates, NCLEX passage rates, affordability, institutional flexibility, and whether schools with lower graduation rates should be compared differently because of their student populations. The presentations ended with no further business, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's a great policy.
• sensitive data held by the Haven Act will be classified as confidential and exempt from public disclosure
• sensitive data held by the Haven Act will be classified as confidential and exempt from public disclosure
• victim and other sensitive data held by the Haven Act will be confidential and exempt from public disclosure
• Hello, my name is Aureli Colon, and I am the Florida Policy Associate with SPLC.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and advanced a series of bills on inmate medical billing, court-order transmission, animal abandonment during disasters, first responder peer support, firearm purchase waiting periods, capital felony aggravators, domestic violence protections, boating safety, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, xylazine trafficking, and offenses against law enforcement officers. Testimony was generally supportive across the agenda, with some opposition or caution raised on the xylazine bill, the boating safety bill, and parts of the law-enforcement-officer bill. Several measures were presented as responses to specific tragedies, including the Martin County jail medical billing bill, the Baker Act transmission bill, Trooper’s Law for restrained dogs, the Jason Rayner Act, and Lucy’s Law. HB 407 would cap certain emergency medical charges for Martin County jail inmates at 110% of Medicare rates, mirroring Department of Corrections practice; it passed 15-0. HB 513 would require faster electronic transmission of certain court orders, including Baker Act orders, to law enforcement within six hours; it passed 15-0. HB 205, Trooper’s Law, creates a third-degree felony for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster; it passed 15-0. HB 421, as amended, expands peer support for first responders to certain support personnel involved in crime scene work or evidence handling; it passed 16-0. PCS for HB 383 would let law enforcement, correctional officers, correctional probation officers, and active military service members bypass the three-day handgun waiting period without a concealed carry permit; it passed 18-0. HB 693 adds an aggravating factor in capital cases when the victim was gathered with others for a school, religious, or public government meeting; it passed 17-1 after opposition testimony from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. PCS for HB 19 and HB 41, the Haven Act, would expand domestic and dating violence protections, including a feasibility study for a web-based 911 alert system and confidentiality/public-records protections for victims; both passed 18-0. PCS for HB 289, Lucy’s Law, would align boating penalties with driving offenses and expand boating safety card requirements; it passed 18-0 despite concerns from one witness that the bill should go further. HB 479 would allow courts to order restitution in leaving-the-scene property-damage cases; an amendment changing mandatory to discretionary restitution was adopted, and the bill passed 18-0. PCS for HB 57 would regulate xylazine, add trafficking penalties, and include veterinary-use exceptions; it passed 17-0 after one witness opposed mandatory minimums. HB 175, the Jason Rayner Act, clarifies that officers are protected when acting within the scope of their duties and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring life imprisonment; it passed 17-0 after debate over self-defense and unlawful police conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a technology policy analyst.
• Christopher Hulton, Center for Security Policy, waves in support.
• Christopher Hulton, Center for Security Policy, Waves in Support.
• Both versions require oral and written disclosures, but the amendment specifies that the written disclosure
• Both versions require oral and written disclosures, but the amendment specifies that the written disclosure

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> section 15 would be disclosure section 15 would be disclosure statements<00:09:39.560><c> um</c>
• </c><00:13:53.199><c> of</c> insure and manage disclosures of insure and manage disclosures of conflict
• The provision of scheduled fees and fine schedules, publishing of fines, policy collection policies,
• ><c> are</c><00:53:27.359><c> all</c> policy collection policies those are all policy collection policies
• </c> put in some pretty stiff uh policies put in some pretty stiff uh policies meaning<00:59:17.520><

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 2373 is our proposal for the Labor Committee Finance and Policy Bill.
• Senate File 2373 is our proposal for the Labor Committee Finance and Policy Bill.
• </c> 2373, the Labor Finance and Policy 2373, the Labor Finance and Policy Omnibus<00:08:10.440><c> Bill
• </c> encourage lawmakers to explore policies encourage lawmakers to explore policies that<00:15:12.320
• Our minds around and our policy in gear here.

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• So, a balanced advisory council that can ensure that our environmental disclosure law protects our environment
• So, a balanced advisory council that can ensure that our environmental disclosure law protects our environment
• The Environmental Advisory Council that can ensure that our environmental disclosure law protects our
• How does that help inform your policies in terms of helping the smaller farms in Hawaii?
• </c> How does that help inform your policies How does that help inform your policies in<00:07:39.680>

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard multiple gubernatorial confirmation nominations, beginning with GM509 for Jay Stone to the Environmental Advisory Council. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and other supporters praised Stone’s more than 30 years of engineering experience and said he would help balance environmental protection with economic development. Stone said he wanted to contribute to environmental health and sustainability, and identified sea level rise and PFAS in drinking water as key concerns. The committee then moved to GM531 and GM532, nominations of Judson Leair and Nicholas Ta to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau supported both nominees. Leair emphasized his farming background and said pesticide policy should be more comprehensive, selective, and threshold-based rather than relying on broad-spectrum use; Ta said he would focus on integrated pest management, label compliance, education, and using the least amount of pesticide necessary, including non-chemical alternatives such as exclusion and behavior changes. The committee next considered GM533, Janet Ashman’s nomination to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau all supported her, citing her experience, responsiveness, and prior service. Ashman said she wanted to help make pesticide regulations more understandable and stressed targeted pest control, scouting, and more precise products. Members asked about the complexity of pesticide regulations and the shift away from broad-based pesticide use; Ashman explained that regulations are complicated for both farmers and homeowners and that newer, more targeted products are needed as pests develop resistance. The committee then heard GM57 for Don Hegger Nordl to the Environmental Advisory Council. Supporters said she has environmental planning experience and knowledge of Chapter 343 and related rules. Nordl said she could bring state, county, and federal experience to the council and identified the need for more volunteers and broader professional representation as the council’s biggest challenge. Finally, the committee took up GM697, Dean Matsukawa’s nomination as deputy director of the Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and several other testifiers strongly supported him, highlighting his 30 years with the department, his family farming background, and his understanding of farmers’ needs, especially access to capital and biosecurity challenges. Testifiers said he is calm, logical, experienced, and already familiar with the department’s work. Matsukawa was described as a reluctant nominee who was sought out for the role. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on the nominations during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am happily rising in support of this policy.
• I agree, this is a good policy. Please vote yes.
• gas emissions policies.
• gas emissions policies.
• In this case, the underlying policy removes local control.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278 , SB5831 , SB5915 , SB5963 , SB6025 , SB6046 , SB6084 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , SB6188 , SB6291 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government, RCW 57, real property disposal, personal property, notice of intent to sell, public auction

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission to adopt any particular adjustment mechanism, but the prescribed disclosure requirements
• do require the Corporation Commission to ensure that disclosures are sufficient to compare the total
• I'm the legislative policy administrator for the Arizona State Land Department.
• I'm the legislative policy administrator for the State Land Department.
• I'm the legislative policy administrator for the Arizona State Land Department.

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2787, which would bar the state and its political subdivisions from using personnel or financial resources to enforce or cooperate with the federal Mexican wolf reintroduction program, while exempting the Livestock Loss Board’s livestock loss program. Sierra Club and animal welfare advocates opposed the bill as harmful to wolf recovery and unnecessary given the livestock loss reimbursement data. The committee approved HB 2787 on a 4-3 vote. Members then considered House Bill 255, which would create a Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program Fund and authorize the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority to administer projects using long-term water augmentation funds. Opponents argued brackish groundwater is still groundwater and pumping it could cause localized impacts and land subsidence, while supporters framed it as a water-supply solution. The bill failed on a 2-4 vote. The committee next advanced House Bill 2782, requiring disclosure rules for regulatory assets included in utility rates, and House Bill 2781, which would impose financial assurance, insurance, decommissioning, and site-restoration requirements on solar energy power plants. HB 2781 drew stakeholder testimony from solar industry, utilities, and local-government interests; an amendment to revise financial assurance and remove a remediation fund was adopted, but the bill itself then failed on a 4-4 vote. The committee also approved House Bill 2975, which would suspend State Land Department solar scoring maps and require new mining and housing resource maps, despite opposition that it would reduce transparency and favor certain land uses over solar. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2696, as amended, directing the Arizona Commerce Authority to prioritize fuel and gas price reduction and create a fuel resiliency task force, after debate over whether the bill should focus more broadly on energy resilience and whether the ACA was the right agency. The committee also passed HCM 2009, urging Congress to streamline mining access, compensate states for subsurface mineral rights, and require legislative approval for new national monuments, and HB 2889, which would fund ADEQ monitoring of uranium contamination and create a statewide registry and tribal-partnered monitoring program. Finally, the committee heard HB 2763, which would require a legislative joint resolution before the Game and Fish Commission could close a shooting range; Game and Fish said it would add another step to the closure process and mainly affect the Ben Avery facility, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This whole policy area is very complicated.
• This whole policy area is very complicated. There's a lot of nuance.
• She added that there are already ethics policies within the PUC and some policy around this issue, so
• But I will say that I do think there are ethics policies within the PUC already and somewhat of a policy
• So it's not like a somewhat of a policy around this already, as I indicated.

Summary: The committee heard several energy and utilities bills, with testimony largely focused on wildfire mitigation, affordability, clean energy planning, and utility accountability. AB 706, by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, would create a fund to support projects that use forest biomass waste from wildfire mitigation and forest restoration; supporters said it would reduce open burning and emissions while providing reliable renewable power, and the bill later passed 13-0. AB 39, by Assembly Member Zbur, would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning strategies for transportation and buildings; it drew broad support from clean energy, labor, environmental, and local government advocates and passed 9-0. AB 1167, by Assembly Member Berman, would restrict investor-owned utilities from charging ratepayers for lobbying, promotional advertising, and similar shareholder-benefit expenses; supporters framed it as an affordability and transparency measure, while utilities argued the bill was overly broad and already covered by existing rules. It passed 7-0, with some members not voting and the roll left open. The committee also considered AB 1417 on offshore wind community funding transparency, which was amended to remove new fees and instead require reporting on developer support for local and tribal community capacity-building; opposition was withdrawn and the bill passed 9-0. AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, would require water districts in high fire-risk areas of Ventura County to have backup power, full tanks during red flag warnings, and hardened facilities; water agencies opposed unless amended due to cost and liability concerns, but the bill passed 10-0. The consent calendar, including multiple additional measures, was approved 11-0. Other bills drew more divided testimony. AB 745 would allow securitization to finance utility undergrounding and prohibit a return on equity for undergrounding projects; supporters said it would lower ratepayer costs, while utilities warned it would effectively discourage undergrounding and could raise other rates. The bill passed 7-4 and was left on call. AB 1423 would apply reliability standards to publicly funded EV chargers installed before 2024; supporters said taxpayers should get functioning chargers, while charging-network representatives objected to retroactive requirements and possible conflicts with existing agreements. It passed 13-0. AB 388 would create a narrow exception to utility regulation to facilitate green hydrogen projects using private power lines; supporters said it would unlock low-cost renewable hydrogen and jobs, while utilities raised concerns about customer protections and grid planning. It passed 12-0. The committee also began hearing AB 825, which the author said would address the high cost of financing major transmission and generation buildout, but the transcript cuts off before the full presentation and action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also corrects a typo that's in the bill and clarifies that the prohibition on disclosure of a person's
• We are dealing with some potentially controversial matters in the larger policy point.
• Tribal gaming has been one of the most successful public policy partnerships in this state.
• What is the— We're not—I mean, we're talking strictly about what this policy is.
• Yet the people doing the real... ...agencies change hands and policies move forward.

Bills: HB2205 , HB2309 , HB2206 , HB2123 , HB2120 , HB2411

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: sports wagering, gambling regulation, state control, licensing, consumer protection, state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires greater disclosure, helps reduce bias, and moves us toward more equitable outcomes.
• This is a long-overdue oversight authority tasked with implementing this policy, along with advising
• I'm the Director of Policy and Legislation for the Commission on Status of Women and Girls and proud
• I mean, it is a hard policy to get right. And I agree with you.
• How are we striking the right balance to ensure that we're creating policy...

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law requires disclosure when AI is used in communication regarding government services and benefits
• It simply requires disclosure and provides the public with information on how to contact a human employee
• And I think the best part about this policy proposal is that it's been renewed a number of times, so
• And I think the best part about this policy proposal is it's been renewed a number of times that it's

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Transcript Highlights:

• We are dealing with some potentially controversial matters in the larger policy point.
• Tribal gaming has been one of the most successful public policy partnerships in this state.
• We want to ensure our student athletes are safe. ...on this policy in advance.
• We're not—I mean, we're talking strictly about what this policy is.
• Yet the people doing the real... ...agencies change hands and policies move forward.

Summary: The committee began in executive session with staff briefing several bills and proposed amendments. House Bill 2206, concerning uniformed and overseas civilian voting standards, was discussed but ultimately pulled from consideration for the day. House Bill 2123, dealing with foreign national donor reporting, was amended to raise the certification threshold to $6,000 and then advanced from committee on a 5-2 vote. House Bill 2120, which would remove two JLARC reporting requirements, also passed unanimously. House Bill 2411, authorizing shared leave for state employees involved in immigration enforcement actions or who are victims of hate crimes, was amended and then reported out on a 5-2 vote after debate over eligibility and privacy-related language. The committee then held hearings on House Bill 2309 and House Bill 2205. HB 2309 would bar state civil service classifications from requiring a postgraduate degree unless required by law, with the sponsor and OFM saying it would reduce barriers to state employment and expand the applicant pool. Testimony in support emphasized workforce access, equity, and skill-based hiring. HB 2205 would expand tribal sports wagering to allow bets placed at any tribal gaming facility and permit wagering on Washington college teams, while continuing to prohibit bets on individual Washington student-athlete performance. Tribal leaders and casino operators supported the bill as a way to bring existing illegal betting into a regulated tribal system and improve integrity monitoring, while the University of Washington and Washington State University opposed it, warning of harassment, student-athlete safety concerns, and broader gambling harms. A taxpayer advocacy witness urged broader online sports betting options, arguing that limiting access drives bettors to offshore markets. The hearing on HB 2205 was left open and HB 2309 testimony concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a technology policy analyst.
• Christopher Hulton, Center for Security Policy, waves in support.
• Both versions require oral and written disclosures, but the amendment specifies that the written disclosure
• Both versions require oral and written disclosures, but the amendment specifies that the written disclosure
• There's a lot of different policy reasons why I think that we should be looking at this.

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> There needs to be truthful disclosures There needs to be truthful disclosures and<01:29:13.280><
• </c><01:46:54.800><c> statement</c> Pediatrics put out a policy statement Pediatrics put out a policy
• policy broadly.
• </c><02:28:08.000><c> We</c> director of policy at Net Choice. We director of policy at Net Choice.
• I'm the state policy is Kyle Sepi.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:58.600><c> IES</c> as a resource on them these policy IES as a resource on them these policy
• </c> site and as a final example policy site and as a final example policy required<00:23:14.840><c>
• </c> some adhawk training on these policies some adhawk training on these policies it<00:26:08.679><c
• </c> of oversight that's outlined in policies of oversight that's outlined in policies to<00:45:07.599
• </c><01:15:48.199><c> and</c> management to um enforce policy and management to um enforce policy and

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I mean, I understand what Rebecca Baker is saying, but we have others or experts and policy staff
• simply be a directive given to the constables, maybe from your association, that it would be better policy
• simply be a directive given to the constables, maybe from your association, that it would be better policy
• images of child abuse and deceased minors are considered confidential and not subject to public disclosure
• This bill requires disclosure of future cost and sufficient revenue sources, but it does not clearly

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from its March 18, 2026 meeting and then took up a long agenda of bills and a clemency nomination. HB 2825, as amended, was heard first. The bill would replace criminal enforcement tools for nonpayment of fines, fees, restitution, and surcharges with a civil collection process, including a required summons and civil default procedures. Supporters said it would streamline restitution collection and reduce costs, while opponents argued it would weaken victims’ rights and remove effective enforcement leverage. The committee adopted the Rogers amendment and passed the bill 5-2. The committee also confirmed Neil McDowell to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency by a 6-0 vote after hearing his background in corrections and his plans to help the board function efficiently. The committee then passed HB 4070, as amended, 5-2. That bill bars incorporation of corporations whose officers, directors, or trustees have been convicted of sex trafficking or human trafficking, and expands civil liability to those who facilitate trafficking. Supporters framed it as a corporate accountability tool to deter trafficking, while the ACLU opposed it as overbroad and potentially sweeping in people not intended to be covered. HB 2720, which increases penalties for paying or agreeing to pay for sexual conduct and adds a fee to support anti-trafficking services, also passed, 4-3. Supporters, including survivors and law enforcement, said it targets demand and helps victims; opponents warned it could criminalize victims and lacked sufficient safeguards. The committee heard several additional bills. HB 2047 would raise trespass penalties after eviction-related writs of restitution from third-degree to first-degree trespass; the sponsor and constables said it would improve scene safety and encourage law enforcement response. HB 2136 would create new crimes for “civil terrorism” and “subversion” and increase penalties for certain highway obstruction; the ACLU argued it would punish protest and speech critical of government. HB 2406 would make images and recordings of abused children and deceased minors confidential, limit dissemination, and impose civil and criminal penalties for misuse; supporters said it would prevent re-victimization and reduce trauma, while defense and media concerns were raised about access. HB 2415, dealing with kratom and 7-OH products, drew sharply divided testimony over whether the bill is a needed safety regulation or an overbroad ban that could push users to illicit drugs; the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Bitcoin Strategic Reserve isn't just a financial policy; it's a safeguard for the future.
• So if we're working on policy, I think we should open that up to other options.
• The only policy you can find costs more than your Social Security check.
• And that’s because I’m forcing to put some real eyes back on that policy.
• It’s, it’s, and pretty soon fire is going to probably be excluded and have its own policy.

Summary: The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does not change the underlying policy.
• The bill does not change the underlying policy.
• Discriminatory federal policy.
• There were some policy issues for consideration as part of the report.
• There's a right to cancellation, there's many disclosure requirements.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills on access to care, professional licensing, and consumer protection, beginning as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking. AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing up to 30 qualified dentists from Mexico to work in underserved California areas for up to three years; the author and sponsor framed it as a cost-neutral way to address dental shortages, the California Dental Association moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and members expressed support. AB 1703 would restrict use of osteopathic titles and osteopathic manipulative treatment to licensed DOs; supporters said it would prevent patient confusion and unlicensed practice, while non-physician osteopaths argued it would criminalize a long-standing, safe practice and reduce access. Members raised concerns about consumer clarity and access, and the author said she would continue working with opponents. AB 2250 made technical cleanup changes to last year’s hemp enforcement law, with support from the cannabis industry and no opposition. AB 1758 would raise the annual seller-of-travel assessment for the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund from $35 to $60, and AB 1794 would allow prescribed enteral nutrition formulas to be drop-shipped directly to patients’ homes with pharmacist oversight; both drew support and no opposition. AB 1775 would expand state licensing priority and related support for veterans discharged because of a federal transgender military policy, with emotional testimony from a transgender Army captain and support from equality and women’s organizations. AB 1939 would allow licensed professional fiduciaries to form corporations, and AB 2477 would create a limited provisional period for new pest control employees to work under supervision while licensing is pending; both were supported, though AB 2477 drew questions about supervision and committee amendments. AB 1999 would address veterinary workforce shortages by creating retired volunteer status, a shelter-veterinarian pathway, changes to VCPR rules, and narrowing the owner exemption to exclude surgical procedures; supporters cited animal welfare concerns, while some opponents warned about overreach. AB 2010 would permit high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in nontraditional settings to expand access, but the Veterinary Medical Board and some advocates opposed it unless amended over safety and clarity concerns. AB 2311 would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians, with supporters saying it would improve recruitment and access and opponents warning about erosion of physician autonomy; the author said the bill included safeguards, a sunset, and reporting requirements, and continued negotiations were ongoing. After quorum was established, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced the bills, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan votes, with several measures placed on call and others sent to Appropriations, Judiciary, Revenue and Taxation, Military and Veterans Affairs, or other committees as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Louisa Dugan, and I serve as the policy director at Vote Mama Lobby.
• Patchwork harm reduction policies create unequal access to life-saving services.
• These measures are not just policy; they are life-saving.
• immunity for those... ...policy, they are life-saving.
• No child should lose their life because policy failed to keep pace with technology.

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for five House bills, then held public hearings on several measures. On Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, the committee heard staff and sponsor testimony on expanding health care merger notice requirements to the Attorney General, adding transactions involving majority ownership/control and asset sales, requiring public posting of notices, pausing closings until information requests are substantially complied with, and adding filing fees. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, nurses, and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and oversight of consolidation and private equity in health care; the Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Hospital Association were neutral after compromise language, though the hospital association raised concern about the added fees. The hearing closed with many people signed in pro and con but not testifying. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 2333, which would allow candidates and elected officials to use campaign or surplus funds to reimburse personal security expenses related to threats tied to their public roles. The sponsor and several prosecutors described personal threats and argued the bill is needed to protect public servants, while public disclosure officials said current PDC processes and the state Address Confidentiality Program already provide some protections and cautioned against over-codifying agency discretion. Some testimony urged restoring earlier address-protection provisions, while county auditors said the revised bill removed operationally unworkable redaction language and was acceptable as amended. The bill had broad signed-in support and opposition, but no vote was taken. For Engrossed House Bill 1574, staff explained the bill would expand Good Samaritan-style protections for people seeking overdose help, bar arrest or conviction for possession in those circumstances, limit related penalties and forfeiture, and allow hospitals and other health facilities to distribute public health supplies without committing paraphernalia infractions. Supporters said it would save lives and improve access to drug checking and harm reduction services, while prosecutors and law enforcement groups said the bill was too broad, especially regarding arrest limits, protection-order violations, probation/parole, warrants, and civil forfeiture. The sponsor said the bill was intended to keep people alive and encourage calls for help. The committee also heard Engrossed House Bill 2156, which would let Attorney General investigators be designated limited authority peace officers to electronically serve search warrants in economic and financial crime cases; the AGO and retailers supported it as a tool against organized retail theft and wage theft, while sheriffs and police chiefs opposed it and urged added guardrails and deconfliction with local law enforcement. Finally, on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320, the committee heard a bill to regulate 3D-printed and digitally manufactured firearms and digital firearm manufacturing code. The sponsor and supporters, including students, pediatricians, and a gun-violence survivor’s family member, said it was needed to address untraceable ghost guns and keep pace with technology, while opponents argued the bill was overbroad, raised constitutional concerns, and targeted files and speech rather than criminal conduct. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpts provided.