Transcript Highlights:

• Allegedly bought $20 million worth of luxury vehicles to avoid paying over $1.8 million in California
• They're limited liability companies, and it will allow California to collect unpaid taxes and vehicle
• Senate Bill 1424 will allow zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, including charging and hydrogen
• So this zero-emission vehicle initiative is a priority.
• So this zero-emission vehicle initiative is a priority.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several tax and revenue measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform statewide method, provide certainty for developers, and exclude tax credits and other intangibles from valuation; county assessors and several counties opposed it, saying it would reduce assessed value and depart from market-based appraisal. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1406 to close the “Montana tax loophole” used to avoid California vehicle taxes, with support from the California Teachers Association and no registered opposition; it passed 2-0 and was placed on call. SB 984, conforming California law to the federal tipped-income deduction, drew support from the restaurant industry, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, and enrolled agents, and passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. Later, the committee considered wildfire- and energy-related tax credits. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters said it would reduce wildfire losses and insurance costs, and it passed 3-0 on call. SB 1118 would provide credits for backup generators and solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author framed it as a resilience measure for households and small businesses, but members raised concerns about cost, diesel use, and whether the credit would reach lower-income households. The bill was moved 1-0 and placed on call, with the chair and other members noting unresolved budget and policy concerns. SB 1424, expanding a partial sales tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 on call. The committee also advanced SB 1249, a senior tax deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, with support from LeadingAge California and senior advocates; members noted it was narrowly targeted and passed 4-0 on call. SB 1113, conforming California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies, drew support from maritime industry groups and opposition from ILWU over the fiscal impact; it passed 4-0 on call. SB 1137, the Medical Expense Deduction Act, would allow a targeted deduction for medical expenses for lower-income taxpayers; supporters said it would help families facing high out-of-pocket costs, and it passed 4-0 on call. Finally, SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing that includes moderate-income units; supporters said it would help finance “missing middle” housing, while assessors and housing stakeholders requested amendments and guardrails. The bill was also moved forward on a committee vote and placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• With vehicles overstaying posted time limits... ...was non-compliant, with vehicles overstaying posted
• Third, autonomous vehicles are now in the discussion. Because AVs cannot... Thank you.
• Third, autonomous vehicles are now in the discussion because AVs cannot receive traditional citations
• Cities are unable to manage AV curb use in the same manner as they would with human-driven vehicles.
• before DMV vehicle registration can be completed.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills on transportation, privacy, enforcement, and high-speed rail, with most measures discussed under a quorum and then formally voted on later. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would add two DMV points for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases that are dismissed through diversion; the author, a victim’s mother, and CHP representatives argued it would help identify high-risk drivers, while no opposition witnesses appeared. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson, as amended, would let certain cities use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations; supporters said it would improve compliance and safety, while a privacy group remained cautious but said the amendments improved the bill. SB 1228 by Senator Rubio would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era LED messaging signs; supporters said it preserves local revenue and avoids fines, while billboard industry opponents warned about federal compliance and highway funding risk. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten ALPR privacy rules through DOJ audits, employee training, hot-list limits, and a 30-day retention cap; privacy advocates supported it as a needed safeguard, while law enforcement groups opposed the retention limit and query restrictions as too restrictive. SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín would block DMV registration renewal for vehicles with unpaid illegal dumping fines, modeled on parking citation enforcement; Oakland officials and local government groups strongly supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill drew no opposition in the room. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require intercity and regional rail operators to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events; transit and rail advocates supported it, while some agencies were neutral or “work with author” pending further changes. SB 1425, the chair’s bill, would create a permitting process for encroachments in the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would streamline construction and protect the project, while utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns about reciprocity, enforcement, and local infrastructure impacts. SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, removing a project cap; supporters said it could leverage private capital and save costs, while local agencies from Merced expressed concerns but noted amendments addressed some issues. After roll calls, SB 1013 failed to advance on a 4-1 vote and remained on call, while the consent calendar and the other bills moved forward on unanimous or near-unanimous committee votes and remained on call pending final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• With vehicles overstaying posted time limits... ...was non-compliant, with vehicles overstaying posted
• Third, autonomous vehicles are now in the discussion. Because AVs cannot...
• Third, autonomous vehicles are now in the discussion because AVs cannot receive traditional citations
• Cities are unable to manage AV curb use in the same manner as they would with human-driven vehicles.
• before DMV vehicle registration can be completed.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills, with testimony focused on transportation safety, enforcement, privacy, curb management, rail service, and high-speed rail. SB 953 by Senator Nilo would require two DMV points to be applied in misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter cases even if the criminal case is dismissed through diversion; supporters, including a victim’s mother and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would prevent serious fatal crashes from disappearing from driving records, while no opposition was presented. SB 1292 by Senator Richardson would authorize selected cities to use stationary cameras or sensors to enforce curb and loading-zone rules, with human review of citations and a pilot-style, optional local framework; supporters argued it would improve safety, turnover, and compliance, while privacy concerns were noted but softened by amendments, and the bill drew neutral or conditional support from some groups. The committee also heard SB 1228 by Senator Rubio, which would create a permanent compliance path for a small number of existing redevelopment-era outdoor advertising displays. Supporters said the bill would preserve local revenue and avoid penalties for legally established signs, while the California State Outdoor Advertising Association opposed it over federal highway beautification compliance and fairness concerns. SB 1013 by Senator Cervantes would tighten safeguards for automated license plate reader systems by requiring DOJ audits, employee training, limits on data retention, and restrictions on hot lists and queries; privacy advocates supported the bill as a response to documented misuse, while sheriffs and narcotics officers opposed it as an unnecessary restriction on a valuable law-enforcement tool. The committee voted to move SB 1013, but the roll call was 4-1 and the bill remained on call. Other measures discussed included SB 1218 by Senator Arreguín, which would block vehicle registration renewal for owners with unpaid illegal dumping fines, using a process similar to unpaid parking citations; Oakland officials and several local government and waste-management groups supported it as an accountability tool, and the bill passed committee on an 8-0 vote and remained on call. SB 1136 by Senator Blakespear would require rail agencies to better coordinate service, fares, and trip planning for large events and intercity/regional rail connections; supporters said it could boost ridership and make rail more useful for major venues, and it also passed 8-0 and remained on call. The committee also advanced the chair’s SB 1425, which would create a permitting program for new encroachments along the high-speed rail right-of-way; supporters said it would help protect the project and manage utilities and other uses, while some utilities and the City of Burbank raised concerns, and the bill passed 8-1 and remained on call. Finally, SB 1411 by Senator Stern would expand high-speed rail authority to pursue public-private partnerships and early works, remove a project cap, and support bookend investments; it drew broad support from transit, labor, and rail groups, with some local agencies noting amended concerns, and the discussion continued as the hearing moved toward the final bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• the vehicles?
• vehicles or watercraft.
• And is it per vehicle? So every vehicle, or is it like a group of vehicles?
• vehicles or watercraft.
• And is it per vehicle? So every vehicle, or is it like a group of vehicles?

Transcript Highlights:

• for surviving spouses and next of kin; House Bill 3791, relative to motor vehicle distributors; House
• The House bill, relative to motor vehicle distributors, House number 3791.
• An act relative to simplifying processes at the Registry of Motor Vehicles for surviving spouses and
• An act relative to motor vehicle distributors, House No. 3790.
• An act relative to motor vehicle distributors, House No. 3791.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules reports. It adopted a resolution congratulating Jeffrey P. Lynch on his retirement from the Medway Fire Department, and it also adopted two orders extending until March 18, 2026, the reporting deadline for the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on current House documents. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a group of bills for House consideration, including measures on subprime loans, Registry of Motor Vehicles procedures for surviving spouses and next of kin, motor vehicle distributors, banning tinted license plate covers, councils on aging, and two sick leave banks. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills through second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The House then considered House No. 3952, authorizing Dartmouth Fire District Number One to appoint the position of treasurer, and passed the bill to be engrossed. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned to meet then in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Chair Behrman, do you have a D.E. 1 amendment to get the bill into a vehicle in shape that we need
• Members, any final questions before we send this vehicle off to the Ways and Means Committee?
• What we're doing today is, as I understand, we're moving a vehicle.
• and go through that whole process, we're going to be able to move that vehicle.
• So, we're going to be able to move that vehicle in Ways and Means.

Bills: HF2435

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Our vehicle and clean vehicle programs include rules to advance zero-emission vehicle deployment and
• and reducing climate and air pollution from vehicles.
• , given the useful life of vehicles and the fact that our clean vehicle regulatory programs phase in
• competing with gas-powered vehicles, the...
• Kai Cooper on behalf of CalStar and the Electric Vehicle Charging Association.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully. CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks. Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• while that vehicle was still moving.
• , because now you've got an unoccupied, uncontrolled vehicle that has to be secured.
• In a vehicle.
• The TVI is a tactical vehicle intervention. TVI. TVI, yes. V as in Victor, yes, ma'am. Okay.
• And there were no injuries in the vehicle.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police Director Mike Hager and other agency leaders about vehicle pursuits and tactical vehicle interventions (TVIs, formerly PIT maneuvers). Hager said Acts 734 of 2020 and 82 of 2022, which increased penalties for fleeing in a vehicle, along with a public campaign and work with prosecutors, helped reduce pursuits by 29% from 2023 to 2025, or 180 fewer pursuits last year than in 2023. He said the agency also added 120 troopers during that period and that the goal is to protect innocent civilians, officers, and suspects. Members asked about where pursuits occur most often, prosecution practices, the possibility of making fleeing charges non-pleadable like DWI, and a recent mistaken TVI incident involving the wrong vehicle; Hager said no one was injured in that incident and called it inexcusable. The committee also discussed the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Hager explained that the foundation is a private support group made up largely of businesses and citizens that raises money for trooper-family scholarships, emergency relief for troopers affected by disasters or family hospitalizations, and facilities and training support, including the driving track. He said he was not aware of any lobbying activity by the foundation and praised its staff and leadership for supporting the agency beyond what the state budget can provide. Next, Director Chris Chapman of the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training described the state’s decertification and officer accountability process. He said every separation from an agency must be reported, and if an officer leaves under circumstances that may warrant decertification, the file is flagged so any future hiring agency must be told the full history before the officer can be added to a roster. Chapman said the commission has increased decertification requests from 158 in the prior three years to 256 in the last three years, with 147 officers currently pending hearings, and that the backlog has been reduced from about four and a half years to about a year and a half. Members asked about resignations during investigations, appeal rights, citizen complaints, and FOIA access to decertification records; Chapman said those matters can trigger review, appeals go to circuit court, and the records are generally public. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after discussion of a possible future committee visit to a fish hatchery in Lonoke County.

Transcript Highlights:

• People are gravitating toward these types of vehicles to get around, and they're causing more and more
• People are gravitating toward these types of vehicles to get around, and they're causing more and more
• The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' Executive Director, or his or her designee, shall
• problems. vehicles to get around and they're causing more and more problems.
• Senator McLean, SB 684, electronic signatures associated with total loss of vehicles and vessels.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, a comprehensive bill addressing red light, school zone speed, and school bus camera programs. The sponsor said the measure was intended to improve consistency, transparency, privacy protections, and due process, including virtual hearings, record-retention rules, limits on remote surveillance and data use, school zone flashing-light requirements, clerk fee retention, and school board approval and reporting for school bus camera systems. An amendment clarifying reporting periods and liability-transfer affidavits was adopted without objection, and after questions about information sharing, facial recognition, school zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, the committee reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then adopted a delete-all amendment to SB 1080 on transportation, which required FDOT rules on direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and certain takeover agreement terms involving sureties and replacement contractors. With no opposition, the amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 after taking a single roll call vote. Next, the committee considered SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes toward data collection and study, while retaining rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, and creating a task force to study e-bike safety and recommend future policy. Members raised concerns about enforceability, shared-use paths, access barriers for users who rely on e-bikes, and whether data would be shared with local governments; supporters from law enforcement and advocacy groups appeared in support. The amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee reported favorably on SB 684, which allows electronic signatures in connection with total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 880, which creates a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee rose without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• , or recreational vehicles.
• This includes the acquisition of... vehicles or recreational vehicles.
• The reason why we established safe parking sites was so that for the people who are using the vehicles
• , it's not like suddenly their vehicle, you know, is gone in a trash dump or something like that. ...
• The reason why we established safe parking sites was so that for the people who are using the vehicles

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills, with most focused on accessory dwelling units, homelessness, and higher education planning. SB 9 would make a local ADU ordinance null and void if a city or county fails to submit it to HCD within 60 days or respond to HCD findings within 30 days, reverting the jurisdiction to state ADU standards until it complies. Supporters said the bill would strengthen statewide consistency and reduce local barriers to ADU construction; there was no opposition testimony. The committee passed SB 9 as amended to the Assembly Committee on Local Government on a 7-0 vote, with two members not voting. The committee also heard SB 486, which would exempt UC and CSU enrollment commitments from CEQA no-project alternative analysis while requiring campuses to participate in regional planning and share enrollment forecasts with regional agencies. The author said the bill would align environmental review with the state’s higher education commitments and improve regional housing planning. The measure had support from the Chamber of Progress and no opposition, and it passed 9-0 to the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources. SB 543, a cleanup bill to clarify ADU and junior ADU rules, including review timelines and size standards, also drew support from Casita Coalition, UnidosUS, and California YIMBY, with no opposition, and passed unanimously as amended to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. SB 748 addressed RV encampments and safe parking sites by expanding the encampment resolution funding program to help local jurisdictions acquire and operate safe parking areas, provide services, and extend site hours. The author and supporters from the City of Compton, the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association, and the League of California Cities argued the bill would offer a more humane and practical response to RV homelessness while reducing neighborhood impacts. Several committee members voiced support but raised concerns about how encampment funds are used and the need for reporting and accountability. The bill passed 11-0 to the Assembly Committee on Human Services. The consent calendar, including HR 44, SB 233, and SB 410, was later approved 11-0, and SB 340 was moved to a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This just establishes a study committee to examine the issue of oversized vehicle permits and related
• Members, this is the Governor's Task Force on DWI and vehicle homicide.
• The Office of Motor Vehicles and the stakeholders requested this amendment to address the issue related
• The Office of Motor Vehicles and the stakeholders requested this amendment to address the issue related
• It also removes straight vehicles from the definition.

Bills: SR146 , SCR12 , HB221 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR58 , HB1 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB383 , HB983 , HB1126 , HCR3 , HB2 , HB3 , SCR3 , SB56 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR72 , HCR5 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HCR50 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR62 , HCR64 , HCR68 , HCR78 , HCR81 , HCR86 , HCR97 , HCR102 , HCR31 , HCR47 , HB476 , HB481 , HB487 , HB492 , HB549 , HB579 , HB608 , HB621 , HB624 , HB626 , HB632 , HB637 , HB656 , HB722 , HB745 , HB804 , HB818 , HB821 , HB833 , HB864 , HB867 , HB874 , HB893 , HB909 , HB951 , HB968 , HB969 , HB978 , HB979 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1005 , HB1007 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1059 , HB1077 , HB1080 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1112 , HB1153 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1193 , HB1204 , HB1218 , HB1242 , HB1244 , HB1249 , HB1252 , HB1254 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB158 , HB160 , HB169 , HB227 , HB251 , HB289 , HB330 , HB394 , HB410 , HB429 , HB769 , HB971 , HB1017 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB9 , HB177 , HB181 , HB202 , HB223 , HB225 , HB387 , HB398 , HB457 , HB459 , HB540 , HB591 , HB616 , HB766 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB906 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1052 , HB1057 , HB1076 , HB1100 , HB1139 , HB1155 , HB1160 , HB1182 , HB1186 , HB1220 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1228 , HB1231 , HB1245 , HB1256 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB47 , HB73 , HB126 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB166 , HB205 , HB211 , HB226 , HB259 , HB271 , HB308 , HB310 , HB324 , HB337 , HB351 , HB399 , HB403 , HB571 , HB712 , HB723 , HB726 , HB740 , HB750 , HB759 , HB812 , HB844 , HB966 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1038 , HB1107 , SB29 , SB42 , SB78 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB441 , SB449 , SB487 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB43 , SB149

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer by campus pastor Anthony Brown, and the Pledge of Allegiance. After the journal was read, the chamber took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with measures directing studies on mineral servitudes, student non-enrollment determinations, autism services, school nurse orientation, declining school enrollment, behavioral health and homelessness, floodplain map updates, opioid treatment in correctional facilities, oversized vehicle permits, rural economic development, hunting education in schools, and fraud prevention for seniors. Several local and commemorative resolutions were also adopted, including Tangipahoa Parish Fair Day, recognition of Lane Frenchy Boudreau’s military service, and a memorial resolution honoring Bob Bowman. Personal privilege remarks also recognized festival royalty, the Westlake High School baseball team, Dr. E. Joseph Savoy, and 101-year-old Thelma Smith Williams. The Senate concurred in or adopted numerous House concurrent resolutions, often after brief explanations and, in some cases, amendments. These included measures on criminal history background checks for ambulance personnel, autism support services, school nurse orientation, acute care access for individuals with developmental disabilities, child abuse reporting training, physical therapy student loan eligibility, migratory waterfowl research, and a task force on senior fraud prevention. The chamber also adopted resolutions related to seafood competitiveness, bridge backup motors, I-12 improvements, and a Louisiana Energy Protection Act-style climate litigation measure, along with a resolution supporting Preeclampsia Day and a new Woman’s Hospital initiative. The Senate then moved through a long calendar of House bills on third reading and final passage. Bills passed included measures on Safe Haven Law postings in schools, official journal pricing, the Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving, the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, sexual assault survivor rights, intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing records, renewable energy recycling, school emergency operations plans, the Louisiana FIRST data system, oilfield site restoration fees, inmate programming, automatic reinstatement of suspended driver’s licenses, special vehicle permits, climate-change damages, the Louisiana Center for State Schools, the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force, fire limits, police chief appointment in Folsom, digitized credentials, Sewage and Water Board procurement, behavioral health crisis insurance coverage, the Louisiana Talent Accelerator Office, indigent defender fee thresholds, prestige license plates, public license tag agent fees, highway naming, public defender terminology cleanup, an improvement district in Orleans Parish, a Democratic Party license plate, DWI-related substance definitions, commercial driver’s license rules, and a Shreveport demolition/local property bill. Several measures drew debate, especially HB 608 on athletics revenue-sharing transparency, which passed 32-13 after concerns about public records and taxpayer transparency. The final bill mentioned, HB 1059 on TOPS math requirements, was introduced at the end of the transcript but its disposition was not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I want to make sure we have a vehicle going forward on this.
• </c><00:12:56.320><c> There</c><00:12:56.560><c> is</c> vehicle to go back and do that.
• There is vehicle to go back and do that.
• Do I have that vehicle to move forward.
• But the goal of this bill as a vehicle is to get rid of the absentee ballot envelopes.

Committee: Joint Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• These vehicles deliver goods right to our homes and businesses.
• One even drove away from police officers doing a vehicle stop.
• You see these vehicles already in our neighborhoods.
• AB 33 does not ban automotive vehicle technology.
• We've seen automatic vehicles, automated vehicles block fire trucks, drive through active emergency scenes

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had emergency vehicles, emergency vehicles, not on an emergency call, not with their lights and
• their vehicles are being outfitted with laptops that face the driver.
• It's a vehicle to to do to do more.
• We know there's a lot of things that happened in a vehicle that are distracting.
• So there are always going to be things that are happening vehicle. These are things.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for electric vehicles.
• This is for electric vehicles.
• vehicles in Florida.
• That's a lot of electric vehicles coming on.
• We drive old diesel vehicles, and... I am a self-proclaimed mechanic. We drive old diesel vehicles.

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 106, Senator Rei, Vehicle Laws, Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Repeal, reassigned to
• Senate Bill 106, Senator<00:01:24.640><c> Rei,</c><00:01:25.119><c> vehicle</c><00:01:25.520><c> laws
• ,</c><00:01:26.240><c> vehicle</c> Senator Rei, vehicle laws, vehicle Senator Rei, vehicle laws, vehicle

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> automakers producing the most Vehicles automakers producing the most Vehicles sold<00:34:08.440>
• </c><00:34:19.359><c> keys</c> leadership on this issue vehicle keys leadership on this issue vehicle
• Otherwise, we could not deliver vehicles because if you can't deliver a key, you can't drive the vehicle
• Otherwise, we could not deliver vehicles because if you can't deliver a key, you can't drive the vehicle
• Otherwise, we could not deliver vehicles because if you can't deliver a key, you can't drive the vehicle

Bills: HF737 , HF247 , HF325 , HF1330

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:43:31.000><c> sech</c> research so the electric vehicle sech research so the electric vehicle
• isn't on all vehicles.
• It's just passenger automobiles that are subject to the general passenger vehicle registration tax.
• Um, so you can see those changes on lines 144 and 145. vehicle registration tax Rich H uh thank vehicle
• </c> Bill calls for a motor vehicle Bill calls for a motor vehicle registration<01:15:34.120><c> tax<

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill will do, this bill will allow local governments to get two bids for vehicle repairs if
• He explained that, under the current code, all vehicle repairs are accumulated over 12 months.
• He gave the example of a police vehicle that has been damaged and has to go through the bid process,
• , especially police vehicles.
• He said the bill is just for vehicle repairs and sets three requirements.

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:

• So you'll see a lot of these projects are for vehicle barriers.
• Thank you for having me here today on behalf of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• Two of those troops are dedicated specifically to commercial vehicle enforcement, which has, of course
• Many of those vehicles are what we called cloned vehicles, and that is where a very sophisticated and
• stolen, determine that it's made of stolen parts that are untraceable, and we're able to take that vehicle

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee heard two presentations on domestic security. Deputy Commissioner David Binder of FDLE described the state’s domestic security structure, including FDLE’s coordination role, the fusion center system, regional task forces, and private-sector infrastructure partnerships. He emphasized the Domestic Security Oversight Council’s grant-ranking process and warned that federal homeland security funding has dropped sharply over time, with possible future cuts threatening fusion center analysts and other capabilities. Binder also focused on emerging threats, especially drones and counter-UAS issues, noting current legal limits on mitigation authority, concerns about tethered drones and drone use near correctional facilities and military sites, and the need for a turnkey solution if state or federal authority expands. He also highlighted FDLE’s cataloging of critical infrastructure sites through Florida Kicker and the growth of trusted private partners. Director Dave Kerner of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles then outlined the Florida Highway Patrol’s role in domestic security. He paid tribute to a fallen sergeant and discussed FHP’s structure, criminal interdiction work, border integrity and trafficking enforcement, dispatch and communications, aviation and drone use, and immigration enforcement under 287(g). Kerner said troopers have seized large amounts of narcotics and currency this year and have arrested thousands of unlawful immigrants. He also described FHP’s involvement in operations such as Lone Star, Vigilant Sentry, and Faithful Service, and said the agency is working toward expanded counter-UAS authority through federal discussions and Sergeant Dooley’s testimony. Members expressed support for both agencies, discussed the dangers and potential benefits of drones, and the committee adjourned without objection after no public testimony was offered.