Transcript Highlights:

• My daughter Alyssa was only 14 years old when she was...
• Chapter 70 is inconsistent and insufficient.
• Sarah Wilford will talk about the Chapter 70 formula.
• Senate 385, a resolve to examine Chapter 70 funding.
• in FY26 Chapter 70 funding to our schools.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators. A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs. Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually. School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• The process starts when the youth turns 14 and is in foster care.
• So we're starting at age 14, like if we have a youth in foster care...
• At 14, it's really an opt-in or opt-out. It's not required, right?
• There are a few references in the securities chapter and in the banks and financial institutions chapter
• 41A, Professional Negligence, and Chapter 630, which is the chapter for physicians' licensure.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section four<00:14:18.000> in<00:14:18.160> the<00:14:18.240> bottom<00:14:18.480
• > of<00:14:18.720> page<00:14:19.040> 40<00:14:19.360> comes<00:14:19.600
• this<00:14:23.199> has<00:14:23.360> to<00:14:23.519> do<00:14:23.600>
• <00:14:27.360> This<00:14:27.600> is<00:14:27.680> just that's not the makeo
• This is just a<00:14:28.000> senator<00:14:28.320> cran<00:14:28.639> bill Section

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kristen<00:14:18.320> Shimada,<00:14:19.120> County<00:14:19.440> of<00:14:19.600
• :14:30.880> to<00:14:31.199> move<00:14:31.440> on<00:14:31.760> to >> All
• /c><00:14:56.000> go<00:14:56.160> around<00:14:56.880> in<00:14:57.120> our<
• <02:14:02.320> Um you<02:14:07.679> know<02:14:07.920> the<02:14:08.159>
• first<02:14:08.320> one<02:14:08.480> in<02:14:08.639> the<02:14:08.800>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting, beginning with roll call and introductions of members and participants in the room and on Zoom. The chair emphasized Sunshine Law transparency, noted the meeting was on September 11, and opened public testimony on the orientation report. No one testified in person or on Zoom, and the chair observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11 before moving into the agenda. The chair then reported on several orientation presentations given statewide between July 18 and September 5, including meetings with transit-oriented development, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on Hawaiʻi Island, the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber, and the Capo Chamber of Commerce. The main presentation item was a detailed overview from Kauaʻi County on its permitting process. County staff explained that zoning and building permits are handled separately on the outer islands, with zoning focused on form, character, and compatibility, and building permits focused on health and safety. They described a two-tier zoning system: ministerial permits that are automatically approved if not acted on within 30 days, and discretionary permits that go to the planning commission and can become lengthy contested cases if there is intervention. They also discussed special management area review in coastal areas, which can add time, and explained that building permits must conform to what was approved in zoning. Kauaʻi County staff also outlined the building permit process, including online and in-person submission, coordination with planning, engineering, water, wastewater, health, and fire agencies, and the county’s fully electronic review system using ProjectDox and related software. They noted that applicants are encouraged to check zoning, water, wastewater, and floodplain issues before hiring someone to prepare plans, especially for homeowners. The county shared permit and utility statistics and said the public can check permit history through Click2Gov. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; after the Kauaʻi presentation, the chair opened a question period for members.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> and<00:14:42.880> have<00:14:43.120> never<00:14:43.279> been<00:14:43.360
• > is<00:14:44.639> a<00:14:44.880> long-winded<00:14:45.519> answer,<00:14
• So that is a long-winded answer, but it's<00:14:46.320> hard<00:14:46.480> to<00:14:46.720
• > explain<00:14:46.959> in<00:14:47.199> a<00:14:47.839> more<00:14:48.079
• Any<00:14:54.079> further<00:14:54.399> questions<00:14:54.720> for<00:14:55.120

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 of House Finance met in a continued work session on Senate Bill 118, with no LBA present. The chair reviewed the bill’s complicated history: it began as a short Senate bill, was expanded in the Senate to address Hampstead Hospital and related contracts, and was later amended by the House Health and Human Services Committee to add the substance of House Bill 53, which would allow home cultivation of cannabis for therapeutic use. Members also discussed the bill’s timing against upcoming legislative deadlines and the available options, including recommending it ought to pass, retaining it, ITL, or amending it. A member asked about the $160,000 appropriation tied to Hampstead Hospital employees. Deputy Commissioner Marissa Hen explained that most of the money would cover accrued time owed to a small number of employees who transitioned through multiple staffing arrangements at the hospital, and the rest would honor previously promised bonuses for a few workers who would otherwise miss them after the transition to Dartmouth Health. She said the payments were intended to make employees whole after repeated changes in hospital management and staffing. Representative Stringham then offered Amendment 2345H, which would strip the House-added cannabis provisions and keep only the Senate-originated Hampstead Hospital-related sections. He argued this would improve the bill’s chances of surviving a gubernatorial veto and preserve the portions members broadly supported. The amendment failed on a 6-3 roll call. The committee then voted 6-3 to recommend the bill ought to pass without the amendment. Members also designated Representative Seaworth to speak for the majority and Representative Daniels for the minority when the bill reaches full Finance, and the work session adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:14:07.600> of<00:14:07.839> entry.
• This should include documentation<00:14:10.079> on<00:14:10.320> policies<00:14:10.720>
• President,<00:14:17.680> invasive<00:14:18.160> species<00:14:18.480> are<00:14:
• <00:14:39.199> in<00:14:39.440> the<00:14:39.600> Senate<00:14:40.160> a<
• > had<00:14:54.160> been<00:14:54.399> violating<00:14:54.800> it<00:14:55.040

Bills: SB2097, SB2317, SB2319, SB2177, SB2190, SB2424, SB2524, SB2627, SB3084, SB895, SB896, SB3102, SB3157, SB3215, SB2050, SB2090, SB2211, SB2572, SB2096, SB2025, SB2127, SB2046, SB2262, SB2354, SB2387, SB2487, SB2955, SB3234, SB2851, SB2573, SB2391, SB3282, SB3055, SB2189, SB2194, SB3152, SB2635, SB888, SB2203, SCR1, SCR2, SCR3, SCR4, SCR5, SCR6, SCR7, SCR8, SCR9, SCR10, SCR11, SCR12, SCR13, SCR14, SCR15, SCR16, SCR17, SCR18, SCR19, SCR20, SCR21, SCR22, SR3, SR5, SR6, SR7, SR8, SR9, SR10, SR11, SR12, SR13, SR14, SR15, SR16, SR17, SR18, SR19, SB2010, SB3118, SB3276

Keywords: sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, housing development, zoning exemption, government assistance, affordable housing

Bills: SB2097, SB2317, SB2319, SB2177, SB2190, SB2424, SB2524, SB2627, SB3084, SB895, SB896, SB3102, SB3157, SB3215, SB2050, SB2090, SB2211, SB2572, SB2096, SB2025, SB2127, SB2046, SB2262, SB2354, SB2387, SB2487, SB2955, SB3234, SB2851, SB2573, SB2391, SB3282, SB3055, SB2189, SB2194, SB3152, SB2635, SB888, SB2203, SCR1, SCR2, SCR3, SCR4, SCR5, SCR6, SCR7, SCR8, SCR9, SCR10, SCR11, SCR12, SCR13, SCR14, SCR15, SCR16, SCR17, SCR18, SCR19, SCR20, SCR21, SCR22, SR3, SR5, SR6, SR7, SR8, SR9, SR10, SR11, SR12, SR13, SR14, SR15, SR16, SR17, SR18, SR19, SB2010, SB3118, SB3276

Keywords: sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, housing development, zoning exemption, government assistance, affordable housing

Bills: SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB 2, SB 3, SB 5, SB 9, SB 10, SB 14, SB 16, SB 18, SB 34, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 15, SB 17, SB 4, SB1, SB2, SB3, SB5, SB9, SB10, SB14, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB4

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Bills: SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB 2, SB 3, SB 4, SB 5, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 9, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 14, SB 15, SB 16, SB 17, SB 18, SB 34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB34

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 14 by Perry et al. relating to the provision by a political subdivision of credits against

Bills: SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB18, SB34, SB 2, SB 3, SB 4, SB 5, SB 6, SB 7, SB 8, SB 9, SB 10, SB 11, SB 12, SB 13, SB 14, SB 15, SB 16, SB 17, SB 18, SB 34, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB34

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 14 is Souris River. And we had committed two sessions ago to $380 million.
• And I keep saying it, because we're looking more at a 12- to 14-year build-out.
• House Bill 1575 mirrors 1534 with similar language in Chapter 57-02.
• House bill 1575 mirrors 1534 with similar language in Chapter 5702.
• that an individual 0 to 14 is a child's case versus being an infraction.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and handled a mix of conference committee appointments, appropriations bills, policy bills, and House amendments. Early in the session, the chamber appointed conference committees for SB 2399 and for House-amended SBs 2213 and 2354, and also named conference committees for HB 103, HB 1308, and HB 1169. The Senate then took up several appropriations measures, including HB 1612, which creates the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine at UND; the Senate adopted an amendment shifting the funding to a one-time $250,000 Community Health Trust Fund appropriation with a required $250,000 match from other sources, and the bill passed 39-7. HB 1193, the “Back the Blue” grant, was amended to make the funding one-time and focus on officer retention, then passed 41-5. HB 1329, a government spending database proposal for school districts, was amended into a legislative study and passed 42-4. HB 1020, the water budget, received extensive amendments reducing and reallocating funding across major water projects, adding studies and oversight changes, and passed 45-0 with the emergency clause. HB 1581, a tribal tourism grant, also passed 40-6. The Senate rejected HB 1330, which would have authorized divestment from direct investments in Chinese companies; after debate over the prudent investor rule, trade impacts, and whether the bill singled out one nation in law, it failed 20-26. HB 1534, limiting property valuation increases, and HB 1266, adjusting the disabled veterans property tax credit, both failed unanimously or nearly so after committee recommendations against them. HB 1566, which would have created a regulatory framework for a product discussed as kratom, was amended on the floor to convert it into a study and then passed 31-15. The chamber also passed HB 2241 on charter schools after a House amendment changed the funding formula to the statewide average from the prior year, and HB 2022, the indigent legal counsel budget, after House changes added funding flexibility, offset lost fee revenue, and included a study on a public defender office. The Senate concurred in several House amendments and then passed a number of Senate bills. SB 2375, allowing joint negotiations between dental providers and insurers under Attorney General oversight, passed 44-2. SB 2251, clarifying that open records requests during state audits should be referred to the audited agency, passed 46-0. SB 2159, related to nuclear energy research, passed 43-3 after House amendments required Industrial Commission approval and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. SB 2155, changing gratis antelope license rules, passed 30-16 after debate over landowner rights and tag distribution. SB 251, setting fees and an audit for the Private Investigative and Security Board, passed 44-2. SB 2280, the prior authorization health insurance bill, passed 43-3 with a House-added study and consumer protections. SB 2023, the Racing Commission budget, passed 41-5 after a House change made internship funding one-time. SB 2232, changing prenatal substance exposure reporting requirements and related toxicology rules, passed 44-2. SB 2241, authorizing public charter schools, passed 39-7. The session ended while the Senate was still processing SB 2022’s final passage vote, but the bill had already cleared concurrence on House amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:14:32.160> update<00:14:32.800> statutes<00:14:33.519> to<00:14
• :34.320> new<00:14:34.639> agency<00:14:35.920> uh<00:14:36.079> for<00:14
• new agency<00:14:38.480> and<00:14:38.880> adds<00:14:39.199> direct<00:14:39.519
• treatment<00:14:40.399> and<00:14:40.720> direct<00:14:41.040> care<00:14:41.199
• Um<00:14:49.279> there<00:14:49.519> are<00:14:49.680> a<00:14:49.839> few

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:26.480> long<00:14:26.560> as<00:14:26.720> you<00:14:26.880> own
• <00:14:29.279> That<00:14:29.600> fee<00:14:30.000> does<00:14:30.240> not
• Assess<00:14:39.760> officers<00:14:40.399> have<00:14:40.560> a<00:14:40.720>
• c><00:14:50.880> uh<00:14:51.440> uh<00:14:52.240> uh<00:14:52.480> says<
• The<00:14:55.600> assessors<00:14:56.000> are<00:14:56.160> very<00:14:56.399>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<00:14:20.000> also<00:14:20.240> want<00:14:20.320> to<00:14:20.480><
• :24.880> for<00:14:25.199> why<00:14:25.440> I'm<00:14:25.680> here<00:14
• The reason why is because<00:14:39.279> of<00:14:39.600> chapter<00:14:40.240> 127A.
• <00:14:41.680> Shortly<00:14:42.079> after<00:14:42.320> I because of chapter
• 00:14:52.880> Act<00:14:53.120> and<00:14:53.360> the<00:14:53.519> absurd

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies. Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of what<00:14:02.079> a<00:14:02.160> risk<00:14:02.399> pool<00:14:02.680>
• is<00:14:02.800> is<00:14:03.000> pretty<00:14:03.240> good<00:14:03.399>
• just<00:14:03.720> going<00:14:03.839> to<00:14:03.959> read<00:14:04.240
• <00:14:10.759> no<00:14:11.040> law<00:14:11.959> the<00:14:12.120> pool<
• <00:14:35.720> status<00:14:36.279> of<00:14:36.519> public<00:14:37.160>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:02.800> um<00:14:03.800> you<00:14:03.959> will<00:14:04.120> see<
• <00:14:07.160> rate<00:14:07.480> cut<00:14:08.399> and<00:14:08.560> so<
• 00:14:15.279> the<00:14:15.440> you<00:14:15.519> know<00:14:15.600> you<
• does<00:14:30.079> not<00:14:30.519> impact<00:14:31.360> local<00:14:31.720>
• > sales<00:14:37.440> taxes<00:14:38.279> now<00:14:38.920> it<00:14:39.079>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2437, the governor’s proposed tax bill, and first adopted the A25-Z42 amendment to put the bill in the desired shape. Commissioner Paul Marquardt of the Department of Revenue then presented the bill as part of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget, describing it as a response to budget pressures that would make the tax system more fair and stable while supporting economic development and jobs. Marquardt walked through the bill’s major provisions. These included sustainable aviation fuel policy, repeal of K-12 education credit assignment, elimination of the political contribution refund, expansion of the research and development credit, short-line railroad infrastructure modernization, changes to the state airport fund levy, replacement of attachments and appearances with distribution systems, a narrow personal property tax exception for low-income housing tenants, reduced aquatic invasive species aid, and a 34% reduction in PILT payments. He then focused on the sales tax article, saying it would lower the statewide rate by 0.75% while expanding the base to selected professional services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services, with business-to-business transactions exempt. He said the proposal would be effective for sales and purchases after September 30, 2025, and estimated a first-year rate-cut impact of about $99 million versus $215 million from the service expansion, while arguing that most households would see a net tax cut. He also noted other changes such as landlord penalty adjustments, a 30% reduction in sustainable aviation fuel incentive payments, repeal of local government cannabis aid, and repeal of the tax filing modernization account. Public testimony began with Kyle Playford of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota, who strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on professional services, especially financial planning. He argued that financial planning is an essential service for retirement, investment, and long-term financial security, and said the tax would raise costs for consumers, reduce access for middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees, and put Minnesota firms at a competitive disadvantage. The chair then indicated that additional public testimony would continue before member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:01.440> commend<00:14:01.839> Alphi<00:14:02.480> Alpha<00:14:02.800>
• /c><00:14:04.880> chapters and the Alabama district chap chapters and the Alabama district chap
• chapters for<00:14:05.519> their<00:14:05.680> outstanding<00:14:06.240> contributions
• Speaker.<00:14:25.680> On<00:14:25.839> behalf<00:14:26.079> of<00:14:26.240>
• <00:14:34.240> Day<00:14:34.399> at<00:14:34.560> the<00:14:34.720> capital

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> are<00:14:00.320> seeing<00:14:01.079> uh<00:14:01.440> uh<00:14
• :02.519> in<00:14:02.680> the<00:14:02.920> space<00:14:03.519> uh<00:14:
• <00:14:07.399> of<00:14:07.600> interpreting<00:14:08.600> access<00:14:08.880><
• :14:10.440> so<00:14:10.639> it<00:14:10.720> is<00:14:11.079> essential<
• <00:14:13.040> table<00:14:13.360> and<00:14:13.519> have<00:14:13.639> a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A statement<00:14:05.680> of<00:14:05.839> the<00:14:06.000> school's<00:14:06.399
• Signed<00:14:12.560> agreements<00:14:13.120> from<00:14:13.440> the<00:14:13.680
• And<00:14:37.440> then<00:14:37.839> um<00:14:38.000> establishing<00:14:38.480>
• c><00:14:53.920> to<00:14:54.240> indemnify<00:14:55.040> and<00:14:55.279> hold
• from<00:14:56.160> any<00:14:56.399> suit,<00:14:56.639> claim<00:14:56.880

Bills: HF3487, HF3421

Keywords: anonymous reporting, school safety, education, crisis intervention, threat reporting, early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Jay Collins, Senate District 14. It's a large portion of Hillsborough County.
• I'm Senator Collins, Senate District 14. It's a large portion of Hillsborough County.
• You will find the Florida Election Code in chapters 97 through 106 of the Florida Statutes.
• You will find the Florida Election Code in chapters 97 through 106 of the Florida statutes.
• Prior to the new law, the advocates had no less than 14 days to file the recommendations.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections convened, established a quorum, and members introduced themselves and the committee staff. Chair Gaetz outlined the committee’s jurisdiction over election law, ethics law, executive appointments, and related confirmations, and described the committee’s process for handling gubernatorial nominations and member concerns about nominees. The committee then received a briefing from the Florida Commission on Ethics on its 2025 legislative priorities and on implementation of Senate Bill 7014 from the prior year. The commission recommended three changes: expanding the definition of “relative” in the gift law to include current and former foster parents and foster children; authorizing salary withholding to help collect civil penalties and restitution; and adding whistleblower-like protections for people who file ethics complaints. Commission staff also explained how SB 7014 changed complaint processing by requiring allegations to be based on personal knowledge or non-hearsay information and by imposing new deadlines for legal sufficiency review, investigations, and advocates’ recommendations. They said the commission has adapted its intake and review process and is currently meeting the new timelines, though the tighter deadlines may create staffing and scheduling challenges. Commission counsel also provided an update on two active lawsuits. One challenges the constitutional in-office lobbying ban, and the other challenges the requirement that elected municipal officers and mayors file Form 6 financial disclosure forms. The committee discussed the impact of the new complaint standards, the possibility of litigation if deadlines are missed, and whether local ethics boards are implementing SB 7014 similarly. Members expressed support for the commission’s work and asked for written legislative recommendations and proposed statutory language. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.