Video & Transcript : 'spent grain' :
Page 85 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:39:32.520><c> 12</c> oh we didn't really spend 15 we spent 12 oh we didn't really spend 15 we
- </c><00:48:06.640><c> elsewhere</c><00:48:07.160><c> than</c> dollars is better spent elsewhere than
- dollars is better spent elsewhere than for<00:48:07.559><c> this</c><00:48:08.040><c> program</c><00:
- elsewhere what I would ask better spent elsewhere what I would ask you<00:48:49.960><c> to</c><00:48
- </c><01:46:25.960><c> on</c> entitled to for every dollar spent on entitled to for every dollar spent
Summary:
The committee heard testimony from Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt on the New Hampshire Insurance Department budget. He said the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers based on New Hampshire premium volume, with about $8 billion in premiums written in the state and a department budget of roughly $15.5 million. He explained that the department has 88 authorized positions, eight vacancies, and that three full-time positions were unfunded after the governor’s requested 4% reduction exercise. He also said the department is trying to balance staffing needs with not overburdening carriers during a hard insurance market.
A major topic was the department’s $2.6 million rebate to industry from the prior fiscal year, which Bettencourt described as a credit against the next assessment rather than a direct cash payment. Members questioned why that credit was not reflected as a reduction in the upcoming budget, and Bettencourt and staff explained that the budget assumes full staffing and full spending, with any year-end surplus returned to insurers. The commissioner said the department had added staff in recent years for succession planning and to preserve institutional expertise, and that the rebate reflects careful budgeting rather than excess spending.
Members also asked about staffing changes by division, including positions unfunded in fraud, property and casualty examinations, life and health examinations, and tax. Bettencourt said fraud investigations remain strong and that the department can use outside contractors for examinations, with those costs billed to the company being examined. He also described the department’s examination process, including periodic financial exams and targeted market conduct reviews triggered by consumer complaints or trends. Additional questions covered OIT transfers, the department’s oversight of fully insured health coverage, the insurance premium tax and fines going to the general fund, and the department’s limited role in auto repair reimbursement disputes, where he said complaints have recently declined.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- So for what purposes they can be spent.
- And if you spent some uh lesser number.
- </c><02:33:54.800><c> his</c> Elk Mountain uh where he spent his Elk Mountain uh where he spent his career
- As somebody who spent my intervention.
- We've said no more that we've spent.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Around the state that are displeased with the millions of dollars that are being spent.
- A million dollars has been spent on this.
- We have spent this million dollars in the last four years. As Corrections chief, Mr.
Committee:
All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
Summary:
The Joint Budget Committee met to consider several budget-related items and amendments. An amendment to Senate Bill 30 concerning the Office of the Governor, offered by Senator Rice, would have canceled funding for a senior advisor position tied to former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri; Senator Rice and Representative Wooten criticized the position’s cost and Profiri’s lack of responsiveness to the legislature and taxpayers. The chair referred that amendment to the personnel committee for review, and other members were told further discussion would occur there.
The committee also referred an amendment by Senator Johnson related to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism to special language, and referred House Bill 1080 by Representative Ladyman for the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, to special language as well. In other business, Senator Dismang explained a revised special language amendment for ADEQ’s waste tire program to correct a timing issue in the governor’s letter; the committee suspended the rules so it could be considered and then referred it to special language for the next day’s agenda.
The meeting included recognition of student guests from Jonesboro High School and Hendrix College. No substantive votes were taken on the contested personnel amendment, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the next morning.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Review Committee May 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- keep a limited fiscal administration in place until the project's complete and all funding has been spent
- So why hasn't GOSEP gotten to the council what Magnolia has spent on this water, on the project that
- We have not—they didn't even submit, when the legislative auditor asked them for what they spent thus
- For what they spent thus far. They haven't even submitted that to the legislative auditor.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on the City of Tallulah’s water system and a request to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson and state officials described a long-running water crisis, including repeated failing grades from LDH, a public health emergency declaration, joint receivership efforts, and the need to expand the project beyond plant repairs to include the distribution system. They said the total cost is now estimated at about $26 million, with funding expected from USDA loans and grants, water sector funds, possible Delta Regional Authority assistance, and an emergency subfund that becomes available through limited fiscal administration.
Chris Province of the Legislative Auditor’s Office explained that the system had received F grades from 2022 through 2025, that the city entered joint receivership in 2024, and that the governor declared a public health emergency in February 2025. He said the city adopted a resolution in April 2026 to enter limited fiscal administration, which was the basis for the committee’s action. Governor’s office staff and the mayor supported the request, saying the state partnership had improved water quality and that the limited administrator would help secure additional funding and move the project toward completion over roughly 24 months.
Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that Tallulah had recently elected a new council and that the committee should wait for new local leadership. Another said the state had mismanaged the project, questioned the use of funds and contracts, and argued that the city should receive the full amount of promised state funding without deductions. Committee members said the legal standard was met by the system’s failing grade and the emergency conditions, and they emphasized that the limited fiscal administrator would control only the water system finances. A motion to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system was made, seconded, and passed, followed by adjournment.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I've spent so much money. What's going on? I just don't understand. I've spent so much money on...
- Wiping out bucks I've spent years tracking—you say it's to protect the herd, but all I see is fewer trophy
- We'd have to pay department workers, typing out bucks, I've spent years tracking.
Committee:
House Agriculture
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I am here today in my role as an advisor to State Armor, but in my career, I've spent three decades working
- And I've spent most of those three decades tracking Chinese malign influence in the United States, particularly
- I spent most of my career in the military and in the intelligence community.
- I spent most of my career in the military and in the intelligence community.
Committee:
Senate Ethics and Elections
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Debate — April 26 Apr 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I spent many sleepless nights, and as some members of the Appropriations Committee know, many 1 and 2
- doesn't go far enough in making sure we provide security for the employees of our state that have spent
- doesn't go far enough in making sure we provide security for the employees of our state that have spent
- Have spent decades of their lives working with these individuals and getting to know who they are.
Summary:
The House considered Substitute Senate Bill 5393, relating to closing Rainier School by June 30, 2027. After many withdrawn amendments, the House adopted striking Amendment 1455, which changed the bill to allow current residents to remain at Rainier School as long as they choose and can live there, while also creating opportunities for community care transitions, return to Rainier if needed, and regular reporting from DHS on transition outcomes, mortality, and related data. Members speaking in favor emphasized the need to move away from institutional care, protect vulnerable residents, and improve accountability; some noted the emotional and personal significance of the issue. The bill then passed the House 76-22 and was immediately transmitted to the Senate.
The House also took up several Senate-amended bills and concurred in the Senate changes before final passage. Second Substitute House Bill 1207 passed 54-44 after debate over a fee increase and whether the revenue would benefit local jurisdictions enough. Substitute House Bill 1498 passed 70-28 after a modest Senate adjustment giving more first-year flexibility. House Bill 2003 passed 53-45 despite concerns that it would reduce fishing opportunities. Substitute House Bill 2047 passed 58-40; supporters praised the Senate changes, while opponents argued it still ended a valuable employee ownership program and remained subject to appropriations. House Bill 2050 passed 56-42 after the Senate removed an apportionment shift from the bill, though some members still objected to the remaining ALE enrollment cap.
The House also received messages from the Senate indicating passage of a gross substitute House Bill 249 and that the President had signed gross substitute Senate Bill 5041. The chamber then adjourned until 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- transparency on where the money allocated from the legislature to our local school districts is being spent
- improvement that can come out of that information flow and that transparency where money actually is spent
- transparency on where the money allocated from the legislature to our local school districts is being spent
- improvement that can come out of that information full and that transparency where money actually is spent
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Around the state that are displeased with the millions of dollars that are being spent.
- A million dollars has been spent on this.
- This started off as the Secretary of Corrections, and we have spent this million dollars in the last
Committee:
All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum, recognized visiting student groups from Jonesboro High School and Hendrix College, and then moved through its agenda. Item B1 was passed over. Under item C1, Senator Rice offered an amendment to Senate Bill 30 concerning the governor’s office that would eliminate funding for a senior advisor position tied to former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri, arguing the state had spent too much on the position and citing concerns about his performance and lack of responsiveness. Representative Wooten supported the amendment, criticizing Profiri’s failure to appear before the committee. The chair referred the amendment to the personnel committee for further review and cut off further discussion in this meeting.
The committee then referred item C2, an amendment by Senator Johnson to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, to special language. Item C3, House Bill 1080 by Representative Laddeman relating to the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, was also referred to special language. Under other business, Senator Dismang presented a revised special language amendment for the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEQ) waste tire program to correct a timing issue in the governor’s letter. The committee voted to suspend the rules so the revised language could be considered, then referred it to special language for the next day’s agenda. The meeting adjourned with notice to reconvene the following morning at 9:00.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Nine - Tuesday, April 28
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I wanted to give you a chance to speak to— Aren't being spent in the classroom.
- And likewise, what you spent your per diem on, that's taxpayer dollars.
- It wouldn't apply to taxpayer dollars spent, say, at the police.
- I mean, that's the number of hours and minutes spent on this floor discussing children's...
- attorney working Down here, I spent a number of years as an attorney working in family court.
Summary:
The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 123-1 roll call vote. Members then spent time introducing guests, including physicians, sheriffs, students, interns, and school groups from several districts. The chamber also heard a personal privilege statement recognizing a member’s son’s birthday.
On third reading, House Bill 1758, dealing with permanent daylight saving time in Missouri, drew debate over whether ending clock changes would improve convenience or create safety and health problems by leaving more commutes in darkness. Supporters argued it would align with public preference and reduce disruption, while opponents warned of circadian and safety concerns. The bill passed 107-31 with two present. The House then moved to perfection of House Bill 3329, which repeals expired or unused tax credits, and House Bill 3405, which reclassifies SALT/pass-through entity items as deductions rather than tax credits for reporting purposes; both were described as cleanup and efficiency measures and were perfected without opposition.
The chamber then took up House Bill 2426, a broad parental rights bill covering medical, educational, privacy, and related decision-making for children, and a major amendment focused on individualized education plans (IEPs). Supporters said the bill and amendment strengthen parental involvement and require stricter judicial review, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, school district administration burdens, transparency requirements, and possible conflicts with existing law on truancy, medical care, and records. House Amendment 1 was adopted 98-25 with six present, and debate continued on the underlying bill with no final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I recognize that in terms of the dollar spent per award completed, that, you know, the dollar spent is
- still higher than... ...award completed, that, you know, the dollar spent is still higher than at our
- And so the amount of advertising... ...of these private institutions have spent an enormous amount of
- And we have spent the past few years really interrogating that question.
- I myself at the federal level spent a number of years regulating in this space in particular to ensure
Summary:
The subcommittee first noted that item one on the Imagination Library update was being pulled pending review of newly received receipts, invoices, and backup documentation from the State Library and the Department of Finance. The chair said the committee would continue reviewing the materials and later determine whether additional oversight and accountability measures are needed regarding taxpayer funds and implementation of the program.
The main discussion focused on the California Community Colleges budget request. Chancellor Christian described strong post-pandemic enrollment recovery and asked the Legislature to fund 3% enrollment growth, change the funding formula to use the highest of the three years rather than a three-year average, and remove the 10% growth cap to avoid unfunded FTES. She also urged support for the Governor’s proposals on COLA, deferral repayment, the Common Cloud Data Platform, credit for prior learning, and Calbright College, while adding requests for AI literacy funding, a Rebuild L.A. workforce effort, veterans services, and support for the Chancellor’s Office. Senators raised concerns about high district reserves, part-time faculty conditions, veterans’ credit pathways, and enrollment fraud; Christian said reserves are complex but should be addressed district by district, and that identity verification and AI tools are being used to prevent fraudulent enrollments.
Finance and LAO staff then reviewed the student-centered funding formula and enrollment growth proposals. DOF said the Governor’s budget fully repays $408.4 million in deferrals, provides a 2.41% COLA, and includes funding to cover current-year apportionment costs; LAO recommended prioritizing those proposals but suggested beginning enrollment growth funding in 2026-27 rather than revising the current-year target. Chris Ferguson said most districts are growing, that 54 of 72 districts would benefit from a formula change favoring current-year enrollment, and that unfunded growth remains a concern. On facilities, staff explained that deferred maintenance needs are about $2.2 billion, with projects prioritized by life safety, modernization, and capacity needs.
The final item was Calbright College. President Menon said Calbright serves more than 6,200 adult learners statewide, with strong completion and wage gains, and asked for the Governor’s proposed $38 million ongoing increase. She and staff emphasized Calbright’s flexible, competency-based model, its partnerships with employers and other colleges, and its role in serving working adults and caregivers. LAO questioned the proposed funding level and recommended moving Calbright onto the student-centered funding formula in the future to better tie funding to enrollment and outcomes, while Calbright argued its structure is different from traditional colleges and needs separate treatment. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 6th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Spent most hasn't spent much of their money. Does that money go away?
- So I'll try to ask a couple of questions about the money on page 15, spent and unspent.
- This is money that was... ...applied for, awarded, and not spent. Correct?
- spent.
- That is money well spent. I think the statistic on that is $753.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is just CAL FIRE so certainly we have spent in other departments besides CAL FIRE but you can see
- I know some organizations that have spent their own money, these are non-profits, spent their own money
- You don't have to pay increased property taxes for the money that you've spent to harden your home.
- That we have out there, the $3,600,000,000 that we've spent identified in the LAO report.
- On Community Hardening, we've spent... $174 million, right?
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury; to be immediately followed by hearings to examine the nomination of Mehmet Oz, of Pennsylvania, to be Administrator of the Centers Mar 14th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- this CR does is not maintain current spending on the numbers and on the directions of how it will be spent
- We spent a significant amount of time last year as a committee.
- I don't have any idea where the money is currently being spent. Let me be really clear.
- Oz, thank you for the time that we spent in the office. How many members do you meet with?
- You and I spent a fair amount of time geeking out over organization change and give me an idea of how
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
Keywords:
Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Aug 5th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It is budgeted by program administrators and spent across a portfolio of programs, ranging from appliance
- So let's show how the program administrators spent the $795 million across various market segments in
- The cost is just literally, like, we spent $795 million as the state of California.
- Where are they going and how are they being spent? How are they creating more jobs?
- I spent a lot more. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Thank you. That's okay. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on how California Public Utilities Commission energy efficiency programs are budgeted, evaluated, and measured for cost-effectiveness. The chair framed the issue as not whether energy efficiency works, but how to ensure ratepayer-funded programs continue to deliver value as the portfolio has shifted from simple measures like lighting to more complex retrofits, electrification, workforce, and equity programs. CPUC staff outlined the statutory framework, the four-year budget cycle, recent spending of about $795 million in 2025, and the use of total system benefit (TSB) and the total resource cost (TRC) test, noting that some programs are exempt from cost-effectiveness requirements at the individual program level but not at the resource acquisition portfolio level.
Utility, regional network, implementer, and advocacy witnesses offered differing views on the current metrics. PG&E described its portfolio as cost-effective overall and argued that cost-effectiveness should remain at the portfolio level to allow innovation and multi-year program flexibility. SoCalREN and the Energy Coalition emphasized the value of local government delivery, equity-focused programs, and the need to credit programs for broader benefits such as workforce development, market transformation, and electrification. The Public Advocates Office argued that ratepayer-funded programs should produce benefits greater than costs and raised concerns about the growing share of budgets going to programs that have not met cost-effectiveness thresholds. Several witnesses said the current math is too complicated and that different program types may need different metrics.
Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses on the complexity of the TRC and TSB calculations, the treatment of participant costs, and whether the state should use a simpler or more transparent framework. CPUC staff said the relevant issues are already being addressed in two open proceedings, with one budget application proceeding expected to conclude in roughly the second or third quarter of next year and a broader policy rulemaking ongoing. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported; the hearing functioned as an informational discussion and policy review.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Aug 5th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So let's show how the program administrators spent the $795 million across various market segments in
- And so maybe there’s a lot of money that needs to be spent on implementation, but wouldn’t it be better
- That's not on, you know, that's what the person spent to install a measure, for example, that's being
- Where are they going and how are they being spent? How are they creating more jobs?
- I spent a lot more. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. Thank you. That's okay. Thank you.
Committee:
House Utilities and Energy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Calfresh Enrollment and Nutrition Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we need to make sure our CalFresh money is spent locally.
- And so there are regulations to govern where the funds can be spent.
- that they are received, and they are spent locally.
- So bear with me just a bit as I go through this. in the month that they are received and they are spent
- We see that one in every four SNAP dollars spent on food eaten at home actually go to farmers.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 7th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We spent an enormous amount of time working closely with the Health Care Authority, along with those
- President, for the opportunity to tout the work of our Senate team and our Senate staff who have spent
- It seems as it as relates to certain dollars being spent related to Medicaid.
- What exactly was this all broken down for and spent on if you set it in caucus or in a probes?
- But what will that $25 million for the tourism and rec department be spent on?
Bills:
HB3418 , HB3985 , HB3463 , HB3002 , HB4303 , HB3919 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3415 , HB2206 , HB3414 , HB3265 , HB3310 , HB3413 , HB4486 , HB1219 , SR39 , SB1177 , HB3298 , HB2696 , HB3941 , HB3970 , HB3264 , HB3321 , HB2650 , HB3497 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB4421 , HB3177 , HB3322 , HB3499 , HB3500 , HB3845 , HB3742 , HB3622 , HB1250 , HB2710 , HB3831 , HB4408 , HB1002 , HB3008 , HB3086 , HB3595 , HB3678 , HB4107 , HB3695 , HB3315 , HB3590 , HB3006 , HB3151 , HB2959 , HB2398 , HB3026 , HB3467 , HB4268 , HB3372 , HB2210 , HB4359 , HB4427
Keywords:
public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer, and recognized the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, along with several visiting groups in the galleries, including the Goldsby Volunteer Fire Department and families honoring fallen firefighters Todd Pendleton and Brian Jenkins, the Sapulpa Elks Antlers, the Grove Chamber of Commerce, and northeastern Oklahoma cattlemen. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 39, celebrating the 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 70 and its economic importance to southern Oklahoma communities.
The main item of business was the Joint Committee Report for Senate Bill 1177, the General Appropriation Bill for the State of Oklahoma. Senators questioned the budget’s overall size, the use of gross production tax revenues, the new sovereign/endowment trust fund, Medicaid and Health Care Authority funding, mental health appropriations, child care subsidy funding, school security, career tech, tourism, the Commissioners of the Land Office, textbook allocations, and several other agency lines. The chair explained that the budget included about $1.5 billion in cash and sweeps, a $250 million base appropriation for the Health Care Authority, $200 million for the endowment trust fund, $31 million for PREP projects, $25 million for the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, and other agency-specific appropriations and supplements.
Several members debated the report before adoption. Supporters argued the budget addressed agency needs and future savings, while opponents criticized it as a flat or spending-heavy budget that favored special projects and well-connected interests over core services such as child care, mental health, water infrastructure, and county needs. After debate, the Joint Committee Report for SB 1177 was adopted, and the Senate moved through the budget discussion with no recorded roll-call vote in the transcript provided.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Um the House or the Senate spent 160.5 million more in general funds than the House did, 32.7 million
- </c><00:10:54.399><c> a</c> that decline in the LSR was spent. a that decline in the LSR was spent. a
- Chairman, I know the committee spent the interim talking about this.
- Chairman, I know the the committee<00:21:16.159><c> spent</c><00:21:16.480><c> the</c><00:21:16.720><
- c> interim</c><00:21:17.200><c> talking</c> committee spent the interim talking committee spent the interim
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Keywords:
911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- AS SOMEONE 1070 WHO'S SPENT OVER A DECADE IN THIS FIELD GOOD MANAGEMENT COMPANIES WELCOME
- I appreciate the time you spent on the phone with me, and I look forward to working with you.
- We've spent hours discussing this bill since you filed it in the beginning of session.
- Chair, and thank you for the time we've spent on this.
- Chair, and thank you for the time we've spent on this.
Committee:
House Commerce Committee
Summary:
The committee first took up PCS for HB 1137, which would codify a long-standing DBPR rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct excise tax for broken or spoiled products. The sponsor said the rule had been nullified for lack of statutory authority, and industry representatives waved in support. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
Members then approved PCS for HB 797 on nonprofit corporations, described as a broad update to the nonprofit statute that tracks prior for-profit corporation changes and model act language. A technical amendment was adopted, and testimony from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and a Bar business law section representative was supportive. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for HB 679 on trademark registration, which updates the state trademark system to align with federal classifications and create an online application; an amendment extending the implementation date was adopted before the bill passed.
The committee next heard several bills related to licensing and regulation. CS for HB 1433 would create an optional high school financial literacy course focused on property and casualty insurance and allow graduates to satisfy pre-licensure requirements for an entry-level license; it passed with support from insurance and free-market groups. HB 929 clarified local permitting for tiki huts, including electrical and plumbing permits, decks, fasteners, and setbacks, and passed without opposition. HB 99 exempted certain underwriting managers handling limited reinsurance business from reinsurance intermediary manager licensing requirements and also passed.
A major portion of the meeting focused on gambling enforcement in the strike-all for CS for CS HB 155, which would strengthen penalties for illegal gambling operations, expand oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, clarify fantasy sports and internet sports wagering language, and allow destruction of seized slot machines. Supporters argued the bill would help shut down repeat illegal internet cafés and related criminal activity; one homeowner group opposed it. The committee adopted the strike-all and the bill passed, with several members speaking in favor and a few voting no. The committee also passed HB 1307 on unauthorized aliens after adopting a strike-all that clarified provisions affecting licensing, housing assistance, workers’ compensation, employment enforcement, and related financial services; the bill drew substantial opposition testimony about language barriers and immigrant families, but also support from proponents citing public safety and victim stories.
Later, the committee approved DS for HB 387, which would restrict the use of ADS-B aviation data for automatic billing at airports while preserving landing fees and safety functions. It passed after supportive testimony from a private pilot. HB 865, as amended, would require professional management for community associations above a higher budget threshold, add timeshare-specific language, and impose additional licensing and insurance requirements for managers; supporters cited fraud and lack of enforcement in large associations, while one member opposed it as government overreach. The bill passed with one recorded no vote. Finally, the committee passed PCS for HB 885, a transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and bridges, and began debate on CS for HB 33, which would designate a portion of SR 895 near FIU as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and also codify a Donald Trump boulevard designation. That bill prompted sharp debate, with supporters praising Kirk’s influence and opponents objecting to honoring a non-Floridian and to his public statements; the transcript ends during that debate.