Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:04.560> a<00:35:04.720> cost<00:35:04.960> structure<00:35:05.280>
• Fur, >> I<00:35:56.079> mean<00:35:56.160> to<00:35:56.320> your<00:35:56.480
• :35:27.360> waiting<01:35:27.679> to<01:35:27.840> see<01:35:28.080> what
• <01:35:30.239> are<01:35:30.560> like<01:35:30.719> on<01:35:30.880> on
• > that<01:35:37.440> out<01:35:37.760> and<01:35:38.320> try<01:35:38.560

Bills: HF3718

Keywords: veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal care, licensing, client consent, continuing education, emergency services, teletriage, 1183, house

Summary: The Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee met with quorum present, approved the March 2 minutes, and then heard a presentation on economic consolidation in agriculture from Austin Ferk, who said he was not taking additional public testimony. Ferk argued that consolidation in meat, dairy, and grain markets has squeezed farmers on both input and output prices, raised consumer prices, and reduced product quality. He used charts and examples to claim that concentrated markets lead to price gouging, that farmers now receive a historically low share of each food dollar, and that industrial production has contributed to environmental problems, especially in Iowa. Ferk focused on several large agribusiness firms, especially JBS and Cargill. He described JBS as a dominant meatpacker with a history of bribery allegations and market power across beef, pork, poultry, and leather, and said its ownership of brands can obscure who is actually selling the product. He also criticized Cargill as an opaque, privately held company with enormous influence over grain and food markets, and said the farm bill and crop insurance system have been shaped to favor overproduction of corn and soy rather than diversified farming. He argued that these policies, along with ethanol demand and export-oriented livestock production, have harmed rural communities, increased manure and nitrate pollution, and contributed to health problems. In the latter part of the presentation, Ferk discussed antitrust and policy responses, including concentration studies, a proposed packer ban that would prevent meatpackers from owning the animals they slaughter, and restrictions on slotting fees and other pay-to-play practices in grocery retail. He also referenced the failed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of consolidation harming local communities. No committee vote or formal action was taken on the presentation beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• push<01:35:13.520> the<01:35:13.679> button<01:35:13.840> so<01:35:14.080><
• Uh I also<01:35:19.760> speak<01:35:20.000> on<01:35:20.239> behalf<01:35:20.560
• But<01:35:42.320> let<01:35:42.560> me<01:35:42.719> say<01:35:42.880> that
• So you've<01:35:52.000> listed<01:35:52.320> a<01:35:52.480> lot<01:35:52.560>
• <01:35:54.800> very<01:35:55.040> helpful<01:35:56.239> that<01:35:56.480>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.960> I<00:35:51.200> don't<00:35:51.359> know<00:35:51.520> how<00:35
• ><00:35:56.800> could<00:35:57.040> be<00:35:57.280> or<00:35:57.760> should<
• Do<00:35:59.280> you<00:35:59.440> know<00:35:59.520> of<00:35:59.680> any
• Because<01:35:09.920> what<01:35:10.159> happens<01:35:10.400> in<01:35:10.560><
• facility or<01:35:14.880> other<01:35:15.120> facilities<01:35:16.080> to<01:35

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then approved an agency amendment to a health and family services regulation. The amendment reversed a prior change so that neonatal ICU beds would remain subject to regular review rather than nonsubstantive review. The remaining administrative regulations were then reviewed without objection. The main presentation was from State Auditor Allison Ball on a report finding $836 million in concurrent Medicaid capitation payments from 2019 through 2022, involving individuals enrolled in Kentucky and at least one other state. Ball said Kentucky relied on the PARIS system, which has limitations because it is updated quarterly and depends on voluntary state participation, while a better federal data source, T-MSIS, was not fully available to the state. She said the audit found weak internal controls, siloed processes, outdated guidance, and a low-priority attitude toward residency checks, all of which contributed to missed alerts and improper payments. She also said the report identified additional problems, including payments made after beneficiaries died and cases involving multiple states paying for the same person. Ball recommended better access to federal data, stronger MCO contract provisions, and more active oversight by the Department for Medicaid Services and managed care organizations. She said the contracts reviewed did not provide a clear way to recoup the improper payments, though she and her counsel suggested possible equitable legal theories might be explored. Members expressed concern about the scale of the waste and the lack of contract enforcement, and asked whether any money could be recovered. Ball said the audit did not identify a clear contractual path to recoup the funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• that<00:35:02.079> an<00:35:02.440> accident<00:35:02.920> was<00:35:03.760>
• <00:35:35.760> call<00:35:35.960> the<00:35:36.119> police<00:35:36.440> or
• <00:35:39.839> of<00:35:40.680> uh<00:35:40.839> the<00:35:41.000> guy
• c> so<00:35:45.119> what<00:35:45.320> this<00:35:45.520> does<00:35:46.160>
• > or<00:35:51.000> if<00:35:51.240> there<00:35:51.680> is<00:35:52.560><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS IS THE 35 AREAS THAT WE WILL IN OUR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP POSITION IN TRANSPORTATION.
• ARE VERY GOOD WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND LEFT TURNING TRAFFIC ESPECIALLY GOING ONTO THE INTERSTATE

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Chairman: Please note if you're here for Interstate Medical Compact, is that what you're looking
• Masters, who is here, they are part of the staff that is hired by the Interstate Commissioners.
• And then it goes on to say the interstate commission above that in subparagraph A says the commission
• And then when you look at line two, it says, the Interstate Combat— I'm sorry, the Interstate Commission
• This is run through the interstate commission.

Transcript Highlights:

• With prioritization falling with the Interstate Commission.
• The second infrastructure project fund would be managed by the Interstate Stream Commission, which has
• been administering SECURE projects since the 1980s. managed by the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC
• This bill is asking for this funding to go to the Interstate Stream Commission. Mr.
• Not specifically, but part of the treatments will be worked on with the Interstate Stream Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a commercial driver's license authorizing operation of a commercial vehicle in interstate
• A commercial driver's license authorizing operation of a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce with
• Interstate 12 improvements? Yes.
• And then each exchange, as you proceed toward Hammond, with the Interstate 12, Interstate 55 interchange
• Senator Wheat has been a huge advocate for this, and he's absolutely correct that the Interstate 12 and

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:35:11.960> a<00:35:12.040> letter<00:35:13.240> which<00:35:13.480> was
• > So<00:35:17.160> that<00:35:17.320> was<00:35:17.440> the<00:35:17.520>
• And<00:35:21.720> I<00:35:21.800> had<00:35:21.920> also<00:35:22.240> sent
• ><00:35:47.000> we<00:35:47.200> wanted<00:35:47.560> to<00:35:47.680> have
• prosecutions it<00:35:49.760> would<00:35:49.920> come<00:35:50.080> from<00:35

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill prevents unintended consequences that could hinder carbon capture efforts or disrupt interstate
• By supporting this bill, you uphold the integrity of interstate commerce, ensure continued access to
• By supporting this bill, you uphold the integrity of interstate commerce, ensure continued access to
• commerce law so I I think interstate commerce law so I I think that's<00:18:04.880> those<00:
• commerce clause and um that interstate commerce clause and um that seems<00:18:17.320> to<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members basically have directed us to create these interstate agreements for licensed mobility.
• You can be kind enough to send the committee information regarding the interstate compact commission
• But, you know, again, as we've heard, like one interstate compact, you've only seen one interstate compact
• But, you know, again, as we've heard, like one interstate compact, you've only seen one interstate compact
• So if we get an interstate license, or if we get a... ...multi-state license from New Hampshire, then

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with both in-person and remote testimony. Committee chairs reviewed logistics for public testimony and then heard a series of bill presentations on topics including nitrous oxide sales, liquor license extensions and alcohol license density, cosmetology licensure compacts, electronic textbooks, HVAC supervisor licensing, and automotive warranty reimbursement rates. Several members asked questions about the public health, consumer protection, economic mobility, and regulatory impacts of the proposals. Representative John Barrett testified in support of H. 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, arguing it is a public health measure aimed at reducing recreational misuse by young people while preserving legitimate culinary, medical, dental, and industrial uses. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported a local liquor license extension bill, saying delayed revitalization and staffing disruptions from the pandemic-era “Great Resignation” had slowed development and postponed demand for the licenses. MassPack supported H. 4597 to limit new alcohol retail licenses near existing stores after 2026, citing oversaturation and public health concerns, while the committee also heard testimony on a cosmetology compact bill from industry and state-government representatives who said it would improve workforce mobility, especially for military spouses, though members questioned its fee structure and interaction with existing reciprocity rules. Representative Mindy Domb testified for H. 559, which would create a commission to study electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing, arguing that digital course materials can limit consumer choice, raise costs, and reduce students’ ability to share or resell materials. Student testimony echoed those concerns. The committee also heard strong support for H. 4719, a bill to create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, from industry witnesses who said it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy implementation; and opposition testimony on H. 4019, which would change how auto dealers are reimbursed for warranty work, with dealers supporting a fix to manufacturer reimbursement practices and manufacturers warning the bill would raise costs and allow overpayment. At the end of the hearing, the chairs read the agenda items and the committee adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• 35:03.839> for<00:35:04.000> making<00:35:04.240> your<00:35:04.480> way
• <00:35:06.160> Strong<00:35:06.480> and<00:35:06.640> Mr.
• Barrett.<00:35:07.280> We<00:35:07.520> appreciate<00:35:07.839> your<00:35:08.079
• <00:35:11.040> All<00:35:11.119> right.
• <00:35:11.920> Uh,<00:35:12.320> we<00:35:12.640> have you. Thank you.

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, seeing<00:35:13.119> none,<00:35:13.440> can<00:35:13.680> we<00:35:14.160
• >> Okay.<00:35:18.160> May<00:35:18.720> short<00:35:19.040> recess<00:35:
• <00:35:47.040> PN<00:35:48.079> next<00:35:48.320> up<00:35:48.720> I
• PN next up I it we<00:35:49.599> are<00:35:49.839> too<00:35:50.079> soon<00:35:
• Apparently<00:35:51.760> there<00:35:52.000> are<00:35:52.079> two<00:35:52.240>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• :35:09.560> we<01:35:09.680> are<01:35:09.840> currently<01:35:10.240> being<
• to<01:35:10.880> do<01:35:11.000> that<01:35:11.120> we<01:35:11.200>
• <01:35:15.240> And<01:35:15.440> so<01:35:15.880> do<01:35:16.080> you
• 01:35:18.320> rate<01:35:18.720> at<01:35:18.920> which<01:35:19.640> the
• /c><01:35:21.880> language<01:35:22.200> is<01:35:22.280> trying<01:35:22.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, a commercial driver's license authorizing operation of a commercial vehicle in interstate
• A commercial driver's license authorizing operation of a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce with
• Interstate 12 improvements? Yes.
• It's extremely important that we make sure that we prioritize Interstate 12 to get some improvements
• And then each exchange, as you proceed toward Hammond, with the Interstate 12, Interstate 55 interchange

Bills: SCR58, SB309, SB514, HCR63, HCR69, HB401, HB487, HB722, HB730, HB745, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1218, HB1244

Keywords: SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• They<00:35:12.720> may<00:35:12.960> only<00:35:13.359> require<00:35:14.000>
• /c><00:35:19.119> have<00:35:19.520> a<00:35:19.839> residence<00:35:20.560>
• Again,<00:35:26.400> the<00:35:26.720> discussions<00:35:27.200> we<00:35:27.440
• > I<00:35:31.040> only<00:35:31.200> need<00:35:31.520> five<00:35:31.920
• <00:35:48.000> You<00:35:48.160> guys<00:35:48.480> figure<00:35:48.720>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I mean, all of those that I just mentioned are interstate communications.
• “I mean, all of those that I just mentioned are interstate communications.
• That's not going to be interstate communications.
• Like I say, SuttonLink might be somebody that's totally interstate. I don't know.
• I mean, Charter is an interstate company, so I don't know—would this even affect you guys?

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on Wednesday, April 22, with a quorum present and heard several bills. HB 1195, relating to the Louisiana State Athletic Commission, was amended with technical changes and a fee-related amendment tied to student athlete agents, then reported favorably. Members asked about criminal penalties and whether the bill would affect prison athletic events; the author said he would follow up on those questions. HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, was amended to clarify definitions, federal compliance, notice requirements, and severability, then reported favorably after extensive debate over whether providers already give adequate notice, whether a separate notice is necessary, and whether the bill would be preempted by federal law. Charter Communications testified in opposition, saying the bill was duplicative and would add costs, while the author argued it was needed to ensure clear, conspicuous notice of price increases and cancellation rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• At like $35 for a prescription.
• They pay them $35 but they, they charged the health insurance company $40.
• As Carl mentioned, um, we will, we are tasked with doing sequential interst mapping for this state.
• individuals and, and are, are mobilizing and meeting, we will be able to go through the sequential interstate

Transcript Highlights:

• And at that time, in those areas, we were facing over 35% unemployment in the Glades area.
• And, you know... ...35% unemployment in the Glades area.
• And because we didn't, they weren't shut down by our interstate. That they were vibrant.
• And because they weren't shut down by our interstate, for years I've been thinking to myself, how do

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing visiting groups, including FSU students and officials, Catholic lay leaders, Broward County school officials and students, and veterans-related guests. The chamber then took up a series of bills, with several routine reviser measures passing unanimously: SB 36 adopting the 2025 Florida Statutes, SB 38 changing a division name in the statutes, SB 40 deleting repealed provisions, and SB 42 cleaning up obsolete language and cross-references. SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience was amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub’s role and passed 39-0 after debate about mangroves, oyster reefs, living shorelines, and hybrid green-gray infrastructure. SB 116, a major veterans bill, passed 39-0 after extensive discussion of veteran benefits awareness, mental health training, coordination with federal agencies, adult day health care, and the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions and debate over state preemption of local zoning and related regulation, and SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids passed 39-0 to expand access for adults after licensed evaluation. The Senate also passed SB 150, as amended, to conform to the House by changing the bill’s wording from “animals” to “dogs” in the natural-disaster abandonment context. SB 294 passed 38-0 to limit collaborative pharmacy practice from being expanded to certain serious cardiac conditions. Senate Memorial 314 was adopted by voice vote, urging Congress to seek a larger Florida National Guard force structure. SB 322 passed 39-0 creating a nonjudicial process for commercial property owners to have unauthorized occupants removed by the sheriff. SB 348 passed 39-0, making it an ethics violation to falsely claim a military rank for material gain and allowing delinquent ethics fines to be withheld from public paychecks. SB 7012 on child welfare passed 39-0 and would recruit former public safety workers into CPI/case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and improve data collection and services for commercially sexually exploited children. Later, the Senate returned to SB 108 on administrative procedures, which passed 39-0 after debate over a five-year review cycle for agency rules, reporting requirements, and greater transparency in rulemaking. SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services and discussion of easing pathways into the CPA profession while maintaining standards. SB 110 on rural communities passed after an amendment package and extensive debate, with provisions described as creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and road funding, school support, and health care investments for rural areas. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and received additional announcements before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• interest from companies, not just from Florida and the nation, but from around the world, along Interstate
• say... ...from companies, not just from Florida and the nation, but from around the world, along Interstate
• I've been involved in manufacturing in one kind or another for 35 years, and I love how families and
• Our port property encompasses 5,000 acres and receives 35 million tons of cargo per year.

Summary: The Commerce and Tourism Committee met to hear an overview of its jurisdiction and then focused primarily on Florida manufacturing. Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly described manufacturing as central to a more resilient, diversified economy, citing the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report and noting strong growth in manufacturing businesses, jobs, exports, and workforce programs. He emphasized that most Florida manufacturers are small businesses, that the sector is increasingly STEM- and technology-driven, and that the state’s main challenge is workforce aging and the need to retain trained talent. Members also discussed how to better expose students and parents to manufacturing careers, improve startup access to capital, and strengthen regional manufacturing corridors and transportation links. Kevin Carr of FloridaMakes said Florida is on track to become a top-five manufacturing state, but warned that productivity, technology adoption, and workforce shortages remain key issues. He said a proposed manufacturing bill would create a chief manufacturing officer and help address workforce, technology, and market-visibility challenges. Bain Beecher of PGT Innovations described the company’s growth and community role, but highlighted obstacles such as affordable housing, insurance costs, permitting delays, supply-chain disruptions, and limited awareness of manufacturing careers among students and parents. Andrew Kosowski of Veterans Metal focused on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, citing labor shortages, the cost of adopting new technology, regulatory burdens, and cybersecurity compliance as major pressures, and urged support for the draft manufacturing bill. Brian Giuliani of the Port of Tampa Bay outlined the port’s cargo mix, infrastructure investments, and role in moving fuel, construction materials, and manufactured goods, saying the port’s expansion and transloading plans could better connect Florida manufacturers to suppliers and markets. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need to promote manufacturing careers earlier in school, improve public perception of the industry, and reduce barriers to investment. No formal vote was taken during the discussion, but the panelists broadly supported the draft manufacturing legislation and the committee’s focus on manufacturing policy.