Transcript Highlights:

• This would directly benefit all of our communities.
• Shane England with the California Community Foundation, not a co-sponsor, but in proud support.
• Donna Cox and McCorry with the WISE of Me, Midlife Women's Community, and we support this bill.
• I'm Vanessa Thomas, community leader. Good morning.
• I'm Vanessa Thomas, a community leader and scientist, and I support AB 360. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a long agenda of licensing, health care, and workforce bills. Measures discussed included AB 957, which would prohibit tobacco sales in licensed pharmacies; AB 447, which would allow patients to take home certain unopened medications started in emergency rooms; AB 427, joining the Social Work Licensure Compact; AB 667, allowing interpreters for certain licensing exams; AB 742, prioritizing descendants of slaves in licensing review; AB 873, changing infection-control training timing for dental assistants; AB 360, requiring a report on menopause education for physicians; and AB 1175, modernizing CPA licensure requirements and mobility. Testimony generally emphasized public health, access to care, workforce shortages, language access, and economic opportunity, while opposition or concerns focused on implementation, worker protections, compact authority, and constitutional issues in AB 742. Several bills drew broad support from sponsors, professional associations, and advocacy groups. AB 957 was backed by cancer and pharmacy advocates and pharmacists who said pharmacies should not sell tobacco; AB 447 was supported by emergency medicine and hospital representatives as a way to reduce waste and help patients leave with needed medication; AB 427 drew support from social work and mental health groups but concerns from AFSCME about standards and displacement; AB 667 was supported by immigrant-rights and community groups, with questions about whether translated exams would be preferable to interpreters; AB 360 received extensive support from women’s health advocates and medical groups, and opposition from CMA and ACOG was removed after amendments; and AB 1175 was supported by the Board of Accountancy and CPA groups as a way to expand the pipeline and improve mobility. The committee took votes after quorum was established. AB 360, AB 427, AB 447, AB 667, AB 873, AB 1175, and AB 742 were all approved and sent to their next committees, with AB 742 going to Judiciary and AB 1175 to Appropriations. AB 957 was initially held on call, then later passed after additional votes were recorded. The consent calendar bills AB 375, AB 1107, and AB 1496 were also approved. Most measures passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes, with some members not voting on certain items during the roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gabbard would like to have introductions by our House committee, with what district or community
• Senator Gabbard would like to have introductions by our House committee, with what district or community
• This rule change had the support of the community, the industry, all the legislators.
• <00:16:24.680> the the support of the community the the support of the community the industry
• <01:28:15.920> but among the Public Health Community but among the Public Health Community

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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• So the bill develops a community benefit program to help achieve that efficiency.
• The proposed language adds value for companies, communities, and the DNR.
• CEE supports communities, businesses, and residents in saving energy and money.
• But also bringing students back on campus and freeing that housing up in the community.
• With communicating with me, so I really appreciate it.

Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• >> COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS WILL NOW COME TO ORDER.
• ABLE TO KEEP HER COMMUNITIES SAFE.
• WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY ALONE, WE PAY 3.5 MILLION. WE ARE A SMALL COMMUNITY. 2.4 SQUARE MILES.
• PENDING PRIDE FLAGS MARGINALIZES STRIPPING THE RECOGNITION OF PUBLIC SPACES.
• IF THAT HAPPENS HOWDY OUR COMMUNITIES REPLACE. THAT IS TIME. CARRIE AND THE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• Because of that, we sense of community.
• alongside investments in community-based alongside investments in community-based opportunities<
• information, support, and communities information, support, and communities that<00:23:53.679>
• ,<00:29:35.919> minority represent the LGBT community, minority represent the LGBT community
• students, and communities. Thank you. students, and communities. Thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will venture to say we likely have a low single-digit percentage of those in Florida's health care community
• This law also targets the most vulnerable members of our society: the special needs community, the elderly
• To communicate critical issues, we use the acronym SBAR. The situation is that you’re...
• To communicate critical issues, we use the acronym SBAR.
• And at AIF, we represent every angle of the Florida business community, so from health care providers

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably. Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

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• Texas communities must draw upon all solutions available.
• And finally, partnerships with local areas where ASR is feasible can provide community benefits such
• as economic opportunity, employment, and water provide community benefits such as economic opportunity
• Both of these sources of water are water that is already in our communities.
• Businesses cannot grow, communities cannot thrive, and Texas risks losing its competitive edge.

Bills: HB16, HB16, HB1618, HB2692, HB2712, HB2970, HB3609, HB3628

Keywords: judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be confusing for consumers to know which communities are CCRCs and which communities are not.
• communities are not.
• You're very vocal within your communities, but each community is different.
• You've got some national communities.
• It's not putting any community at risk now.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to review its draft final report on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with most of the discussion focused on whether recommendations required unanimous consensus and how to handle disagreements in the report. Members agreed that consensus meant no stated opposition, and several participants argued that unresolved issues should still be described in the report rather than omitted. The chairs said the report would include agreed-upon recommendations, note areas without consensus, and preserve written comments or dissent letters submitted by members. The draft report’s findings and slides were reviewed charge by charge, including CCRC definitions, financial condition, entrance fee refunds, regulatory oversight, advertising practices, and closure/change-of-ownership procedures. Members suggested several factual and wording edits, including clarifying financial data sources, correcting a presenter’s name, refining language about entrance fee use and refund timing, and revising statements about Attorney General authority and CCRC advertising. There was also discussion about the need to distinguish nonprofit and for-profit CCRCs and to better explain how different care levels and licensing structures are described. On recommendations, the commission kept the proposal to advance the disclosure bill (S. 478) and update the consumer guide, but removed a recommendation for annual open board meetings after objections that it was inadequate. The group spent considerable time debating whether to recommend resident representation on CCRC boards, timely refund requirements for entrance fees, and possible state registration or definition changes for CCRCs, but no consensus was reached on those items. The chairs said the final report would be completed by the statutory August 1 deadline, with final written comments due before then and the report and meeting materials posted on the legislature website.

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• a little about criminal justice data that they've collected to support Florida's law enforcement community
• The destination for this is the community where individuals who are in need of this medication can work
• But that's because most folks can remain in the community.
• We typically there are several other community programs that work closely with hospitals and the warm
• We know that his communities marginalized communities harder and it hits certain other communities.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's things like that that, as I continue as a community organizer, I first got notice of this when a
• local farmer came to a community meeting and spoke about House Joint Resolution 3, and it really...
• Legislative environmentalism has failed communities in need.
• communities.
• To protect communities and businesses from the devastating consequences of PFAS.

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• It will be devastating to the communities you represent. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Ms.
• We are also an essential community provider during Executive Order 2020.
• Our youngest, It's very common for kids to get excited about anything and have community.
• The pharmacy adjustments were huge to allow our freestanding community pharmacies to serve our communities
• We need to have healthy communities, and that means everybody.

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• Starting or buying into an existing vet business is happening less frequently in small communities.
• We must continue to look outside of the norm to sustain veterinary practices in our rural communities
• The agriculture community needs that. Any comments, Representative Murphy? Yeah, thank you, Mr.
• For our communities and our local farmers.
• We're really proud of this in our community, and thank you very much for your time. Thank you, Ms.

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• Thank you. thriving communities.
• Many of our coastal communities suffered from tornadoes, wind, and flooding.
• Rural communities look after one another.
• Our rural communities are full of opportunity.
• When I travel, Our rural communities are full of opportunity.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened for its organizational session with prayer, presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, followed by a moment of silence for the mother of Senator Fine. The chamber then received special guests and administered oaths to newly elected senators after reading certificates of election from the Secretary of State. Tracy Campbell Cantella was nominated and unanimously elected Secretary of the Senate, then sworn in. Ben Albritton was nominated, seconded, and elected as President of the Senate for the 2024–2026 term, and Jason Brodeur was later nominated, seconded, and elected President Pro Tempore. Both leaders were sworn in and delivered extended remarks about faith, service, Florida’s economy and education, hurricane recovery, insurance, rural communities, agriculture, water quality, Israel, veterans, and the need for data-driven, accountable government. After the leadership elections, the Senate adopted its rules for the new term and authorized the Secretary to make technical and conforming changes. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 2-O-RG, which establishes the joint rules of the Florida Legislature for 2024–26. A committee was appointed to notify the House that the Senate had convened for organization, and the committee later reported back that the House had been informed. The Senate then received a communication from the Democratic caucus certifying that Senator Jason Pizzo was elected Democratic leader and Senator Tracie Davis Democratic leader pro tempore for the term. The session included additional remarks recognizing Senate staff and security personnel, as well as tributes to the late John Pasidomo and a moment of silence for him. The meeting concluded with a performance of “Amazing Grace,” brief closing comments, and an attempted motion to adjourn sine die that was briefly tabled until the House confirmed it was convened and ready to transact business. The Senate then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• How can our communities and our hearts.
• services in our community. Thank you. services in our community. Thank you.
• is of parlament concern in our community is of parlament concern in our community of<00:43:06.480
• recommends to define protected community recommends to define protected community locations<02:02
• Um, fear stems from communities.

Bills: HB1838, HB1870, HB2445, HB2540, HB1886, HB1839, HB2269, HB1939, HB2037, HB1635, HB1941, HB1576, HB2568, HB2267, HB2590, HB2266, HB2597, HB2499, HB2500, HB2502, HB2607, HB2137, HB2357, HB1782

Keywords: HB1838, Hawaii, Act 142, U visa, T visa, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, immigration certification, visa certification, Form I-918 Supplement B, Form I-914 Supplement B, noncitizen victims, crime victim, human trafficking, victim helpfulness, law enforcement certification, prosecutor certification, judicial review, circuit court, confidentiality

Summary: The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments. The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• has access to disability Community has access to accessible<00:29:24.720> spots<00:29:25.720>
• them to participate in their communities them to participate in their communities safely<00:48:39.359
• But when I went out into the community, it was a different story.
• <01:05:34.559> and us to participate in our community and us to participate in our community
• She was happy being out in the community, interacting with people.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

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• Department of Community Service in Department of Community Service in support.<00:27:58.240> Chair
• director of Department of Community director of Department of Community Services.<00:28:01.840><
• I'm a community advocate, also the community engagement coordinator here on Kauai for HCAN.
• marginalized members of our community as well.
• :40:13.360> our certain marginalized members of our certain marginalized members of our community

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent 19A, which is an hour south of here, encompassing the communities of Wanamingo, Cannon Falls
• I'm the director of government relations and community engagement for the Office of Higher Education.
• <00:26:47.880> colleges um and that includes community colleges um and that includes community
• how many disabilities in our communities how many more<01:33:37.320> marginalized<01:33:38.000
• I am here to speak as a community member of Minneapolis and as a public university employee.

Keywords: 1183, house

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• vulnerable people in our communities. vulnerable people in our communities.
• and our community safe. and our community safe.
• communities.
• <01:44:13.199> communities.
• marginalized communities. marginalized communities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• small business owners in our communities small business owners in our communities who<00:26:06.600
• Bless you to whoever sneezed. $750,000 reduction for the host communities, impacting two communities.
• > $1 communities impacting two communities $1 communities impacting two communities $1 million
• IPS is more accessible for the most marginalized members of our community than other employment programs
• members of our for the most marginalized members of our community<01:02:09.000> um<01:02:09.200

Keywords: 1183, house

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• There will be 73 unique services like FIT Florida and family intensive treatment and CATS, community
• They operate on slim margins.
• organizations, or... ...with a peer specialist team, recovery community organizations, or some types
• of community action teams for children.
• The department will continue regular communication with lead agency executives to ensure alignment with

Summary: The subcommittee heard two Department of Children and Families implementation updates on measures passed in prior sessions. First, DCF reviewed House Bill 633, which increased oversight of behavioral health managing entities through biennial independent audits, standardized claims-based reporting, and new monthly outcome dashboards. The department said it had awarded the inaugural audit to Ernst & Young, found no significant waste, fraud, or abuse, but identified process risks involving financial controls, claims validation, data access, and system access controls. DCF also described its transition to standardized behavioral health coding and said the new public dashboard of 11 measures is posted on its website, though members asked for easier access and for hard copies of the audit report. Members asked about how the department distinguishes Medicaid-covered services from department-funded services, how duplicate payment risks are being addressed, and whether the new reporting and audit requirements would improve oversight without disrupting services. DCF said it is the payer of last resort for uninsured or underinsured individuals, that some overlap with Medicaid is expected because Medicaid does not cover all behavioral health services, and that new claims edits and cross-checks are being built into the system. The department also said it had not found significant negative feedback from providers and that the new requirements are intended to improve transparency and accountability. DCF then updated the committee on Senate Bill 7012, covering human trafficking data collection, domestic violence center certification, limited background-screening exemptions, expanded recruitment for child welfare staff, subcontractor liability protections, a four-year treatment foster care pilot, case management efficiency recommendations, and a statewide study of residential bed capacity for child victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The department said several items are already complete or underway, including limited exemptions in the screening clearinghouse, while others are in procurement or rulemaking. It identified Circuits 4 and 12 as the treatment foster care pilot sites and said the pilot will launch in January 2026. Members questioned recruitment metrics, pilot timing, and report deadlines; the department said final reports are expected by January and that some dates were flexible because of procurement and implementation timelines. The meeting ended after the presentations and questions, and the subcommittee adjourned.