Transcript Highlights:

• THE BILL RECLASSIFIES MISDEMEANORS TO A HIGHER DEGREE IF THE PERSON HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME.
• ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO VOTES IN ANY ELECTION AND ANYONE WHO HELPS THEM WILL BE CHARGED WITH A THIRD-DEGREE
• RIGHT NOW THERE IS DISCUSSION IN WASHINGTON ABOUT REINSTITUTING THAT TO SOME DEGREE.
• THIRD-DEGREE FELONY RIGHT NOW. >> Chair Hooper: SENATOR POLSKY YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Sen.
• MANY OF WHICH ATTEND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AT THE LOCAL YMCA WITH OUR CONSTITUENTS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The only change is on page three, which brings it from a fourth degree to a third degree.
• Degree felony, that's the lowest degree felony. And this is a very serious crime.
• When you raise it to a third-degree felony, that actually, you know, is a higher degree felony, and it
• It was to move it up one degree.
• murder in the second degree.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At Metro, there are currently 129 students in the bachelor's degree program, 57 enrolled in the master's
• <01:04:02.520> program,<01:04:03.520> 57 in the bachelor's degree program, 57 in the
• bachelor's degree program, 57 enrolled<01:04:04.960> in<01:04:05.119> the<01:04:05.359
• , but then people can continue on, get their bachelor's degree, master's degree, and...
• Bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctoral degree, and continue to move their way up the economic

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• only academic pursue that late bachelor's degree and it says get of art that degrees, but also very
• granting programs like our welding program.
• . daughter have graduate degrees.
• Yes, we're move forward and workforce programs and and maybe some more for your programs to the college
• They have earned degrees.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Very important program.
• Very important program.
• Very proud of that program.
• You can run a program.
• or our state programs.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some degrees and certification programs lack workforce relevance and have low enrollment.
• , presidents shall review minor degrees and certification programs once every five years to identify
• So I know in the language in the bill it says require minor degrees, certificate programs that have specific
• But my understanding is that this particular program, the grant program, the total amount allocated..
• place, listen, I ran this program.

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:15.040> right federal government has a program right federal government has a program
• was us opting into the Trump RX program. was us opting into the Trump RX program.
• Uh, we are now a master's degree program that requires uh 400 direct clinical contact hours within accredited
• 25.920> program<00:15:26.320> that now a master's degree program that now a master's degree
• what these accredited programs require. what these accredited programs require.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order 0:22 Roll Call 1:05 SB 65 Discussion 9:30 SB 65 Vote 11:55 SB 177 Discussion 26:34 SB 177 Vote 30:05 SB 245 Discussion 33:07 SB 245 Vote 33:48 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 3, 2026, with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 65, sponsored by Senator Steve West. The bill would nullify administrative regulations found deficient by the Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee. West said the committee had found three deficient regulations this year, including one related to vaping rollout problems and one involving GLP-1 coverage expansion for Medicaid. Senator Berg raised concerns that striking the GLP-1 regulation could limit Kentucky’s ability to use these drugs for weight loss and other health benefits, but the sponsor and others said the action would only block the specific regulation and that doctors could still prescribe GLP-1s under existing Medicaid authority. The committee passed SB 65 with favorable expression, 8-2. The committee then considered Senate Bill 177, sponsored by Senator Rick Girdler, and first adopted a substitute. The bill concerns speech-language pathologist licensure. Testimony from Kate Wood Hall and Ann Blandford of the Kentucky Speech-Language-Hearing Association explained that the substitute would remove the mandatory post-professional graduate experience as a requirement for full licensure, while keeping an interim pathway and preserving an optional compact-related pathway. They said the change responds to updated graduate training standards and federal billing issues, including CMS guidance that had temporarily disrupted reimbursement and access, especially in rural areas. Members asked whether the change would weaken standards or affect compact participation; witnesses said it would not, and that the compact option remained available. The committee also noted that pages two and three of the substitute were missing and staff would restore them. Several senators spoke in favor while explaining reservations. Senator Berg supported the bill and shared a personal story about speech therapy in her family. Senator Douglas also voted aye but expressed concern about reducing requirements for trained professionals and about incentives in professional education. Senator Chambers Armstrong asked whether the opt-in structure would create barriers or affect compact participation, and witnesses said it would not increase costs and that other states, including Virginia and Oregon, were pursuing similar approaches. SB 177, as amended by the substitute, passed with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• My master's degree is in substance use counseling and education.
• There’s diversion programs. There’s civil citation programs.
• We need to put more money and funding into diversion programs.
• So currently it is a second-degree felony, and now it's going to be a first-degree felony.
• On a breakdown, if there's some sort of DUI diversion program?

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization. The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties. SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• My master's degrees and substance use housing, education.
• There's diversion programs or civil citation programs.
• We need to put more money and funding into diversion programs.
• Similarly, it is a first-degree felony.
• So that currently is a second-degree felony.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Every Floridian deserves a clear path to a degree that opens doors to meaningful careers and economic
• So I learned when I returned to the college here that it's a great program.
• So I learned when I return to the college here that it's a great program.
• Institutions like Florida A&M, in particular, do more than just confer a degree.
• I'm a proud USF graduate, Go Bulls, Class of 2001, with a degree in business management.

Bills: S1694

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the case of assault, from a misdemeanor of the second degree to a misdemeanor of the first degree;
• case of aggravated assault, from a felony of the third degree to a felony of the second degree; and
• in the case of aggravated battery, from a felony of the second degree to a felony of the first degree
• This change does not change the degree of the crime. Manslaughter is also a second-degree felony.
• I surrendered my addiction to the program of recovery. I know that this program works.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer by Rabbi Moshe Umatz, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar after a motion to reconsider SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. Several bills were also set aside during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, and school social workers. The Senate passed a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included funding for expedited DNA testing grants for local law enforcement (SB 1072/HB 847), additional aggravating factors in capital cases involving religious, school, or government gatherings (SB 984/HB 693), fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients (SB 924/HB 677), commuter rail indemnification for Miami-Dade and Broward counties (SB 916/HB 867), restrictions on disposing of migrant vessels in Florida waters (SB 830), specialty license plates including Miami Northwestern and several colleges and institutions (SB 824), an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign (SB 398), relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University (SB 364), charter school changes allowing parent conversion and municipal job-engine charter schools (SB 140), sex offender registration reporting changes (SB 1654/HB 1351), penalties for assaulting utility workers (SB 1386), juvenile justice revisions and truancy process updates (SB 1344), reporting of student mental health outcomes (SB 1310/HB 969), foster home license transfer simplification (SB 1174/HB 989), water access facility funding and boating industry incentives (SB 1162/HB 735), Florida Virtual School operational changes (SB 1122), school readiness program support for children with disabilities (SB 1102), sexual image offenses involving minors (SB 1180/HB 757), age-related defenses in child sex offense cases (SB 1136/HB 777), tampering with electronic monitoring devices (SB 1054/HB 437), certified recovery residences and local zoning accommodations (SB 954), and the FSU Election Law Center (SB 892). Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 984 and SB 140 drew some opposition. One of the most extensive debates centered on SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office staff, citing emails and campaign-related communications tied to Amendment 4; the amendment failed on a 13-23 vote. Senators then debated the bill’s relationship to state election law, free speech, and the role of faith-based outreach. Supporters emphasized the office’s service network and reported benefits to children and families, while some senators raised concerns about interfaith representation and political use of government resources. The bill was then read a third time and the Senate proceeded toward a final vote as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not in our streamlining programs. That's not in our streamlining programs.
• from the state federal programs from the state federal programs from the state programs. programs. programs
• Okay. and the federal programs system. Okay. and the federal programs system.
• A similar program has been in place in A similar program has been in place in A similar program has been
• Um I want to look at what we program. Um I want to look at what we program.

Bills: HB 1535, HB 123, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HB 24, HJR 138, HB 3800, HB 42, HB 129, HB 677, HB 668, HB 2128, HB 2038, HB 2316, HB 3686, HB 2563, HB 1160, HB 3883, HB 2788, HB 2663, HB 3305, HB 3474, HB 1105, HB 3490, HB 3597, HB 1295, HB 3512, HB 3783, HB 2017, HB 3010, HB 3112, HB 4215, HB 3223, HB 3464, HB 3120, HB 4214, HB 4081, HB 4783, HB 4063, HB 2783, HB 5085, HB 2510, HB 3426, HB 4361, HB 1169, HB 2516, HB 4700, HB 3560, HB 3860, HB 3146, HB 184, HB 198, HB 247, HB 367, HB 449, HB 1778, HB 514, HB 632, HB 2582, HB 766, HB 2715, HB 2712, HB 3069, HB 3505, HB 1269, HB 4224, HB 5032, HB 2240, HB 5180, HB 3348, HB 4668, HB 4665, HB 3395, HB 3157, HB 4395, HB 4325, HB 4386, HB 4273, HB 2760, HB 2820, HB 1828, HB 1579, SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 2034, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, SB 72, SB 1583, SB 2314, SB 1267, SB 1273, SB 765, SB 552, HB 2145, HJR 112, HB 1804, HJR 110, HB 1194, HB 1531, HB 5008, HB 3421, SCR 27, HB 5398, HB 1407, HB 426, HB 1535, HB 123, HB 1773, HB 1871, HB 2035, HB 2448, HB 2492, HB 1411, HB 4753, HB 4666, HB 4529, HB 1499, HB 1610, HB 2028, HB 1506, HB 886, HB 3546, HB 796, HB 223, HB 1475, HB 3556, HB 4638, HB 111, HB 180, HB 342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4689, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2041, HB 2071, HB 1813, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 4327, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 3801, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3158, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 3138, HB 3099, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 2015, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HCR 98, HCR 92, HCR 126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• This program has been funded by the federal government, and this child...
• The murder of a peace officer is considered a first-degree felony.
• They can contribute three dollars or more to our grant program.
• So the vision program in this bill will be done from existing funds. Correct.
• This is part of the program that we all supported earlier. Yes.

Bills: HB1535, HB 123, HB 111, HB180, HB342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4689, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2041, HB2071, HB1813, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB3719, HB4284, HB4327, HB3743, HB3778, HB3801, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3158, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB3138, HB3099, HB2849, HB2967, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB2015, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HB24, HJR138, HB3800, HB42, HB 129, HB677, HB668, HB2128, HB2038, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB 1160, HB3883, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3783, HB2017, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB4700, HB3560, HB3860, HB3146, HB184, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB1778, HB514, HB632, HB2582, HB766, HB2715, HB2712, HB3069, HB3505, HB 1269, HB4224, HB5032, HB2240, HB5180, HB3348, HB4668, HB4665, HB3395, HB3157, HB4395, HB4325, HB4386, HB4273, HB2760, HB2820, HB1828, HB1579, SB2349, SB1268, SB610, SB1577, SB1369, SB2032, SB2034, SB1057, SB1044, SB922, SB1759, SB1143, SB1506, SB1403, SB2361, SB870, SB372, SB72, SB1583, SB2314, SB1267, SB1273, SB765, SB552, HB2145, HJR112, HB1804, HJR110, HB 1194, HB1531, HB5008, HB3421, SCR27, HB5398, HB1407, HB426, HB1535, HB 123, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2448, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB1475, HB3556, HB4638, HB 111, HB180, HB342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4689, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2041, HB2071, HB1813, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB3719, HB4284, HB4327, HB3743, HB3778, HB3801, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3158, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB3138, HB3099, HB2849, HB2967, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB2015, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HCR98, HCR92, HCR126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• > with they're applied bachelor's degrees with they're applied bachelor's degrees with less<01
• and certificate programs, and associate degree in nursing.
• workforce trying to deliver programs workforce trying to deliver programs that<01:55:58.880>
• We've begun to do more with workforce programs, those short-term programs.
• It is a document that is a listing of all of our associate degree and certificate programs across the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• To do that, we're going to need people who are able to teach the certificate programs, associate's degrees
• Bachelor's degree, master's degree, all the way up to the doctorate.
• Program...
• So the College Bound programs and programs like it are needed.
• I am a program advocate, so I speak about programming all the time.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two components: heating degree days and cooling degree days.
• degree days, and about the least heating degree days in the nation.
• The next programs that we have are the Capital Projects Fund Program, which encompasses three programs
• Program.
• We launched a B program.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, 136 degree programs were suspended or discontinued across the system.
• One in ten California employees holds a CSU degree, and we add nearly 130,000 degree holders to the state's
• Very excited about those programs.
• programs that do not.
• Another significant part of our apprenticeship program is to have those programs that don't get college

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . program. program.
• This program engages young trades.
• career and technical education programs. career and technical education programs.
• internship and bridge apprenticeship program opportunities through the track program.
• internship and bridge apprenticeship program opportunities through the track program.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met without a quorum and heard presentations on several workforce and school-safety funding requests. The first item was a proposal for a school mapping data program, presented by Rep. Steve Bratcher with law enforcement and mapping partners. They said the plan would move money to the 911 system so school maps could be embedded there and kept current for all schools, public and private, to improve response times and officer, student, and teacher safety. The request was described as a $10 million one-time appropriation, with an estimate that the work could be completed in about a year. The committee then heard testimony on the Be Proud Initiative, a mobile workshop program aimed at exposing students age 13 and up to skilled trades and related education and career opportunities. Speakers from the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, MI2, the Kentucky Treasury, and the Associated General Contractors said the program would improve perceptions of manufacturing, construction, and metals careers, connect students to training and employers, and help build the workforce pipeline. They said private industry would contribute $1 million in FY 2026-2027 before state funds are released, and requested $3 million in state funding in FY 2027-2028 contingent on that match. A Treasury official said handling the funds through the Treasury would have minimal impact on the office. Committee members responded favorably, including a comment from Rep. Bojanowski about the value of hands-on learning for students who struggle with test-focused instruction. Speakers also explained that the program includes classroom materials before and after the truck visit and ongoing outreach for students and parents. The final presentation was on an MI2 metals career pathway proposal, which cited economic impact data for Kentucky’s metals industry and asked for a $3 million one-time investment for FY 2027-2028 to pilot a middle- and high-school pathway in Carroll and Logan counties. The proposal would be matched by industry funds and used for curriculum, equipment, dual-credit and apprenticeship connections, student stipends, and parent outreach. The chair closed by noting it was the final scheduled meeting of the session and moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the first degree.
• the third degree.
• of the second degree.
• of the first degree.
• This is a pilot program. This program will only be implemented in Hillsborough County.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill seeks to do the following: increase the penalties from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree
• misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for such alterations; create a first-degree felony for an unmanned
• Increase the penalties from a second degree misdemeanor to a third degree felony for flying an unmanned
• misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for such altercations, creates a first-degree felony for an unmanned
• felony commits a second-degree felony of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Michelle Whitworth to the Florida Commission on Offender Review. Whitworth described her 30 years of criminal justice experience, and the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably. The committee then took up SB 1692 on material harmful to minors, adopting a delete-all amendment that shifted the focus to K-12 instructional materials and objections by parents or residents. Supporters argued it would create clearer standards and protect children from pornographic content, while opponents warned it would worsen book bans and remove consideration of literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. After extensive debate and public testimony, the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1422 increased penalties for certain drone-related offenses near critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones; SB 1360 clarified xylazine’s veterinary use while creating stronger trafficking penalties; and SB 1732 increased penalties for animal cruelty involving minors and for contributing to a minor’s delinquency. SB 776 added an aggravating factor for the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 984 added aggravating factors for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for religious, school, or government activities. SB 1640 made domestic violence lethality assessment forms confidential, and SB 1268 updated FDLE operations and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. All of these bills were reported favorably after brief debate and mostly supportive testimony. Later, the committee approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, with a strike-all amendment addressing digitally forged intimate images and extending prosecution time limits. SB 1654 updated sexual offender and predator registration rules, including definitions of residence and online reporting for in-state travel, though one witness raised concerns about vague language and employer privacy. SB 1774 created a rebuttable presumption in certain second-degree murder cases when the victim had a controlled substance in their system, drawing criticism that it could devalue victims who used drugs. Finally, SB 1838 strengthened protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, with an amendment adding magistrates, hearing officers, and related staff; defense attorneys warned the tampering language could inadvertently reach zealous advocacy. Each of these measures was ultimately reported favorably, and the meeting ended with adjournment.