Transcript Highlights:

• It did produce the 2025 Class A boys hockey championship team. So, pretty excited about that.
• It did produce the 2025 Class A boys hockey championship team. So, pretty excited about that.
• Class 4D property was expanded to include 4D1 and 4D2.
• <01:06:22.799> 1B the remaining market value of class 1B the remaining market value of class
• allowed United Community Action allowed United Community Action Partnership<01:38:00.960> to<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , auditing costs and training, three vehicles for CDL coordinators, audit travel, a semi truck for Class
• Almost all cite the salary adjustments that came from implementation of the pay plan within the class
• There's no action. All right. These are no-action items.
• There's no action. All right. These are no-action items.
• There's no action. All right. These are no action items.

Summary: The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of appropriation, transfer, contract, and other review items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests in Sections B through F, including funding for prosecuting attorneys, education-related adjustments, school operating needs, labor licensing divisions, ARPA fund returns from Workforce Services, IIJA grants for state police CDL implementation and a forestry-related county grant, reserve fund transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic development, and a Commerce reallocation tied to organizational realignment. Cash fund requests in Section G and budget classification transfers in Section H were also reviewed, along with pay plan requests in Section I, overtime requests in Section J, and multiple methods of finance in Section K. The committee also reviewed discretionary grants in Section L, including agriculture promotion board grants and DHS aging/adult behavioral health grants, plus RFQs, construction contracts, intergovernmental contracts, and out-of-state contracts in Sections M1 through M5. Several items drew questions from members. Workforce Services explained that $225,000 in TANF-related funds would be returned to the federal government because the two-year hold period for uncashed or moved checks had expired. Commerce officials described the $25 million site infrastructure grant program, saying it supports site development, due diligence, and infrastructure build-out at eligible sites of 30 acres or more, including rural communities, with grant agreements and matching requirements providing accountability. DHS and Education officials answered questions about the Care Solace mental health referral contract, saying it is a statewide concierge/referral service that helps schools connect students to Arkansas providers and follow up so students do not fall through the cracks; members asked for more information on provider selection, school-day scheduling, and Arkansas vendor participation. The committee held one item over: the DHS discretionary grant item for the RSVP retired senior volunteer program in L2, after concerns were raised about whether state general revenue was being used effectively and how much administrative overhead the providers retain. Members also questioned several contracts, including a DHS sole-source contract with EMSLink for document management software and a DHS bridge contract with Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care for Medicaid inspections of care reviews; in both cases, agency staff explained the need to avoid service disruption and said follow-up information would be provided. A Department of Corrections reentry center contract was discussed for its recidivism results, and ARDOT retirement-system investment contracts were briefly explained. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion of the Medicaid Trust Fund balance, with DFA and DHS officials saying the state is expected to finish the fiscal year without exhausting the fund, that a restricted reserve of $100 million is available as a backstop, and that the larger question is what minimum balance should be maintained going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• requires that each public school district provide written assurance that the course content in each class
• requires that each public school district provide written assurance that the course content in each class
• and subject area is consistent. written assurance that the course content in each class and subject
• If no students enroll in those courses, the class is still considered taught as far as a violation of
• available to them under statute to take corrective action... ...a number of actions available to them

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee received a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas academic standards, accountability, and achievement as part of the adequacy study. Staff reviewed how state curriculum and standards have evolved from the 1997 Public Education Act, the 2003 Quality Education Act, and the 2017 Educational Support and Accountability Act, including required course offerings, graduation requirements, career and technical education pathways, and recent additions such as success-ready pathways, Arkansas history, firearm safety, and fetal growth and development instruction. Members asked for a comparative chart showing how the laws and requirements changed over time, and staff agreed to provide one. The presentation then turned to the federal ESSA plan and Arkansas’s state accountability system. Staff explained the state’s long-term goals for 2030, including 80% proficiency in ELA and math, 52% of English learners on track to English proficiency, and 94%/97% four- and five-year graduation rates. They reviewed 2025 assessment results showing proficiency rates generally in the 30s, with English learners and students with disabilities performing lowest and white students highest. They also discussed school support and improvement categories, equitable access to educators, and report card/public reporting requirements, noting that some ESSA-related measures such as the school index, equity labs, and certain 2024 report card data were not currently available or not being calculated. Members questioned whether those ESSA commitments were being met and asked staff to follow up with DESE, including whether the legislature can revise the ESSA plan. The committee also reviewed the Arkansas Accountability Act and related assessment data. Staff described the Atlas assessment system, alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities, ELPA 21 for English learners, ACT results, and NAEP comparisons. They reported that no student group met the 80% proficiency goal in 2025, Arkansas’s ACT composite score declined slightly over time, and Arkansas generally trailed national and SREB averages on NAEP. Members asked for additional data, including historical highs and lows, the number of assessments students take by grade, dropout data, and comparisons with other states. The meeting ended with agreement to invite the Department of Education to a future meeting to answer questions about missing data, equity labs, report cards, and ESSA compliance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hughes, in your layout, you accurately explained to everyone that we have protected classes:
• Are you creating here a fourth protected class that is a non-human with certain commercial interests?
• This is actually creating a protected class that's not a human being.
• This is actually creating a protected class that's not a human being.
• , might be the first ever non-human special class.

Summary: The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote. Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs. The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Leadership Southwest Class of 2026 is made up of talented young professionals from across Southwest
• The Leadership Southwest Class of 2026 is made up of talented young professionals from across Southwest
• House Bill 1194, reported without action, respectfully submitted, Stuart Kathy, Chair.
• House Bill 345, by Representative McMakin, is an act to amend Title 48 relative to the Class 2 and 3
• House Bill 345, by Representative McMakin, is an act to amend Title 48 relative to the Class 2 and 3

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:08.760> easy<00:33:09.080> as action easy as action easy as that so<00:33:14.120
• People are not illegal; illegal actions are.
• protected class does not mean that it's protected class does not mean that it's any<03:45:21.040>
• <03:45:28.760> there's was a minority protected class there's was a minority protected class
• , that someone's sex is a protected class as well, religion protected class as well, obviously, when

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Look at the two, but we also ask the school, what corrective actions are you going to take?
• And sometimes just your presence, walking in the hall, will make kids know that you can stop in a class
• And if the kid changes classes, there's a learning gap that occurs because of our teaching style.
• If the student athletes are in a class where there's more resources available for student athletes at
• And I didn't teach maybe what you normally consider a coach's class, not to demean physical education

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White, on current issues in high school sports. Damon said the association received more than 309 allegations this year, including 113 recruiting complaints, but only two coaches were suspended for recruiting violations, and those were self-reported. He focused on rising sportsmanship problems, violent incidents, and ejections, saying the association is working with coaches and athletic administrators on prevention and positive-behavior campaigns. He also discussed mental health pressures on student athletes, the effects of frequent transfers and school choice on team stability and community pride, and the need for more qualified coaches on campus who understand interscholastic rules and student support responsibilities. Senators asked about the transfer system, violent conduct, and whether the association would propose changes; Damon said he would support guardrails that protect school choice while limiting midseason athletic transfers. The committee then took up a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, often amounting to very low hourly pay despite year-round duties, and said Florida’s system has not kept pace with increased responsibilities, inflation, or neighboring states. He also criticized restrictions on booster-club support, minimal coaching certification requirements, and turnover among coaches, and urged changes that would allow coaches to negotiate fairer compensation and receive external funding. Hickman and Ward emphasized the long hours, family strain, and mentoring role of coaches, while the superintendents said districts face finite budgets and must balance coach pay against teacher, bus driver, and other staffing needs; they also warned that booster-funded pay could create inequities between wealthy and less affluent communities. Senators discussed whether booster-club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should vary by performance, and whether any new funding should be categorical. Public comment followed from Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, both of whom stressed the broader educational and safety impact of coaches and asked lawmakers to support the next generation of coaches. After the presentations, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, by a single roll-call vote, recommended all appointees favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• different from the one that licenses them, which can lead to investigations and even disciplinary action
• If there were a circumstance in their actions in their licensure, they would have to report that to the
• If the TMB had to report that back to the Board of Chiropractic examiners and wait for their action,
• They're the only board that's empowered legally to take action against that provider.
• This requires immediate action to protect our children.

Transcript Highlights:

• Smaller class sizes, meaning hiring more teachers.
• But we're spending taxpayer dollars on too many other things aside from class.
• A class-size Texas State University not wanting to come on campus.
• My youngest is excelling in honors classes in high school.
• They want to take those classes. They want the rigor.

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and I've juvenile justice action.
• <00:43:37.839> Uh<00:43:38.079> formal evidence-based classes.
• Uh formal evidence-based classes.
• 48:47.440> in There are four standalone classes in Handle with Care.
• enhanced the verbal deescalation class enhanced the verbal deescalation class by<00:51:47.280>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call: 00:00:09 Agency Updates: 00:01:44 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36 Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends. The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input. The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, no action is required. The fourth order of business: first reading of House bills.
• I was in high school was the first class I was in high school when<00:11:25.160> women's<00:11
• uh as under Title we protect their class uh as under Title Nine<00:12:10.160> this<00:12:10.279
• And if you look at Rule 5.1, it says, before the applicable deadline for committee action on the bill
• And the Class AA girls cross country winner in 2024 won the race, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Jumbo Mark 2s and the Kwa-di Tabil class vessels.
• The response was that this applies to the Issaquah class.
• Yeah, it's the Issaquah class.
• You'll see the Super and Jumbo class vessels have moved past 60 years of life.
• For larger claims, they do take legal action.

Summary: The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital needs, current fleet status, and long-range funding outlook. Staff described the current service pattern, ridership recovery since the pandemic, the aging fleet, and the state’s plan to add three new hybrid-electric Olympic-class vessels under the 2025 budget, with delivery expected around 2030-2032. Members also heard that the fleet is operating with no reserve vessel, that preservation time is below the desired level, and that terminal electrification and vessel conversion plans face timing, cost, and procurement risks. Questions focused on ridership trends, biofuel supply, design-risk allocation in vessel contracts, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessel delivery, and the cost and feasibility of restoring international Sidney service, which would require a SOLAS-certified vessel. Staff then outlined ferry capital funding, saying recent spending and programmed needs are far above regular ferry-specific revenues and that the system relies on a mix of dedicated accounts, transportation package money, federal grants, and transfers. They said the near-term budget is balanced through 2027-29, but the longer-term capital outlook shows a shortfall of roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with broader unmet needs much higher. The presentation estimated costs for future vessels, life extensions, terminal electrification, and additional Jumbo Mark II conversions, and noted that the current enacted plan does not fully fund fleet replacement, full electrification, or life extension of older vessels. Members asked for follow-up information on terminal seismic/environmental issues, contract options for additional vessels, and the timing and cost of alternative vessel designs. The committee then shifted to WSDOT maintenance and preservation. Pascoe Focktich described maintenance operations, including winter response, guardrail repair, facilities, equipment, and the effects of underfunding and inflation. He said most of the maintenance budget is fixed cost and labor, that material prices have risen sharply, and that many facilities are in poor condition with asbestos issues and deferred upkeep. He also noted growing guardrail damage, increasing pavement claims, and the burden of maintaining aging bridges and facilities. Members asked about prior planning for these needs, the role of asbestos, and whether more proactive sequencing could help budget decisions. Troy Suing then presented the highway preservation program, saying WSDOT is in the early stages of critical failure and has stretched preservation dollars as far as possible. He explained the distinction between pavement, bridge, and other highway asset preservation, said the department is largely reactive, and estimated that delaying work can make it three to five times more expensive later. He said about 40% of roadways are currently due or overdue for preservation, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the department’s 10-year preservation need is about $8 billion. Members asked about the cost of deferring work, whether the department could do more if funded, how priorities are set, and whether other states face similar problems. Finally, Evan Grimm and Mike Fay briefed the committee on bridge strikes by overheight vehicles. They described recent incidents on I-90 near Cle Elum and SR 410 near White River, the damage and closures caused, and possible countermeasures such as public outreach, improved trip-planning tools, and a pilot warning system with sensors and flashing beacons. Fay explained the state’s financial recovery process for third-party damage, saying WSDOT recovers roughly $20 million per biennium and about 78% to 80% of billed damages, with money going to the motor vehicle fund. Members asked about prevention, insurance recovery, and whether the state uses claim data to inform future design or safety changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Associate classmate in the class of 1993 at Preston Gates-Nallis. Wow. Okay.
• to a single RCW section without reference to the other actions ...took multiple actions to a single
• RCW section without reference to the other actions that were taken.
• I will entertain a motion to approve the multiple action table, I guess we're calling it.
• I will entertain a motion to approve the multiple action table, I guess we're calling it.

Summary: The committee began with introductions of members and staff, then approved the minutes from the previous meeting and approved a step increase for Code Advisor Kathy Buckley. Staff reported on publication sales and distribution, noting that 2024 paper and paid sales were down from prior years, while online access and reduced demand for printed copies continued to trend downward. Members discussed the continuing role of printed RCWs and session laws, with staff explaining that libraries and counties remain the main paper purchasers and that some specialized titles are still produced in print and electronic formats. The committee then reviewed a table of “multiple actions” affecting RCW sections from the 2025 session. Staff explained that 153 sections had multiple amendments or related actions, but most could be merged through editorial authority; about 10 sections would likely need future legislative cleanup. The committee approved the table, allowing staff to proceed with merging where possible. Financially, staff reported the office was on track to return about $542,000 to the state, though that amount may decrease slightly because of end-of-year purchases, including a shared printer for LSS. They also noted a slight budget reduction for the next fiscal year, but said staffing adjustments and existing coverage should prevent problems. The committee discussed upcoming rulemaking to align the office’s public records procedures with House and Senate practices, including designating a public records officer and updating language to reflect current legislative structure. Staff said the process would follow standard APA rulemaking and could take roughly six months. Members also heard about a prior “video auditor” incident at the office and the office’s response and training. Finally, staff provided a building update: the office is scheduled to move back into the renovated Pritchard building on September 14, 2026, with furniture selection underway. At the end of the meeting, staff shared session statistics, including 424 session law chapters, 1,305 House bills introduced, 1,082 Senate bills introduced, 238 House bills passed, and 193 Senate bills passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the Senate DFL majority has been focused on making improvements to the everyday lives of working-class
• These are significant achievements that make a real difference for working-class Minnesotans.
• <00:04:23.200> to government is doing, from the actions to government is doing, from the actions
• Minnesotans deserve better, which is why the Senate DFL has taken action.
• Minnesotans deserve better, which is why the Senate DFL has taken action.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference focused on affordability, federal cuts, and end-of-session negotiations. Senators Heather Gustafson, Erin Maye Quade, Liz Boldon, Grant Hauschild, and Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted prior DFL accomplishments such as universal school meals, North Star Promise, paid family and medical leave, property tax relief, the child tax credit, and Social Security tax cuts, while arguing that House Republicans have not shown enough urgency on current affordability issues. A major theme was the impact of federal policy on Minnesota, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, rising health care and energy costs, and cost shifts to counties and local governments. The senators said the state is spending heavily to backfill federal cuts and protect Minnesotans from higher costs, with particular concern for rural communities, hospitals, EMS, food shelves, and county property taxes. Hauschild emphasized that rural counties and seniors would bear added burdens from federal mandates, while Murphy said the Senate is trying to put money directly into people’s pockets through rental assistance, heating assistance, food support, and targeted property tax relief. The leaders also discussed a Senate Tax Committee proposal for about $100 million in direct property tax refunds, and Murphy said the Senate’s position on HCMC funding is the strongest, while also needing support for rural hospitals and providers statewide. In response to questions, she said the Senate hopes to reach a global deal before the weekend and by Sunday midnight, described the Senate’s proposals as public and already passed, and said some items, including rental relief for people affected by an ICE operation, still have support and may move in the House. No votes were taken at the event.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on point number four, just some of those critical action steps and next steps that we are presented
• No one told me I was gonna have English learners in my class.
• No one told me that English was not the majority language in that class.
• And The rest of the school doesn't even know what the action plan is.
• Education teacher doing inclusion, unfortunately, in some cases, is included in three classes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, here, the blaming of all Jews for the actions of some, the notion that Jews are only loyal to
• It is a call to action. Racism, anti-Semitism, and fascism do not disappear on their own.
• And a call to action.
• I respectfully request that we adjourn in memory of Private First Class Matthew Andreas Perez.
• Father Estrada's ministry was always marked by action.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added. After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1. The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• For commercial property owners to take action against unlawful squatters.
• And a lot of folks aren't taking personal responsibility for their actions.
• It makes pregnant women second-class citizens. Thank you. Thank you.
• It makes pregnant women second-class citizens. Thank you. Thank you.
• It just clarifies that the action being mentioned is a supplemental action to the underlying family law

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to no longer issue or reissue permits for Class
• Right now, the application of the Class AA biosolids, there really is not a lot of regulation at all.
• This is going to require that landowners, when they apply the Class AA biosolids to their land, that
• Right now, the application of the Class AA biosolids, there really is not a lot of regulation at all.
• This is going to require that landowners, when they applied the Class AA biosolids to their land, that

Bills: S0204, S0540, S0772, S1294, S1474, S1504, S1708

Keywords: gaming, slot machines, veterans organizations, regulatory compliance, Florida Gaming Control Commission, declaratory statement, criminal penalties, financial regulation, vulnerable adults, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for veterinarians licensed in good standing elsewhere to qualify for Florida licensure; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and the ASPCA and was reported favorably. Members then considered CS/SB 204 on illegal slot machine operations. An amendment was adopted that set the baseline penalty at a second-degree misdemeanor, elevated violations involving six or more machines or repeat offenses to a third-degree felony, and made violations by a person of authority involving six or more machines or multiple prior convictions a second-degree felony. Testimony supported the bill’s effort to target larger illegal operations while protecting veterans’ organizations and other lawful users from felony exposure; the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all for CS/SB 1294 addressing Class AA biosolids, requiring agronomic-rate application, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of fertilizer-related requirements to bulk land application products, with an effective date of November 1, 2026; it was reported favorably after limited questions about oversight and IFAS’s role. Later, CS/SB 772 was heard to allow portable electronics limited licensees to sell “iware” insurance and define that term, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1504 updated pre-licensure education for the 440 customer service representative license so a high school student completing a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective can apply upon turning 18; it received supportive testimony from industry groups and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540 creating cybersecurity program requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, extending oversight to certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and adjusting director experience requirements for financial institutions; the bill as amended was reported favorably. Senators McClain and Truenow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to no longer issue or reissue permits for Class
• To no longer issue or reissue permits for Class B biosolids land application, in other words, dumping
• Right now, the application of the Class AA biosolids, there really is not a lot of regulation at all.
• This is going to require that landowners, when they apply the Class AA biosolids to their land, that
• Right now, the application of the Class AA biosolids, there really is not a lot of regulation at all.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and CS/SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for out-of-state veterinarians seeking Florida licensure while keeping other competency safeguards in place. Both bills were reported favorably after brief discussion and support from public witnesses on SB 1708. The committee also approved CS/SB 204, as amended, to increase penalties for illegal slot machine operations, with the amendment setting misdemeanor treatment for lower-level violations and felony penalties for larger-scale or repeat offenses; the bill also creates a process for veteran service organizations to seek binding declaratory statements from the Gaming Commission about machine legality. Public testimony on that bill was largely supportive, including from gaming and veterans-related stakeholders, though one witness urged clarity so smaller, lawful operators would not face felony exposure. CS/CS/SB 1294 was then amended and reported favorably; it addresses oversight of Class AA biosolids by requiring application at or below agronomic rates, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of existing fertilizer-related requirements, while preserving an exemption for certain compost products. Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 772, which allows portable electronics limited licensees to sell warranty insurance and defines that coverage, and CS/SB 1504, which lets a high school student who completes a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective qualify to apply for a 440 customer service representative license upon turning 18. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540, creating cybersecurity program requirements for licensed mortgage and money service businesses, expanding oversight of certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and updating director experience requirements for chartered financial institutions; the bill was then reported favorably. Senators McLean and Trunow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And here's what you're looking at: dollars committed to private asset classes.
• It makes sense to put it in a variety of asset classes for diversification.
• But also, there are projections that the asset classes that historically over the last 15 years have
• And you can see how we've allocated among the different Asset classes.
• class, and 60 percent are located in 100-year flood zones.

Keywords: 996, all