Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Senator Garcia, for taking time to meet with me before the committee
• Thank you. Thank you so much. Next, we'll call Amy Vallela McBride.
• Okay, thank you. Thank you, Ms. McBride. Okay, next we'll call Greg Deal. Good morning.
• I can within my grasp of life to at least dig deeper, have people like you, you know, Ms.
• We should do it before we pass a bill. Questions around so-called weather modification.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The committee first heard SB 200, which would implement recommendations from DEP’s 2020 Recycling Goal Final Report by creating a technical assistance group to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026. The bill focuses on recycling education and outreach, evaluating the former recycling grant program, and developing markets for recyclable materials. Supporters from the waste and recycling industry and counties said the bill would finally create a real plan to help Florida move toward its recycling goals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, which would promote green, gray, and hybrid infrastructure, direct USF’s Flood Hub to develop guidelines, require DEP rulemaking on erosion and mangrove protection, and study whether nature-based flood reduction could help lower insurance costs. Supporters appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7000 as a committee bill to continue a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species. Members next took up SB 56 on weather modification activities. The bill would prohibit the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere to affect weather or sunlight, define geoengineering, increase penalties through an amendment, and create a DEP reporting hotline with possible referral to DOH or emergency management. The sponsor and several supporters argued the bill was needed to address public concerns and lack of oversight, while several senators questioned the evidence, the role of state agencies, and whether the bill was ready for passage. Despite opposition from some members, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 62 creating a resilient building tax credit program, after amending it to shift agency references from DEP to DBPR and add university advisory members, and CS for SB 80 to clarify state park management as conservation-based, require public notice and advisory input for plan changes, and improve reporting on park repairs; both bills were reported favorably after testimony from supporters and conservation groups who sought tighter language to prevent incompatible uses. Finally, the committee received presentations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on gopher tortoise relocation, wildlife disease surveillance, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. FWC described tortoise relocation and recipient-site programs, ongoing monitoring of wildlife diseases such as chronic wasting disease and feline leukomyelopathy, and efforts to address fish die-offs and update sanctuary agreements amid state-federal jurisdiction issues. No votes were taken on the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so from start to finish, when you get these APIs, active pharmaceutical ingredients, they call them
• If you put your orders on, let's say you called it a Schedule 3 or you called it whatever you want, it's
• Hogan, you called it a cousin compounds. Yeah, that's not proper. Compounds.
• And then, you know, and then... So there's another compound called atipamezole.
• Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The working group on best practices for oversight and enforcement met for its first session and focused on xylazine, including its legal veterinary uses, its appearance in the illicit drug supply, and whether it should be classified as a controlled substance. Members discussed the distinction between pharmaceutical-grade and non-pharmaceutical-grade xylazine, the role of international/illicit sourcing, and the limits of state-level regulation if the substance is already being added to fentanyl or other drugs outside the Commonwealth. The Department of Public Health representative summarized the agency’s view that scheduling xylazine could follow the “ironclad law of prohibition” and push the market toward other, potentially worse substances, and said DPH opposed straight scheduling in favor of education, support, and harm-reduction approaches. Veterinary members explained how xylazine is used in large-animal and research settings, why it is useful, and why federal-style scheduling could create practical burdens for veterinarians who work in the field. They also described reversal agents such as yohimbine and atipamezole (Antisedan), and noted that xylazine is not commonly used in small-animal practice. Several members raised questions about how much xylazine is actually used legally in Massachusetts, whether boards of pharmacy or distributors could provide useful data, and what other states have done. Arizona and Florida were mentioned as possible examples for further research, along with the need to examine stakeholder opposition and any effects on legitimate veterinary practice. The group agreed to divide into two subgroups: one focused on oversight and regulation of production/distribution, and another on whether xylazine should be classified as a controlled substance and what penalties, if any, should apply. Staff said they would circulate notes, a draft PowerPoint template, and a shared folder, with members asked to submit materials by December 2, draft materials due December 4, and final approval by December 9 ahead of the next public meeting on December 11. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous closure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much to Senator Reyes for that motion. Can we please call the roll? Limon? Aye.
• Thank you. I have a motion from Vice Chair Grove. Can we please call the roll? Limon? Aye.
• , it's flat, and they will operate for four hours before you have to charge them again.
• I don't want to hear from you. I'd want you to call me or I'd want to call you, right?
• So I'd really like to dig in a little bit more on that. Well, thank you.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Indira Cameron Banks to the Civil Rights Council, Sonar Loma Lee to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and two University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors appointees, along with reference of bills to two committees and floor acknowledgments. All of those items passed by voice or roll-call votes, mostly unanimously, with the Civil Rights Council appointment approved 3-2. The main portion of the meeting focused on the Air Resources Board appointments of Linda Hopkins and Patricia Lock Dawson. Both nominees emphasized climate action, public engagement, and balancing environmental protection with economic realities. Members questioned them extensively about cap-and-trade/cap-and-invest, leakage and job losses, agricultural impacts, warehouse and truck traffic burdens, emergency vehicle and wildfire evacuation needs, low-carbon fuel standards, gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis and better communication with affected communities. Public commenters from labor, environmental, local government, and industry groups spoke in support of both nominees. The committee approved Hopkins 4-0 with one member not voting, and Lock Dawson 5-0, sending both nominations to the full Senate. The committee then heard Andrew Rakestraw’s appointment as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety/DTSC oversight board. He described his background in climate and regulatory negotiations and said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and listening to both regulated entities and disproportionately burdened communities. Senators asked about DTSC reform, the Moss Landing battery fire, community engagement in places like Hinkley/Herupah Valley, fee-setting and the generation-and-handling fee, the Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Exide cleanup, and the hazardous waste management plan. After supportive public testimony, the committee approved his appointment 3-0, with one member not voting, and sent it to the full Senate for confirmation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. See, you do like me. Now, you've misinterpreted my calling you out on this.
• Had we had a little bit more time, we could dig into that, but thank you. Mr.
• Happy to be before you again this morning. Bannock, Bear Lake, and Caribou counties.
• Happy to be before you again this morning.
• Whereas before, you didn't know that was your right, and you just complied because you didn't want to

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much to Senator Reyes for that motion. Can we please call the roll? Limon? Aye.
• Thank you. I have a motion from Vice Chair Grove. Can we please call the roll? Limon? Aye.
• And I appreciate that from both of you, and I know you conveyed... ...to do before.
• I don't want to hear from you. I'd want you to call me or I'd want to call you, right?
• So I'd really like to dig in a little bit more on that. Well, thank you.

Summary: The committee first established quorum and then approved several governor’s appointments and procedural items, including appointments to the Civil Rights Council, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, UC College of the Law, San Francisco Board of Directors, bill referrals, and floor acknowledgments. Most of these items passed unanimously, while the Civil Rights Council appointment of Indira Cameron Banks passed 3-2. The bulk of the meeting focused on confirmations to the California Air Resources Board. Supervisor Linda Hopkins and Mayor Patricia Locke Dawson, both nominated to CARB, described their backgrounds and emphasized balancing climate and air-quality goals with economic impacts, community engagement, and practical implementation. Senators raised concerns about cap-and-trade costs, leakage, warehouse and truck traffic impacts, agricultural burdens, emergency vehicle and fleet electrification challenges, natural gas appliance rules, hydrogen, nuclear energy, and the need for socioeconomic analysis. Both nominees said they favored open-door engagement, listening to affected communities, and using data and technology-neutral approaches. Public commenters largely supported both nominees, and the committee voted to advance Hopkins 4-0 and Locke Dawson 5-0 to the full Senate. The committee also heard the appointment of Andrew Rakestraw as chair of the Board of Environmental Safety. Rakestraw, who previously worked in U.S. climate and legal roles, said he would focus on transparency, accountability, fiscal stability, and community responsiveness at DTSC. Senators questioned him about DTSC reform, community engagement in places like the Hinkley/Herupah Valley and Exide cleanup areas, fee-setting and fiscal stability, the hazardous waste management plan, and coordination with the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. He said the board should go beyond brief public comment periods, engage communities directly, and ensure community concerns are reflected in outcomes. Supporters from environmental justice and waste-management groups testified in favor, no opposition was offered, and the committee moved his nomination forward to the Senate floor, with one member abstaining.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> you</c><00:04:31.600><c> guys</c><00:04:31.759><c> are</c> but I love that, you know, you guys are
• Why do you think that is?
• Why do you think that is?
• Senator, before we get to those conference committees with the House, you know, the Senate has to prepare
• Senator, before we get to those conference committees with the House, you know, the Senate has to prepare

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll do a roll call. Do you want to hold it? No, I don't. Do you want to hold it? No, I don't.
• Thank you. I represent it's out or? Simple roll call. Okay, you got it.
• Before you is House Bill 878.
• Before you is House Bill 8-7-8.
• Representative Furness, you weren't here when we called your name.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. I know that this has been before us, right?
• And so that's the bill that's before you today.
• And you call your city council, you call the police, and they say, oh, I'm sorry, we're not authorized
• And you call your city council, you call the police, and they say, oh, I'm sorry, we're not authorized
• Thank you so much. Please call the roll.

Committee: Senate Health

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Representative. And Amy, can you please call the roll on this nonpartisan bill?
• That's the call-before-you-dig law.
• With Sunshine State One Call in the 48-hour time frame they have, what if you call on Friday morning?
• That's the call before you dig. That law applies to all private and public owners of facilities.
• It doesn't mean we don't follow the call-before-you-dig law or anything else.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote. The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation. A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• want to call out in groups, you know, but I just if we could just maybe work on aquaculture being worded
• Thank you for your time today. Thank you.
• Thank you. You thanks. >> Alright.
• And if we come back and begin, they and we have to dig 3 feet deep before we find blue dye, it is a message
• I could come before you today to talk about other crops as well.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see those groups that you see in colors there; those are called cluster groups, and the individual
• number of CTE concentrators of at least 500, I called you, for the purposes of this analysis, a CTE
• Before I start calling these out, I'll draw an anecdote. to our transportation formula.
• Thank you. Thank you for your response. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Senator Muñoz.
• Because when you make a kid go out there And dig a ditch or cut weeds for a day, they really think about

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you.
• Thank you. Thank you, Representative Nash. Representative Scott, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you.
• Thank you.
• committee is, in addition to the resolutions that you have before you, I wanted to note that the House

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• diving into an area of the law you didn't know anything about before this started.
• diving into an area of the law you didn't know anything about before this started.
• diving into an area of the law you didn't know anything about before this started.
• Thank you, Mr. Chair. Any other comments before we approve the motion?
• Thank you, Mr. Chair. Any other comments before we approve the motion?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for that.
• I have a little bit of experience with these cases, and my sense was, you know, we'd have people call
• And then you have these cases where that probably requires a little more digging to figure out what's
• And thank you for taking the time to be in committee this morning. You bet. Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, will you please call the roll? Senator Girdler, here. Senator Madden, here.
• Madam Secretary, will you please call the roll? Uh, yes, Representative McPherson.
• Madam Secretary, will you please call the roll? >> Senator Girdler. I. >> Senator Mayden.
• Madam Secretary, will you please call the roll? >> Senator Girdler. I. >> Senator Mayden.
• We do appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including a quorum call, approval of the April 27 minutes, and a report of informational items. Those informational items included University of Kentucky medical equipment purchases, UK’s planned use of restricted funds for a public-private partnership, school district debt notices, UK’s use of construction management at risk for five projects, Kentucky Communications Network Authority capital project reporting, and UK lease improvements. The main action item was University of Kentucky’s request for approval of a $600 million central plants and utility infrastructure P3 tied to the Chandler expansion and other campus facilities. UK said the project would modernize and expand utility capacity, improve redundancy and efficiency, and support 24/7 hospital operations. UK explained that the financing would combine private equity and nonprofit debt, with no UK or Commonwealth debt or upfront payment, and that future availability payments would come from UK Healthcare funds. Members asked about the financing stack, the source of the restricted funds, and whether existing units would be replaced or modernized. The committee then approved the P3 agreement by roll call vote. The committee also considered and approved a lease renewal for a 20,000-square-foot College of Medicine facility near the Bowling Green Medical Center. UK said the lease would cost $38 per square foot, or $912,000 annually, and supports its long-running partnership with Bowling Green Hospital and planned medical student growth in the region. Members spoke favorably about the local impact of the program, and the lease renewal passed by roll call vote. Finally, the Finance and Administrative Cabinet reported three items requiring no action, including a $2.103 million Transportation Cabinet Department of Aviation project for two medium box hangars at Capital City Airport. Cabinet staff said the project would be funded by federal aviation money and restricted aviation funds, and later explained that the restricted funds come from a jet fuel tax deposited into the Aviation Economic Development Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully this is resolved long before that. >> Well, thank you all for your testimony.
• Hopefully this is resolved long before that. >> Well, thank you all for your testimony.
• But before you get to fraudulent billing, you have to get to billing.
• &gt;&gt; Senator<00:34:54.800><c> Meredith,</c> >> Actually, I'm more confused than I was before you
• I have heard for years, and you and I worked on all the methadone stuff back before either of us were

Committee: Senate Licensing & Occupations

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you? Have you had any talks with them? you? Have you had any talks with them?
• </c> Are you do you expect are you hoping to Are you do you expect are you hoping to avoid<00:18:04.320
• Thank you. Thanks. Here you go. Were you wearing twin outfits when you made the deal?
• Thank you. Thanks. Here you go. Were you wearing twin outfits when you made the deal?
• Thank you. Thanks. Here you go. Were you wearing twin outfits when you made the deal?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Democratic leaders and House Republican leaders announced a compromise set of budget targets reached Friday night, describing it as a numbers-only deal that leaves policy issues aside. They said the targets are the first step in the budget process: House committee chairs will write bills to fit the targets, those bills will go to Ways and Means, and later leaders will negotiate global targets with the governor and Senate. Leaders emphasized that the agreement reflects compromise rather than either party’s ideal budget, and that they will continue talks with Governor Walz and the Senate over the next several weeks. The speakers highlighted what was not included in the deal, saying it does not target paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe time, reproductive rights, or universal school meals. They said the House priorities that did make it in include housing, education, pensions, public safety, and transportation. On education, they said the compromise provides $40 million in new money in the first biennium for the READ Act and no cuts in either biennium, contrasting that with larger cuts in the governor’s and Senate proposals. They also said schools could still choose to fund unemployment insurance for school workers from existing resources, though it was not earmarked in the targets. Leaders said the agreement leaves room for committee chairs to make choices within the targets, including in health and human services, where they described the target as a reduction in projected growth rather than a cut to existing appropriations. They said the budget plan sets aside discretionary inflation adjustments in the first biennium while preserving inflation indexing for items like the K-12 formula. They also said the deal improves the state’s long-term balance, with a projected $1.6 billion balance in the first biennium and a $1.3 billion deficit in the second, and that the House’s numbers do not include the same revenue assumptions as the governor’s and Senate’s plans. In questions, leaders said conference committees will require majority support from both House and Senate conferees, and that the House will send equal numbers of Democratic and Republican conferees. They said the bonding bill size is still under discussion, but the adopted numbers would allow for roughly a $700 million general obligation bill. They also said large state spending for professional sports facilities is likely over, and explained that the press conference was held without Republican leaders for logistical reasons after the deal was reached late Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• In state terms, you all call this other capital outlay.
• And so I'm going to stop there before I say something that's not going to be favorable. Thank you.
• And so I'm going to stop there before I say something that's not going to be favorable. Thank you.
• So thank you all. And seeing no further business before the committee, Senator Bradley moves.
• So thank you all. And seeing no further business before the committee, Senator Bradley moves.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on higher education funding, focusing on how Florida’s university system should be financed and whether a new funding model is needed. University system financial officers and Chancellor Ray Rodriguez discussed major cost drivers, including wages and benefits, utilities, maintenance, financial aid, research, and the effects of geography, institutional mission, and student mix. UF highlighted the cost of research and graduate programs; UCF and FAU pointed to growth, location, and cost of living; FAMU emphasized recruiting top-tier talent while relying on other revenue sources; and UNF noted the challenges of growth and long-term planning. Members also discussed the role of internal controls and audits in addressing excessive spending and questioned whether out-of-state tuition should be adjusted to help offset costs. On revenue sources beyond state appropriations and tuition, the panel described auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. Several universities noted that some revenues are restricted to specific purposes and cannot be used for general operations. FAMU explained that a large share of its capital project funding reflected active campus construction, while UF said its component-unit revenue is largely tied to UF Health. The Chancellor emphasized that the system’s low tuition and strong state support are central to Florida’s national standing, but also noted that some auxiliary revenues are pledged to debt and must be managed carefully. When discussing the current funding process, witnesses praised Florida’s performance-based funding model for aligning incentives with student success, transparency, and accountability. They also raised concerns about non-recurring appropriations, rising employee benefit costs, unfunded mandates, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of multi-year planning. Suggestions for improvement included more recurring funding, better coverage of mandated costs, greater flexibility in fee-setting, and possible weighting for mission, geography, and institutional type. The Chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a “version 3.0” of performance-based funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications, but any changes would require legislative action. On out-of-state tuition, most universities said they would prefer local board flexibility, while the Chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or fees could affect future state support and should be balanced carefully.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I beg if you would please call the roll. Senator Rocky Adams. Senator Bur?
• You've been here before, so if you would just introduce yourself for the record and feel free to proceed
• </c><00:01:54.600><c> you</c><00:01:54.719><c> move</c> really study them before you move really study
• them before you move forward<00:01:55.280><c> with</c><00:01:55.360><c> a</c><00:01:55.479><c> certain
• </c> cerber uh thank you Mr chair thank you cerber uh thank you Mr chair thank you guys<00:08:00.120>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 9, which would create a Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board modeled after the Public Pension Oversight Board. The sponsors said the board is intended to bring together the executive branch, legislative branch, and stakeholders to study Medicaid policy and its fiscal impacts before changes are made. Members generally supported the concept, with questions focused on board size and representation from providers and community-based service organizations. The bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote, including a title amendment. The committee then heard House Bill 152, which would create a Medicaid supplemental directed payment program for public EMS agencies, including fire departments and city, county, or taxing-district EMS providers. The sponsor said the measure is designed to draw down a higher federal match without any general fund impact, and noted support from local government groups. After brief discussion, the bill passed with favorable expression by unanimous vote. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 688, a two-part measure. One part would give the Board of Nursing more discretion to review out-of-state nursing credentials by changing mandatory acceptance of certification to permissive language, in response to concerns about fraudulent or substandard nursing programs and the effects of multistate licensure. The other part would allow certain diabetes medications to be stored and administered in schools, with training for school personnel and civil immunity for those acting in good faith. Some members supported the bill as a way to protect patients and maintain standards, while one senator voted no because of concerns about slowing licensure during a nursing shortage. The bill passed 10-1 with favorable expression. The committee announced it would meet again Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair. Do you prefer a present from the dinosaurs here? Fine. That is up to you.
• Thank you.
• Before you is House Bill 2961, which is a tuition waiver for Goldar recipients.
• You reckon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• With that, I am going to skip down to the end to maybe save you guys from some phone calls and emails

Bills: HB3674 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB3029 , HB2963 , HB3551 , HB2973 , HB3019 , HB3461 , HB2961 , HB3261 , HB3759 , HB3429 , HB3069 , HB3372 , HB3705

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: school resource officer, sexual assault training, law enforcement training, CLEET, school safety, mental health, continuing education, HB4326, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahoma's Promise, scholarship, tuition assistance, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, eligibility expansion, adopted students, foster care, DHS custody, child-placing agency, tribal custody