Transcript Highlights:

• A renaming serves no practical purpose.
• A renaming serves no practical purpose.
• And thank you, Senator Graal, for your efforts in trying to keep us safe.
• So we don't have to regulate it, but we can keep the road safe. I'm all for keeping the road safe.
• Senator Graal is all for keeping the road safe.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're asking for these standard guardrails: a right to cure, a good-faith safe harbor, and a reasonable
• They added that there is no testing regimen known to be safe.
• They applauded the author for coming up with a stopgap to make sure this generation is truly safe.
• I'm making a standing practice of always joining all bills that Assembly Member Lowenthal jumps on.
• He came out of practice to come here and testify, so I appreciate it. Thank you, members.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this program is to increase the effectiveness and implementation of best practices of
• Just as officers want security measures to keep themselves safe and secure from dangerous outside forces
• JUST AS OFFICERS WANT SECURITY MEASURES   291 TO KEEP THEMSELVES SAFE AND SECURE  FROM
• We know there is a need for it, especially with our most vulnerable children, making sure they are safe
• We know there is a need for it, especially with our most vulnerable children, making sure they are safe

Summary: The Pre-K-12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 157, School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program, would create a Department of Education program allowing school districts and charter schools to place current or retired high-performing teachers in D- or F-rated schools as mentors, with a proposed $3,000 stipend per mentor per mentee. Members questioned the funding source and contract-time implications; the sponsor said the program would use previously decategorized education funds and that mentoring could be done within existing planning, before-school, after-school, or weekend time. An amendment clarifying that the bill would use a contract template rather than a DOE contract was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS/HB 859, Exceptional Students and Video Cameras in Public Schools, which would require school boards to adopt policies for video cameras in self-contained ESE classrooms upon a parent request, with redaction of other students from footage. Public testimony strongly supported the bill, including emotional accounts from a parent of a nonverbal adult with autism who described past abuse in a classroom and from the Autism Society of Florida, which argued cameras are a necessary safety measure for vulnerable students and noted other states already allow or require them. Members emphasized student safety and the need to fund the policy, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered HB 561, Educator Certification, which aims to reduce barriers for experienced educators returning to the classroom by expanding temporary certificate eligibility to those with expired Florida certificates, allowing prior subject-area exam results to count for reinstatement, and updating references related to educator professional learning support. The sponsor said the bill preserves standards while making reinstatement more efficient and less costly. There was broad support from members, who noted the value of retaining experienced teachers, and HB 561 was also reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's it's 9.11, but without but keeping the information so that the victim does it, it's stay safe when
• If they had children, she would help them and their families get out in a safe and fast and are able
• But we are actually getting to the practical ability to prove beyond a reasonable doubt include that
• But right now we we the legislature have a duty to keep our community safe.
• But it will make Florida safe from convinced of that.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows a woman to transition into a safe, residential, and therapeutic setting where she can
• feet, not immediately depend on whoever will take them in, regardless of whether that environment is safe
• I think we all share the goal of keeping our schools safe and our children healthy.
• I think we all share the goal of keeping our schools safe and our children healthy.
• So all I'm saying is that I think from a practicality standpoint, you need to go over and review this

Summary: The committee first approved the April 28 minutes and announced that Senate Bill 499 was voluntarily deferred. It then heard several House bills, beginning with HB 168, a reentry/transitional housing program for female parolees near release; supporters said it would improve public safety and reduce recidivism, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 322, a cleanup bill from the Maggie Grace Act clarifying that victims or families requesting transcripts would not be charged, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 622, which aligns Louisiana criminal history information practices with federal rules, was amended and then reported favorably. HB 821, moving the School for Safe Centers from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, was reported favorably as well. The committee then took up HB 364, which directs State Police to partner on public awareness efforts about the illegality of discharging firearms, especially around holidays. An amendment removed a proposed printing cost and shifted the bill toward PSAs; the bill was reported favorably with amendments. HB 568, which strengthens enforcement of drug-free school zone laws by creating a clearer offense for openly smoking or vaping illegal drugs in school zones and setting a specific penalty for marijuana, drew extensive debate. Supporters, including the author and governor’s office, said it was needed to protect children and families and to give law enforcement a workable deterrent. Opponents argued it would impose harsh, geography-based penalties, sweep in medical cannabis patients and veterans, and worsen racial and fiscal disparities. After roll-call, the committee reported HB 568 favorably by a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved HB 296, a cleanup bill removing long-defunct programs from statute, without objection. HB 823, creating an Orleans Parish DA pilot diversion program for unhoused people accused of nonviolent offenses, was supported by Covenant House and others as a way to avoid criminalizing homelessness and was reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 1038, a major bill revising the authority and liability structure of city marshals and local governments, prompted extensive testimony. The bill and amendments would limit some marshal powers in smaller jurisdictions, require local approval for certain staffing/insurance matters, and allow local governments to restore powers by ordinance. Supporters said it would reduce liability, clarify authority, and address problems in some marshal offices; opponents, including multiple marshals and law enforcement supporters, said it would undermine elected marshals, hurt small offices, and was too broad and under-studied. The transcript ends amid that hearing, with no final committee action shown on HB 1038.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill keeps the grid safe with technical and operational standards to ensure...
• And they have no excuse because you're saying your products are safe.
• The practical...
• It specifically, as you can see there, says easy, safe, and secure.
• Easy, safe, secure. So it really is addressing your issues.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a practicing physician. A family physician here in Sacramento.
• I get hit in the face in practice every single day when men and women do play together.
• He did not have to attend practice, while my team and I were running seven miles a day together.
• I have to say, I love it when she has a game or a practice.
• I'm a family practice physician here in Sacramento, and I oppose this bill. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of medicine is under the the practice of medicine is under the practice<03:11:52.720> of<03:11
• Um because if it's already to practice.
• It's not good practice of medicine.
• It's not good practice of medicine. It's It's not good practice of medicine.
• safe, effective, and necessary. safe, effective, and necessary.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, AB 888 by Chair Calderon established the California Safe Homes Grant Program to help low-
• Finally, from a practical standpoint, my role as an agent is to advocate for my clients.
• I've been there for 23 years, and before that, I practiced internal medicine for 10 years.
• I've been there for 23 years, and before that, I practiced internal medicine for 10 years.
• For decades, practice has been clear: the title insurers file title rates.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy insurance committee agenda covering wildfire mitigation, Fair Plan oversight, consumer protections, and insurance underwriting issues. Among the measures discussed were AB 1888, requiring California Safe Homes Grant Program work to be done by a skilled and trained workforce at prevailing wage; AB 1680, the Make-It-Fair Act, which would strengthen accountability and consumer protections for the California FAIR Plan; AB 1559, which would require notice and access rights when insurers use aerial imagery in underwriting or nonrenewal decisions; and AB 1798, which would restrict life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information, including direct-to-consumer genetic test results, in underwriting below a $1.5 million coverage threshold. The committee also considered AB 2038, extending wildfire-related insurance moratoriums for homeowners after major fires, and AB 1800, adding eyewear to the portable electronics insurance framework. AB 2198 was introduced near the end of the transcript to address title insurance filing practices. Testimony was largely in support of the consumer and worker protections in AB 1888, AB 1559, AB 1680, AB 1798, and AB 2038. Supporters included the Insurance Commissioner, labor representatives, consumer groups, local officials, and advocacy organizations, who argued the bills would improve fairness, transparency, rebuilding stability, and access to insurance. Opposition centered on AB 1680, AB 1798, and AB 2038. The FAIR Plan and insurance industry representatives argued AB 1680 needed more clarification and that AB 2038 could worsen market instability by limiting insurers’ ability to rebalance risk. On AB 1798, life insurance industry witnesses said genetic information can be actuarially relevant and that the bill could create information asymmetry and higher premiums, while supporters said the bill would protect privacy and encourage testing and research. The committee took several votes. AB 1680 and AB 1559 were moved on a due-pass basis, with the roll left open for absent members. The consent calendar, including AB 1554, AB 1683, AB 1781, and AB 2471, was approved. AB 1888 was passed to the Committee on Labor and Employment. AB 1798 was passed as amended to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2038 was passed to the Committee on Appropriations after extended debate over wildfire recovery timelines and the market impact of longer moratoriums. AB 1800 was also passed to Appropriations. The transcript ends as AB 2198 is being introduced, before further testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4198, E-Verify Safe Harbor Act.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4198, E-Verify Safe Harbor Act.
• They're an important part of sports, whether at practice.
• They prevent, like I said, heat injuries, concussions, all those things can be prevented at practice
• It is practical. House Bill 4008 helps us do exactly that.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's hands-on practice with models. It's one-on-one proctoring in the clinical setting.
• Hands-on practice with models. It's one-on-one proctoring in the clinical setting.
• We are educating on safe sleep.
• So again, there's mandatory participation in the plan of safe care starting 7-1-2026.
• I always am trying to think of solutions and best practices.

Bills: SB37, SB29

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• Reeves' legacy as an alumnus, teacher, coach, but to also celebrate the practice of giving back to the
• When it comes to emergencies, practice truly makes perfect.
• For example, students who use wheelchairs need a safe way to evacuate during fire drills, especially
• Ensuring that everyone is safe in an emergency situation. Again, preparedness saves lives.
• We share the same high school experiences, cheer practice at 7 a.m. on.

Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24

Keywords: special education, funding, individualized education program, visual impairments, accessibility, support services, state education code, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame

Transcript Highlights:

• Because practically access to drugs.
• In practice, though, that's never been a real practical obstacle for any right-to-try law, for, you know
• They thought it would keep them safe.
• They thought it would keep them safe.
• <02:27:22.000> I thought it would keep them safe. I thought it would keep them safe.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have this, seemingly making our state less safe, our classrooms less safe.
• American children are less safe because of foolishness like this.
• I don't practice this area of the law.
• There can be different local practices.
• And they're looking at best practices.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor said the bill restores the rights of law-abiding 18-year-olds. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters from Gun Owners of America and Florida Carry arguing that adults 18 and older should have equal Second Amendment rights and that current law is inconsistent with other adult responsibilities, while opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates, students, parents, and Parkland-related speakers, said the bill would reverse a post-Parkland safety measure and increase risks of suicide, accidental shootings, and school violence. Several members debated the bill, with opponents emphasizing Parkland, the Florida State shooting, and public polling showing broad opposition; supporters stressed parental responsibility, mental health, and constitutional rights. HB 133 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote of 13 yeas, with several members voting no. The committee then took up CS/HB 289, which would revise Florida’s wrongful death law to allow parents to recover damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to let grieving parents seek civil remedies, and members questioned how it would apply in situations involving surrogacy, rape, ectopic pregnancy, medical care, and damages calculations. The sponsor said the bill would not allow suits against the mother, would not apply to lawful non-negligent medical care, and would be handled through ordinary wrongful death damage proof before a jury. Public testimony was again split: supporters from pro-life and faith groups said the bill recognizes unborn children and aligns Florida with many other states, while opponents from civil liberties, reproductive rights, and advocacy groups warned it could be used to target abortion providers, helpers, and even families or businesses in miscarriage-related cases, and could be weaponized by abusive partners. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 289, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Residential dwelling units shall be able to maintain a safe maximum indoor temperature.
• We all have the right to clean water, safe schools, safe...
• And so, it is more about being safe, not convenience.
• Like, for instance, you know, I feel safe even though it's a convenience at 72, no more than 72.
• And I think that, from an incremental approach, just putting in the word safe is sufficient.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills and moved most of them forward. SB 655 (Stern) would establish a state policy that residential units should be able to maintain a safe maximum indoor temperature, with supporters citing extreme heat deaths and the need for statewide guidance. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific temperature standard and possible impacts on the electric grid, but the bill passed the committee 8-0 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 634 (Perez), which would bar state and local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that punish people or organizations for providing basic survival services to unhoused people. Supporters, including people with lived experience and homelessness advocates, argued that criminalizing food, water, blankets, and outreach prolongs homelessness and harms vulnerable residents; opponents from some cities and counties warned about limits on local control. The bill passed 8-2. SB 772 (Cabaldon) would continue and expand the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program by better supporting walkability, transit, and climate-resilient infrastructure for infill housing; it passed 8-0. The committee also considered SB 838 (Dutraslo/DeRazzo), which would keep the Housing Accountability Act focused on housing by excluding transient lodging from housing streamlining protections. Supporters said some developers have used housing laws to fast-track hotel projects instead of homes, while opponents worried the bill could be too broad and limit mixed-use financing. After discussion about possible clarifying amendments, the bill passed 8-2 to Local Government. Several consent items—SB 484, SB 489, SB 686, and SB 724—also passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bless them now, keep them safe, give them a successful and fruitful session.
• whereas the advancement of artificial intelligence provides the opportunity to optimize business practices
• of large technology companies that wield artificial intelligent platforms, sometimes. practices of large
• institutions that rely on technology can be able to adopt that technology in such a way that it's safe
• institutions that rely on technology can be able to adopt that technology in such a way that it's safe

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, with his family present. The chamber also read the governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on congressional redistricting and related litigation, artificial intelligence protections including an AI Bill of Rights and related public records exemptions, and medical freedom. The secretary then read the bills filed within the call: SB 2D (Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights), SB 4D (public records), SB 60 (medical freedom), and SB 8D (congressional districts).

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:38.320> in the day and to make people feel safe in the day and to make people feel
• safe in my<00:08:38.640> upper<00:08:39.519> ranks<00:08:40.159> I<00:08:40.320>
• They know that if they give you their tip, they can keep their identity safe.
• They know that if they give you their tip, they can keep their identity safe.
• And focus on actual practical enforcement.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on February 19, 2025, to hear advice-and-consent nominations, beginning with GM 645/GM 650 for Mike Lambert as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state officials, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, and others, who praised Lambert’s collaboration with communities, communication skills, and practical approach to public safety. Several speakers highlighted his work on homelessness, game rooms, community policing, and his ability to work across public health and law enforcement lines. Lambert told the committee he has 22 years of law enforcement experience, including patrol, community policing, training, narcotics/vice, and work on fentanyl, internet crimes against children, and ghost guns, and said his priorities would include building community trust, improving training and discipline, and addressing fireworks and firearms enforcement. Senators asked about fireworks, federal collaboration, ports and airport screening, recruitment, pay parity, and whether the department should expand into a more formal state police force; Lambert said he would need time to learn the new port/shipping environment and would support a state police class and expanded enforcement capacity. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then heard GM 567 for Jean Dello Jr. as chairperson of the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Supporters, including Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice and Hawaii Paroling Authority staff, described him as honest, ethical, fair, and experienced in balancing public safety with rehabilitation and re-entry. Dello said he came out of retirement in 2021 to serve on the board, and that his background in federal probation and state corrections led him to favor evidence-based practices over simple compliance monitoring. He emphasized the need to weigh public safety with giving inmates a real opportunity to transition successfully back into the community. No final action or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1009 addresses this in a practical way.
• For over a decade, trial courts allowed this practice.
• I said no, but practically I was forced to put my way.
• I told them no, but I was practically forced to place my fingerprint on it.
• In practice, impoundment is not a minor or administrative consequence.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call. SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call. Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members. The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is why opportunities to hear from those who experience the system is important to help improve practices
• Before you leave I have another appearance card for you representing SAFE Policy and Advocacy.
• Chair: Okay, by your vote PCS for HB 475 is reported favorably and everyone is safe.
• Mark Wickham: HB 529 keeps doors open as well as placements available and children safe today while allowing
• prevent a claim from being filed in the first place and that is why we're here creating Keep Kids Safe

Transcript Highlights:

• and then the make sure everything's safe and then the other<00:08:55.160> part<00:08:55.640><
• We want it to be a safe and flourishing place.
• The intent of this bill may have been to keep residents safe, but it will in fact do the opposite.
• <01:27:45.480> the nature of this bill in practice the nature of this bill in practice the
• others in situations like mine feel safe others in situations like mine feel safe enough<01:32:06.280

Bills: HF1051, HF16

Keywords: sacred communities, micro units, religious institutions, housing regulations, homelessness, conditional use permits, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, sanctuary city, noncooperation ordinance, ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal immigration authorities, deportation, undocumented immigrant, undocumented person, immigration status data, data sharing, preemption, local government