Video & Transcript Research : 'allowance increase'

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FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • During '23 and '24, we saw another 50% increase in those verdicts.
  • He also stated that it would increase the costs of care.
  • That is going to increase overall health care costs.
  • That is going to increase overall health care costs.
  • The answer would be things like increasing reimbursement, bill, the answer would be things like increasing
Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults. Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability. After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 30th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • Since then, the average retail price increased to $5.99 per gallon, an increase of $1.35.
  • Retail prices increased to $5.99 per gallon, an increase of $1.35 per gallon.
  • Probation might not allow for certain people.
  • Probation might not allow for certain people.
  • However, we are going to allow Dr.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 30th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Since then, the average retail price increased to $5.99 per gallon, an increase of $1.35.
  • Retail prices increased to $5.99 per gallon, an increase of $1.35 per gallon.
  • And, Chair, for being gracious in allowing our witnesses to be able to fully testify. ...and allowing
  • Probation might not allow for certain people.
  • However, we are going to allow Dr.
Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
  • The overall intent is to provide an overall increase to this calculation for a 5% increase.
  • Thank you for allowing us to present.
  • This is an increase from $8,000 to $9,000, or a 12% increase, and this is for all fire companies.
  • This is an increase, again, matching the increase that was provided in the earlier section.
  • , or a $2.2 million increase.
Keywords: 1064, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • legalize unnecessarily violence increase legalize unnecessarily violence increase gun<00:36:11.440
  • We would not allow that to continue.
  • We would not allow that to continue.
  • We would not allow that to continue.
  • now is the time for us to be increasing now is the time for us to be increasing um<01:43:08.000>
Keywords: 1183, house
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Massachusetts at increasing rates.
  • third reported they were increasing by 21% or more.
  • Revenues went up from $8 billion to $9 billion, a 12% increase.
  • Allow me a few remarks on the revenue cap proposal.
  • Allow me a few remarks on the revenue cap proposal.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on two proposed ballot initiatives: one to reduce the state personal income tax rate from 5% to 4% over three years, and another to revise the state’s tax collection cap/62F process so it would be based on prior-year collections plus wage growth and include surtax revenue. The committee chair and House co-chair outlined the hearing process, and the first witness was Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayer Foundation, who testified as the committee’s subject-matter expert on both measures. He said the income tax proposal would lower taxes broadly but would reduce state revenue by about $5.4 billion when fully implemented, with an estimated $800 million hit in FY27, and he discussed possible effects on competitiveness, taxpayer savings, and public finances. On the 62F proposal, he said the revised cap would make refunds more likely, could have produced several large refunds in recent years, and would reduce stabilization fund deposits and constrain recovery after recessions. Committee members questioned Howgate about competitiveness, outmigration, prior tax ballot measures, spending growth, MassHealth, and the interaction between the income tax and surtax. He emphasized that taxes are only one part of the state’s overall competitiveness and that housing, public services, and other factors also matter. He also noted that the surtax is constitutionally restricted but can still support ongoing spending choices. After his testimony, the committee moved to the proponents’ panel. Proponents of both initiatives, including representatives from Taxpayers for an Affordable Massachusetts, the National Federation of Independent Business, Pioneer Institute, and the Mass Opportunity Alliance, argued that the measures would improve affordability, help retain residents and businesses, and support job growth. They cited polling support, outmigration, small-business reinvestment, and comparisons to lower-tax states such as North Carolina. Their economist, Rebecca Paxton, said her model showed smaller revenue losses than critics claim and projected that the revised revenue cap would not create additional annual revenue losses while producing more regular taxpayer refunds. Committee members pressed the panel on competitiveness, prior ballot initiative implementation, and whether the measures would actually address broader affordability pressures; the hearing ended with the committee continuing to take questions from the proponents.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty - Wednesday, April 29

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But there's a provision in here that allows for outpatient mental health services.
  • And so it allows police to commandeer some of that.
  • The land survey program has never been increased since it was established in 1969.
  • Please allow me to illustrate this cost to you in another way.
  • As a gentleman pointed out, 1969 was the last time there was any kind of a fee increase.
Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the previous day by roll call vote, 126-0. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. The chamber also welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other special guests in the gallery. The main floor action centered on the conference committee report for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a very large public safety/criminal justice package. Supporters said it refined earlier legislation, including narrowing juvenile certification to certain A and B felonies, sex offenses, and repeat offenses, adding mental health and cyberstalking provisions, addressing sex offender registry issues, and including a drone-related section with an emergency clause. Critics argued the bill was overly long, multi-subject, and difficult to vet. The House adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and then adopted the emergency clause 125-15. The House also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure on mortgage modifications and residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1 after members described it as a companion to a House bill and a way to protect homeowners from predatory practices. Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, passed 137-2 after amendment. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees to support the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2 after supporters said the fee had not been increased since 1969 and was needed to keep the program operating. Finally, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, dealing with wholesaler disclosures and land banks, passed 110-36 after an amendment removed a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and added land bank language. The House then moved several other bills to the informal calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Apr 17th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • It allows for the analysis of those who have completed training in early detection and have completed
  • We're talking about whether we allow a system of corporations.
  • However, in 2023, the Florida Bar rewrote the rules and dramatically increased the interest rate.
  • This one does allow them to use private sector resources to analyze that information.
  • This allows online reporting of in-state travel residences.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (1-29-26)

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The impact of the passage of House Bill 398 is that it will prevent big rate increases for customers
  • that it will prevent big rate increases that it will prevent big rate increases for<00:03:16.319
  • <00:03:20.480> these plant is retired, instead allowing these plant is retired, instead allowing
  • come down to reflect the increase in the higher salvage value at the end of the asset's life.
  • rate increase for at least three years. rate increase for at least three years.
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 398, sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams, with testimony from David Samford of East Kentucky Power Cooperative. The bill would amend KRS 278.264, the Senate Bill 4 statute, to clarify that it governs retirement of fossil fuel plants and not the recovery of associated decommissioning costs. Supporters said the measure would restore the Public Service Commission’s discretion to spread decommissioning costs over the life of a plant, consistent with traditional ratemaking, and avoid large rate spikes when plants are retired. Testimony focused on ratemaking principles such as cost causation and matching, with the witnesses arguing that customers should pay costs as they are incurred rather than face a large “sticker shock” charge at the end of a plant’s life. Members asked about possible double charges, environmental surcharges, fuel adjustment clauses, and what happens if a planned retirement is delayed or canceled. The witnesses said the bill is intended to prevent double exposure and that rates would be revisited in future base rate cases as assumptions change. During roll call, most members voted yes, while Rep. Fugate passed and explained concern about high electric bills and prior lump-sum charges in his area, and Rep. Watkins voted no, saying he needed more information on long-term affordability. The committee reported the bill out favorably, with the chair stating it should pass on the floor.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPN-AEN, HHS-CPN, TCA-CPN, CPN DEFER, CPN, CPN Public Hearings 04-01-2025

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • This year, our premium increased $70,000.
  • <00:54:11.040> is significant property premium increase is significant property premium increase
  • And nationally have only increased 5%.
  • here in Hawaii, they've only increased here in Hawaii, they've only increased 11%.<00:54:31.359>
  • <01:00:11.040> the DCCA's proposed amendments allowing the DCCA's proposed amendments allowing
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • We do take into account... ...the lost revenue reduction from the increased revenue from the increased
  • We do take into account the lost revenue reduction from the increased revenue from the increased fee.
  • That was an 8.5% increase, whereas currently we're sitting at a 7.0% increase in expenditures.
  • And just for the record, I'm concerned about those cap rate increases again, and we've had huge increases
  • those cap rate increases again, and we've had huge increases.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee met to review the governor’s fiscal 2027 budget presentation, with the chair repeatedly asking members to keep questions brief and avoid speeches. The discussion focused first on the overall revenue and spending outlook, including concerns from members that the executive forecast was more optimistic than the JLBC baseline and that the budget appeared to front-load revenue and expenditure growth. The governor’s budget team said the forecast was close to JLBC’s, that the budget was structurally balanced, and that differences were roughly $100 million per year on ongoing revenue. Members asked for follow-up calculations in writing, including the total multi-year gap and the amount of revenue enhancements above base revenues. A major portion of the meeting centered on tax and fee proposals tied to data centers, water use, and sports betting. The governor’s team defended eliminating the existing data center tax incentive as the removal of a loophole rather than a new tax, arguing the incentive had already succeeded in attracting major investment. They also described a proposed Department of Water Resources fee-setting authority for data centers to support a new Colorado River Protection Fund, and said the proposal would apply to existing and future facilities without a grandfather clause. Members raised concerns about fairness, competitiveness, and whether the changes would require a supermajority vote. The team also discussed increased sports betting fees, saying the revenue forecast did not include dynamic behavioral effects. The committee then moved through major spending areas, including corrections, public safety, border security, cybersecurity, K-12 education, Medicaid, and developmental disabilities. The governor’s budget includes ongoing funding to prevent correctional officer pay cuts, money to comply with prison health care court orders, probation funding, body-worn cameras, law enforcement staffing, fentanyl task forces, and cyber readiness grants. Members questioned the lack of funding for a prison oversight committee and asked for corrections spending totals over the administration. On border security, the executive said it was seeking about $759.7 million in federal reimbursement for border-related costs and that the governor had met with federal officials, including Secretary Noem and Tom Homan, about the request. In education, the budget proposes renewing Prop. 123, adding K-12 base funding, and issuing $1.5 billion in school facilities bonds over three years; members debated whether the proposal was appropriate and whether Prop. 123 revenues could support the debt service. The meeting also covered AHCCCS cost growth and federal HR1 impacts, with the executive warning of major coverage losses and hospital funding reductions, and DDD funding, where the governor’s team said the budget fully funds services and includes about $120 million in supplemental needs. No votes were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session only.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, your flexibility allowing me to be here virtually.
  • declines at an increasing rate as well.
  • So that's a 160% increase.
  • So during the pandemic, we actually did see an increase, um.
  • Unfortunately, we're not able to really separate what was increased goods consumption and what was increased
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 03/17/26

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And something property tax increase.
  • > class if I vote no, it'll increase class if I vote no, it'll increase class sizes,<00:02:02.160
  • So ever since workload might increase.
  • . increase. increase.
  • is a property tax increase. is a property tax increase.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (01/12/2026) (Full Stream)

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh that will increase uh their debt.
  • >> We're increasing our tax rates. >> We're increasing our tax rates.
  • We know that increase that's 5%.
  • <02:48:45.279> people increasing the fee but allowing people increasing the fee but allowing
  • So VLT revenue is increasing.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're still seeing increased gun deaths.
  • It seeks to allow firearms in polling places.
  • HB 1794 would increase... the risk of armed intimidation or gun violence by allowing gun owners, with
  • Increasing the number of youth with guns will only increase the number of fatalities. Of deaths.
  • These threats have increased in recent years.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The first year he was on, he was not allowed to put anybody on the SHAC.
  • Where you said it would increase diversity, so it would increase diversity on the teams, whether it be
  • After you appealed, what was their rationale for not allowing him to play?
  • number that allowed homeschool participation that has increased annually.
  • Do other states... ...allow homeschoolers to participate or not.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations May 5th, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • We would actually be closer to $63,000, so we would be asking for this increase to allow us to recruit
  • We've done exceptional work in increasing compensation to judges.
  • It does not increase revenue. It uses existing revenue.
  • They're asking for an $0.85 per mile increase.
  • I wrote down fair pay allows elected officials to fully focus.
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably. The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund. Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 02/18/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:29:48.880> the deduction essentially it increases the deduction essentially it increases
  • HR1 increased the maximum excluded.
  • :58.640> to This provision allowed employees to This provision allowed employees to exclude<00
  • Uh the changes include an increased Uh the changes include an increased contribution<00:46:40.319
  • So, it did increase it a little bit. So, it did increase it a little bit.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • detection and oversight increased detection and oversight increased criminal<00:02:55.319> penalties
  • of public fund statute to increase of public fund statute to increase criminal<00:04:28.240>
  • <00:08:27.120> penalties addition as noted it increases penalties addition as noted it increases
  • , and as a result the number of EIDBI providers has also increased.
  • <00:48:39.400> us<00:48:39.520> to change it to allow us to change it to allow us to
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-25 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And this amendment allows us to do that.
  • That's an increase of 45%.
  • A child is allowed to have a mobile response team to evaluate them, so that would be allowed under the
  • for gaming, to allow for card rooms, to allow for slots at different facilities throughout the state
  • Kentucky is increasing.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.