Transcript Highlights:

• Working for Dow. It has been pretty impressive.
• I, for one, my husband works for Shintech, and I worked for Dow for six years.
• and get them working in industry and prepared to go to work for all these new businesses that we're
• So in other words, it works for the student who's providing the service, So in other words, it works
• that work for everyone.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection. The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those people are obviously beyond exceptional and do incredible work to ensure trauma-informed care for
• Thank you for your time and thank you for supporting the work that ensures every survivor in Louisiana
• Miller for working on this because I know a lot came... I want to thank Mr.
• Miller for working on this because I know a lot came at the very last minute, not just on this bill,
• Thank you for your work on this.

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for that. Yes, I think the flexibility is warranted. Okay, great. Thank you for that.
• Okay, I suggest that for the dates for submissions for the pet stamp contest that we allow those to go
• Thank you for that. So everybody's okay with the dates? Yes. Yes. Okay, great. Thank you for that.
• That allows time for everybody to get their grant submitted, and it also allows time for the council
• Holly and I are on the subcommittee to promote that. We'll make a flyer for it, everything.

Summary: The Pet Overpopulation Advisory Council met with Chair Jeff Dorson presiding and approved the prior January minutes without changes. The council reviewed finances, noting a balance of a little over $11,000 and that state funding from specialty plate sales remains about $3,000 annually. Under old business, the council voted to restore an overlooked $850 grant to Robinson’s Rescue from the prior cycle, and the chair said he would send the check within a few days. In new business, Dorson was nominated and approved to serve as the council’s public records liaison. The council also reviewed and accepted standard contest submission rules, with Dorson given flexibility to make minor edits before posting them. Dr. Mitchell and Pam proposed opening both the pet stamp photo contest and the grant application period from July 1 through September 30, with selections and grant votes to occur at the October meeting; the council approved those dates by motion. The council discussed updating its website and agreed to seek proposals for improvements in the $500 to $1,000 range, noting the current site is outdated. The next meeting was set for Wednesday, October 21 at the same time and location. Members also agreed to run a license plate promotion from July 1 through August 30 to help sell the remaining 136 plates, with Holly and the chair’s subcommittee planning flyers and social media outreach. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and drive to shop, work, play.
• </c> work yes and drive to shop yeah um work work yes and drive to shop yeah um work play<00:06:04.360
• the hearing for this.
• Thank you to the subcommittee.
• </c> really an issue for for for cities and really an issue for for for cities and and<00:29:06.440><

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for waiting. I'm sorry we're late for our committee work session.
• So with that, I'm going to adjourn in our work session and let's meet for caucus for about 10 or 15 minutes
• So with that, I'm going to adjourn in our work session like, and let's meet for caucus for about 10 or
• <02:53:46.279><c> for</c> session for session for hp250<02:53:48.200><c> and</c><02:53:48.560><c> I'm
• I'm going to close the exec session for HB 401. I'm going to open up the exec session for HB 505.

Summary: The meeting covered two main items. First, the solid waste subcommittee reviewed draft language for HB 707, focusing on landfill siting and permitting standards. Members and the Department of Environmental Services discussed replacing repeated references to “aquifer” with “drinking water well,” clarifying that aquifer is a broad term, and considering whether a statutory definition was needed. They also debated the bill’s setback and time-of-travel provisions, including the 10^-5 standard, a 1,500-foot distance, and whether the bill should rely more on performance-based criteria than prescriptive distances. Another major topic was permit denial language tied to applicants with significant histories of repeated serious violations or landfill-related litigation; the department said it already has related authority in current rules, but noted some wording was still too vague and could be tightened. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing with plans to continue work later. The second item was a work session on HB 424, which would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establish a study committee on fraudulent or untrained service animals. Several members said the problem raised by the bill was real but expressed concern that the legislature may be limited by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Others argued that a study committee would likely not produce a workable solution and might conflict with leadership’s direction to avoid unnecessary study committees. Members discussed whether the bill should be retained, amended, or instead replaced with a letter or resolution to the federal delegation. The committee appeared to lean toward ITL and possibly pursuing a letter to federal officials, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates space for collaboration, expertise, and lived experience to shape policy that actually works
• in a particular neighborhood, or whether the municipality could say it does not necessarily work for
• > like</c> necessarily work for other reasons like necessarily work for other reasons like like<01:44
• Um, so before I open up the public hearing for HB 1218, does the committee feel like we need a work session
• But for all SB 2 towns and towns that work by town meeting, they would not have an opportunity to change

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• I work for the Florida Department of Financial Services and provide some oversight and direction to the
• and were approved for a grant. 43,000 of the 63 have finished their work.
• We're waiting for them to finish their work. So we don't know yet what their savings will be.
• But we I think it's about something that we need to work on doing their job of explaining. >> Rice for
• You think it really would be better if we move that down and I know you work for the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• That would not just be for employees, but for the entirety of our budget, not just for salaries.
• They work for us. They receive benefits from us.
• For our young lawyers, for intermediate lawyers, for our more experienced lawyers, so that we can give
• We are asking for funding for that.
• So by the next session, that should be complete and we'll have probably a decade plan for that to know

Transcript Highlights:

• THANK YOU FOR YOUR TEAMWORK ON THIS COMMITTEE WE APPRECIATE IT AND LOOK FORWARD TO A LOT OF GOOD WORK
• AHEAD IN THIS SESSION.
• BUT WE DO THINK THE PROGRAM IS WORKING.
• WORKING.
• I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE STAFF FOR COMING OVER AND HELPING ME BREAK DOWN SOME OF THIS FOR CLARITY.

Transcript Highlights:

• It didn't work for us. It can't work for them.
• It didn't work for us. It can't work for them.
• It didn't work for us. It can't work for them.
• It didn't work for us. It can't work for them.
• It doesn't work for us. It can't work for them.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, sir, and thank you for that question. So there was an extensive amount of work done...
• project for us as we work through that design process.
• for the university.
• This is an original contract for $500,000 for transition support services for youth who are aging out
• was completed for the review subcommittee.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Transcript Highlights:

• time that was not actually worked.
• The next item is the regulatory basis financial statements and other reports for Claiborne County for
• So Senator Johnson, is this for a particular group or organization, or is this for staff? Mr.
• And I was, I'm for more and more scholarships, especially for people that are in need-based.
• There’s a question for staff or for the chair.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns. Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts. During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• getting the work done for California.
• I work for a state fund.
• I work for a statewide program.
• for return to work. work at will and their salaries aren't getting cut.
• work the work that we do for California.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee will now come to order.
• We welcome you to the Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee.
• Thank you, Representative Maynors for that riveting debate, sir.
• Florida is known for its wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
• Thank you. for all of us from North Florida.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two bills. HB 705, by Representative Weinberger, would preserve the public records exemption protecting the address and telephone number of people using public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events. Representative Anderson spoke in strong support, citing the vulnerability of shelter residents after recent hurricanes and the need to prevent criminals from targeting them. The bill drew no public testimony and passed the committee by a 15-0 vote. The committee then heard HB 11, by Representatives Mooney and LaMarca, which would designate the flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. Sponsors argued the flamingo is an iconic symbol of Florida and tied the bill to Everglades and Indian River Lagoon restoration, while also noting the scrub jay’s status as Florida’s only endemic songbird. Members raised questions about the birds’ native range, regional representation, and possible future amendments, including suggestions for a pelican designation and preserving the mockingbird’s historical role. One support card was filed by Jose Romano of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. During debate, several members voiced support while noting they might seek amendments later. Representative Miller supported the flamingo but objected to elevating the scrub jay because of property-rights concerns. Representative Andrade said he would vote yes to allow a future pelican amendment, and Representative Tant said he would support the bill while seeking recognition of the mockingbird as a songbird. The bill passed 15-1, with Representative Miller voting no. After the vote, the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• off that, and then next session we'll continue to work on this.
• , Representative, thank you so much for carrying this forward for us.
• So, once again, looking for your favorable support, and thank you for allowing us to speak.
• And just briefly, thank you, Representative, for all your work on this.
• It's a big, big issue. briefly, thank you, Representative, for all your work on this.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard two member bills. The first, CS for HB 243 on electric bicycles, was presented as a safety and data-collection measure prompted by fatalities and serious injuries involving e-bikes and similar devices. The sponsor said the bill would create a task force, require law enforcement crash data collection, and focus on education and enforcement rather than licensing changes. Testimony in support came from law enforcement, AARP, and local officials, who said statewide data is inconsistent and current classifications do not reflect the speed and use of newer devices. Members discussed the need for better reporting and bike safety, and the bill passed favorably by roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for HB 679, which would modernize Florida’s trademark registration system by aligning it more closely with federal standards, requiring clearer identification of goods and services, proof of use in commerce, and allowing streamlined online filing and renewal. The only public testimony was a supportive appearance from the Florida Bar’s business law section. There were no questions or debate, and the bill also passed favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• PCS for House Bill 1177 clarifies ad valorem tax exemptions for defense and aerospace operations and
• Other procedures that work with Florida for years and years and years and haven't been abused and is
• I will say just from touring Alligator Alcatraz, I want the contract for the water because we paid for
• I ask you for your support on this because this is really for natural disasters, which you know can happen
• I ASK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS BECAUSE&nbsp;&nbsp; 215 THIS IS REALLY FOR NATURAL DISASTERS WHICH

Summary: The Transportation Economic Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four measures. First, the committee considered PCS for HB 1177, which originally addressed ad valorem tax exemptions for defense and aerospace operations and contract procedures for Space Florida. An amendment removed the tax exemption portion for later consideration in the tax package, and the bill then passed favorably after brief discussion about Florida’s competitiveness in the space industry. The committee next took up a conforming budget bill on documentary stamp taxes, which redirects a portion of doc stamp revenue from general revenue to the State Transportation Trust Fund. The sponsor said the change restores a $60 million transportation funding stream with a corresponding general revenue reduction, while maintaining a net zero fiscal impact overall. Members asked about why the funding was being restored and how the money would be used, and the bill passed favorably. Members then heard PCB 26-02, which re-creates the Emergency Preparedness Response Fund and adds restrictions and oversight. The proposal limits the fund to state appropriations for natural emergencies, requires legislative consultation for extended emergencies, keeps revenue in the fund, sends federal reimbursements to general revenue, adds quarterly reporting and inventory/accounting requirements, and sunsets the fund in 2030 unless reenacted. Testimony and debate focused on accountability, disaster response readiness, and concerns about prior uses of the fund; the PCB passed favorably. Finally, the committee considered HB 953, which strengthens oversight of commercial driving schools by authorizing county tax collectors to enforce related statutes and inspections. The sponsor said the bill responds to fraud and misrepresentation in the industry and would help protect driver licensing integrity, especially in South Florida. After supportive testimony from the Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s Office and a lobbyist, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when this subcommittee last met, welcome, thank you for coming today.
• release resiliency work... ...in TIRCP funding for the initial emergency release resiliency work in
• The pandemic and the rise of remote work hit our ridership hard, for sure, but we've been working hard
• We're also working across a number of efforts for non-farebox revenue.
• We're also working across a number of efforts for non-farebox revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when this subcommittee last met, welcome, thank you for coming today.
• release resiliency work... ...in TIRCP funding for the initial emergency release resiliency work in
• So now we're looking for business, private enterprises that will work together to offset that.
• The pandemic and the rise of remote work hit our ridership hard for sure, but we've been working hard
• We're also working across a number of efforts for non-farebox revenue.

Summary: The Senate LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency Subcommittee heard updates from CalSTA, Caltrans, Metrolink, and Caltrain on corridor performance, governance, funding, and long-term planning. Chair Lackey opened by saying the SB 1098 report on LOSSAN governance and performance was unfinished and overdue, and argued the corridor remains at a crossroads because ridership, on-time performance, fiscal solvency, and capital delivery are still lagging. Senator Archuleta echoed concerns about safety, maintenance, ridership recovery, and the need to avoid state subsidy if local revenues fall short. CalSTA and Caltrans said the state has made major investments, including $125 million for San Clemente emergency resiliency work, and that more than $25 billion in funded rail projects are moving toward construction. They said work on the SB 1098 report is underway, with a LOSSAN working group to be convened, and described a new Caltrans transit-and-rail reorganization with a deputy director to improve accountability. Caltrans also reported restoration of Surfliner service to 13 weekday round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, planned service increases to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, fleet overhauls, and a new project-tracking and service-planning tool to prioritize capital projects by service outcomes. The panel also discussed zero-emission strategy, saying hydrogen fuel-cell trains are being procured for longer-distance service while battery-electric options are being pursued where feasible, and that San Clemente long-term planning is being scoped with local partners. Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said the agency has shifted from a commuter-only model to all-day regional service through its “Metrolink Reimagined” schedule, with improved transfers, more weekend and off-peak ridership, and a 25% increase in monthly pass sales under a new fare pilot. He warned, however, that Metrolink faces a fiscal cliff: member agencies now cover about 72% of operating costs while fares cover about 11%, and without a dedicated revenue source the agency may need to cut service, reduce stations, or end later-evening and weekend trips. He said Metrolink has limited ability to monetize stations or parking because it does not own most of the relevant property or rights. Caltrain’s Jason Baker described the success of electrified service, with ridership up 57% year over year and customer satisfaction at record highs, but said Caltrain also faces a projected $75 million annual operating deficit and may need to consider service cuts if stable funding is not found. He highlighted revenue efforts such as energy regeneration compensation, parking and concession reviews, station development, and a planned battery-electric pilot to extend zero-emission service south of San Jose.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I am nonetheless really excited to be here for our Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education
• This is with the end goal of making it easier for people to seek better-paid work.
• all Californians, especially for apprentices, veterans, and working adults.
• Data causing extra work for staff.
• I'm grateful to Chancellor Christian for asking me to chair that work group.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, thank you for this day, for each other.
• Lord, thank you for this day, for each other, and for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us.
• Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka, my first question for you is: Why was the session scheduled to
• As a representative who was elected to be a voice for those who have entrusted me to do this work, I
• For the working mother, the senior in Broward County, the student in College Park, who doesn't have the