Video & Transcript Research : 'dementia services program'
Page 95 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Tab three, Senator Yarbrough, SB 1012, inmate services. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
- as a condition of participating in Medicaid supplemental funding programs.
- There's not a list of different services, per se, that would be covered.
- But with regard to services, we are mentioning that inmates need to receive whatever the medical services
- But with regard to services, we are mentioning that inmates need to receive whatever the medical services
Keywords:
bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, Florida statutes, bond conditions, surety, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault
Summary:
The committee took up several criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 760 on violations of pretrial release conditions. A strike-all amendment narrowed the bill to make willful violation of a no-contact order a first-degree misdemeanor, authorize warrantless arrest on probable cause, and require detention until first appearance in certain cases. The amendment and the bill, as amended, were both adopted and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1536 on digital voyeurism, which would extend the expectation of privacy to backyards in the surveillance statute; it was reported favorably after brief questions and support from a Florida Smart Justice Alliance witness.
Members next considered SB 1012 on inmate services. The bill would expand use of contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust funds for reintegration and facility upgrades, and would require reimbursement for inmate emergency and specialty medical services at Medicaid rates, with telehealth and autonomous APRNs included as options. Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida opposed the bill as written, warning that tying Medicaid participation to treatment of inmates could reduce reimbursement and discourage provider participation, while the Department of Corrections and Florida Smart Justice Alliance supported it. Senators discussed costs, aging inmates, and possible future changes, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also passed CS for SB 600 on bail bond and pretrial release laws after adopting a strike-all that aligned it with the House companion and made technical changes to solicitation, training, and bond reinstatement rules. Public testimony raised concerns about who should receive returned bond money and how clerks would process payments, but the sponsor said the bill would continue to be refined. Later, the committee reconsidered and favorably reported SB 1750 on criminal sexual conduct, which increases penalties and mandatory minimums for serious sex crimes, especially those involving children. It also reconsidered and favorably reported SB 1544 on complaints against law enforcement and correctional officers, a bill requiring complainants to provide sworn complaints to officers before interrogation unless corroborating evidence is present; police chiefs and sexual violence advocates opposed parts of the bill, while supporters argued it would protect officers from unfounded complaints. Finally, SB 1488 on booking officer duties regarding minor children of arrested persons was reported favorably, and SB 1326 on prosecution of defamation was taken up for reconsideration with a delete-all amendment that narrowed the insanity defense, limited mitigation for severe mental illness in serious cases, and extended detention periods for incompetent defendants; opposition testimony from defense, public defender, and mental health advocates warned it would worsen treatment and increase costs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill addresses concerns with the Texas Alcohol Awareness Program.
- from the These programs were unique because they were the only online alcohol awareness programs that
- . the TDLR program.
- The state-approved alcohol awareness program and our program were all under TDLR's regulation, from when
- We were at the TEA, and the other program was at the health department.
Keywords:
juvenile justice, correctional facilities, reform, rehabilitation, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, alcohol awareness, court-ordered programs, substance misuse education, deferred disposition, youth, parole reform, inmates under 18, mental health, educational achievement, reintegration, foster youth, behavior intervention, community services, diversion policies, HB 5653
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/10/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we use it to fund things like our security navigator program.
- And so we use it to fund things like our security navigator program.
- ago, which is the modernization of the statewide voter registration system, the security navigator program
- ago, which is the modernization of the statewide voter registration system, the security navigator program
- ago, which is the modernization of the statewide voter registration system, the security navigator program
Keywords:
HF1345, statutory city, public utility commission, municipal utilities, city council, local government, utility governance, commission membership, staggered terms, vacancy appointment, ordinance, Minnesota Statutes 412.341, municipal ordinance, city commission, public utilities, HF71, Minnesota, public safety, peace officers, correctional officers
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 12th, 2025
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- How many years during your service did y'all say a pledge and a prayer?
- health care access, more treatment beds for mental health and substance use, and better educational services
Keywords:
HB141, Alabama, state employees, salary deductions, payroll deduction, State Comptroller, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, employee associations, state payroll, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-1-4.3, public employees, union dues, benefits administration, payroll withholding, financial products, deferred compensation
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Urban and Rural Development Committee Feb 12th, 2025
Urban and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- under certain... ...that put under certain circumstances, the water system was there under the Public Service
- available for anyone who wanted to do it to put themselves under, with certain circumstances, the Public Service
- are affiliated with a regulated sewer system, to elect to come under the regulation of the Public Service
- They share common corporate services, such as financial, legal, and maintenance, etc., that go on with
Keywords:
foreign investment, agriculture, property rights, critical infrastructure, sanctions, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates, wastewater management, Alabama utilities, Jefferson County Board of Health
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee Families and Children (6-19-24) - REUPLOAD
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oqOBxS14HA, 2026-06-21T07:17:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:40 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations
00:02:09 Discussion of Foster Care and Adoption Processes – Cabinet for Health & Family Services
00:31:30 Questions
00:42:20 Discussion of Foster Care and Adoption Processes – Judge Mica Pence
00:51:33 Questions
01:08:58 Discussion of Foster Care and Adoption Processes – Kentucky Youth Advocates
01:25:48 Questions
01:38:50 Discussion of Foster Care and Adoption Processes – Jennifer Sacharnoski Nelson
01:52:00 Questions
01:55:57 Adjournment, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health & Family Services (3-24-22)
Keywords:
KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz8uTeusKDc, 2026-06-21T07:17:01+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:05
SB 105 Discussion: 01:20
SB 105 Roll Call Vote: 08:16
SB 173 Discussion: 09:15
SB 173 Roll Call Vote: 10:56
SB 178 Discussion: 12:01
SB 178 Roll Call Vote: 13:58
SB 68 Discussion: 15:20
SB 68 Roll Call Vote: 18:22
SB 66 Discussion: 19:25
SB 66 Roll Call Vote: 28:25
SB 276 Discussion: 31:44
SB 276 Roll Call Vote: 36:23
2022 Social Services Block Grant Review: 37:38, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Jayanta Bhattacharya, of California, to be Director of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- , or the IDEA Program, allowing institutions to bring life-saving cures and treatments to people in my
- He's used NIH grants in the past, so he gets how that program works.
- Thank you for being here and for all your service.
- Program, the 2025 NIH Summer Internship Program, the Advancing Diversity in Aging Research program,
- If I'm confirmed, I will look to make sure that those programs and other programs if they're appropriate
Keywords:
NIH funding, healthcare research, chronic diseases, scientific integrity, public trust, pandemic response
Summary:
The meeting of the committee focused on various healthcare and scientific issues, with significant discussions surrounding the impact of recent administrative actions on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its research agenda. Senators expressed concerns over funding cuts and personnel reductions, particularly the reported termination of over 1,200 NIH staff members, which could jeopardize ongoing and future research projects. The session included testimonies on the importance of supporting early-stage researchers and restoring public trust in scientific institutions following pandemic-related controversies. Additionally, the potential for future healthcare management based on diverse scientific ideas was emphasized as crucial to tackle chronic diseases effectively.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill extends the compact eligibility to children of retired service members for four years and to
- the children of deceased service members for four years after their death.
- It updates the definition of uniformed services to include the Space Force, NOAA, Commissioned Corps,
- Public Health Service.
- Members, the bill relates to establishing the Applied Sciences Pathway Program.
Keywords:
HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention, math intervention, teacher academy, literacy academy, mathematics academy, interventionist academy, K-3 assessments, school readiness, prekindergarten, tutoring grant, parent-directed tutoring
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development May 21st, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- and illegally accepting compensation for services not rendered.
- To address this, the 87th Legislature created two programs: the Small Business Disaster Loan Program
- We have other disaster relief programs.
- So, the definition of a digital service is a website, an application, a program, or software that collects
- Can the digital service providers...
Keywords:
SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services will come to order.
- Lauren Rose, Director of Public Policy at Texas Network of Youth Services.
- CCRCs are including new lines of service such as memory care, hospice, and home and community-based services
- These sorts of incentive programs, like waiving or reducing...
- For health care services or supplies, that's working well.
Bills:
SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422
Keywords:
healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- state of Texas. all across the state, and a special thanks to Senator Hinojosa for initiating this program
- I mean, does the software allow you to break through the firewalls and, you know, those programs that
- And there's no question we need this because we've had Health and Human Services sending requests to.
- State Registrar from the Department of State Health Services here as a resource witness.
- Currently, the health and human services practices, somebody comes in and wants their birth certificate
Keywords:
business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 6th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, expanding the Terry North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act to a statewide program.
- What Proof or what has been done with the pilot program?
- I'm gonna—I'm in a debate for The bill, this program is great.
- This program is just a start of what the state needs to do to start combating these red cedars and pushing
- This is just tweaking what we did on prescribed burns after running the program for a few years.
Keywords:
agriculture, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, HB3977, State Veterinarian, Oklahoma veterinary license, food animal veterinary practice, livestock, animal health, State Board of Agriculture, veterinary qualifications, appointed office
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Federalism and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- and outline infrastructure for the program.
- I'm with No Barriers, Disabled Access Consulting and Advocacy Services.
- Currently, our child care programs are at capacity.
- We serve 53 kids in our preschool program and 126 kids in our after-school and out-of-school programs
- My dear friend is a participant in Arizona's Address Confidentiality Program.
Keywords:
child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, child support, preborn children, retroactive support, medical expenses, child welfare, child care, grant program, low-income, early learning, infrastructure, economic growth, security freeze, credit reporting, dependent children, parental notification
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2793, which would let cities and towns expedite annexations when 100% of the property owners request it, waive the 30-day waiting period and public hearing in those cases, and allow electronic newspaper notice and a single on-site posting for small single-parcel annexations. Buckeye testified in support, saying the bill would streamline uncontested annexations and reduce delay and cost, while a Tucson-area senator raised concerns that faster annexation can limit public awareness and input. The bill passed 4-3 for a due pass recommendation.
HB 2041, which would prohibit a parent, guardian, or custodian from being treated as abusing or neglecting a child solely because poverty prevents them from providing supervision, clothing, food, shelter, or medical care, drew strong support from child welfare and anti-poverty advocates. Opponents argued the bill still leaves room for investigations based on poverty and should more fully remove poverty from the neglect definition. The committee also heard HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund at DES; witnesses from northern Arizona and child care providers described shortages, workforce challenges, and the need for facilities and support. An amendment adding tax-credit language and opening eligibility to entities seeking to open child care facilities was adopted, and the amended bill passed 6-0 with one not voting.
The committee then approved HB 2321, requiring DCS to place a credit freeze on a child’s credit report when the child enters care, by a 7-0 vote. HB 2371, allowing consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration and adding a separate amendment on therapeutic interventions in parenting cases, prompted questions about whether AI arbitration is currently used and whether the amendment was germane; it passed 4-3. HB 2594, concerning the Address Confidentiality Program in family court and making attempts to obtain protected address information a felony, passed unanimously after testimony from a survivor and advocates. HB 2661, which requires DCS to inform parents under investigation that they may delegate temporary guardianship and seek court relief, passed 4-3 after amendment removed attestation and documentation requirements.
Finally, HB 2995, a major domestic-violence custody bill, was heard with extensive testimony from survivors, attorneys, and legal aid advocates. The bill removes the “significant” domestic violence threshold, adds coercive control to the analysis, requires domestic violence to be treated as contrary to the child’s best interests, and mandates detailed court findings; supporters said it addresses cases where abuse was minimized in custody decisions, while members raised concerns about evidentiary standards, implementation, and the risk of false allegations. The committee adopted a 13-page amendment and then gave the amended bill a due pass recommendation by a 4-3 vote.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- providing services.
- We do work closely with the national programs, and the most notable program is the Beef.
- We do work closely with the national programs. And the most notable program is the beef.
- our national programs here in Arizona.
- I'd like to thank the speakers for their service.
Keywords:
Arizona beef council, beef promotion, agricultural marketing, commodity council, livestock, cattle industry, ranching, rural affairs, self-financed program, sunset extension, continuation bill, market development, beef products, Arizona agriculture, Title 41, Title 3, sunset review, marketing order, producer assessment, Salt River horse herd
Summary:
The Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1199, which was amended to require the Arizona Department of Agriculture to post the Salt River Horse Herd Agreement on its website. Supporters said the change would improve public transparency and access to the agreement governing the Salt River wild horse herd, while the department said it was neutral and noted the contract was already on the state procurement website. The committee approved the amendment and then passed SB 1199 on a 6-3 vote.
The committee then considered SB 1761, an appropriation bill for the University of Arizona that would fund the Yuma Center for Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Arizona Experiment Station over multiple fiscal years. Senator Tim Dunn and the Arizona Farm Bureau argued the funding would support statewide agricultural research, extension services, water conservation, and rural communities, while members noted the bill would ultimately be part of budget negotiations. The committee passed SB 1761 with one member voting present.
Next, SB 1198 was amended to also continue the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board for eight years, in addition to extending the Arizona Beef Council. Supporters said both entities were self-funded or industry-supported and did not need shorter review cycles, while some members objected to combining the two issues and to the eight-year continuation period. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 4-3 with one present. Finally, SB 1683, which expands restrictions on land ownership and related transactions by foreign adversary nations and agents near critical infrastructure, military bases, and universities, drew support from local and military witnesses who said it would address national security risks and improve review of sensitive land deals. Some members raised property-rights concerns and questioned whether the expansion was justified, but the committee passed the bill 5-3 and adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:23:35.840>
Um Cultural Partnerships Program. Um Cultural Partnerships Program. - Um at a time when many arts programs.
- Services, I am Dr. Adam Jentleson, your Services, I am Dr.
- Up first, we have the Department of Accounting and General Services.
- Up first, we have the Department of Accounting and General Services.
Keywords:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, culture and arts, arts policy, cultural preservation, community development, economic revitalization, place-based planning, public spaces, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, business improvement district, Honolulu Chinatown, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, state foundation on culture and the arts
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure.
The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk.
Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/26/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- with uh House GOP constituent services with uh House GOP constituent services and<00:03:52.959><
- So I won't the safe at home program is.
- <00:07:19.599>
program definition of program program definition of program program participant - It's a really wonderful program.
- And so one subscription services.
Keywords:
Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am
A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- The P3 program is not an appropriated program. It's basically set up as a revolving fund.
- Once again, it's not an appropriated program.
- But as communities find out the benefits that the program can provide.
- We're just asking for a little bit more time to continue the program.
- Representative, this pilot program seems to be structured as more of a voluntary program.
Keywords:
education funding, concurrent enrollment, school aid, Oklahoma State Regents, permanent school funds, higher education, revolving fund, court reporters, salaries, legislation, employment compensation, state administration, Oklahoma, community development, infrastructure, economic development, local government, financing, pooled finance, Oklahoma Emission Reduction
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- This establishes a mattress stewardship program.
- I'm the program manager for the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii, which is a program of the Hawaii Public
- Hanata and Sons Aloha Shell Service.
- program as outlined in the bill. program as outlined in the bill.
- Uh Hanata and Sons Aloha Shell Service. Uh Hanata and Sons Aloha Shell Service.
Keywords:
mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on.
A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken.
The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days.
Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- New program will create jobs and diversify the economy in Putnam and Marion counties, which are two of
- And so we would rather have it be a monitored four-year program. The dam's going to solve itself.
- And so we would rather have it be a monitored four-year program that actually slowly draws this thing
- ... ...from the reservoir to Silver Springs and a local government grants program for Clay, St.
- We did programs. We did projects that had unintended consequences we were not aware of at the time.
Keywords:
onsite sewage treatment, disposal systems, building permits, environmental regulation, local government authority, drinking straws, stirrers, local regulation, compostable, environmental impact, Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver Springs, river restoration, dam removal, Kirkpatrick Dam, Buckman Lock, Cross Florida Barge Canal, environmental restoration, springs protection
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition.
The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably.
SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.