Video & Transcript Research : 'amendment'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 53 (3-25-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- , speaks to the amendment. further Amendment representative Raymond further Amendment representative
- the committee amendment to amendment the committee amendment to House<01:12:51.239>
Bill House - The amendment is adopted. The motion now is ought to pass with amendment.
- <04:46:47.760>
the <04:46:47.958>amendment <04:46:48.440>is Amendment the amendment - The amendment is adopted. We're now on to ought to pass with amendment.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Barrow has a question on the amendment? On the amendment.
- Senator Barrow has a question on the amendment? On the amendment.
- On the amendment or on the bill, sir? On the amendment. Okay. Senator Plessis on the amendment.
- On the amendment, Senator Barrow? No, not on the amendment. Okay.
- I have offered Amendment Set 3294. Board is clear on the amendment.
Keywords:
family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, liability insurance, coverage defenses, direct action, judgment enforcement, legal procedures, insurance referrals, compensation, non-licensed agents, consumer protection, insurance products, HB 870, Act 907, Louisiana insurance, health insurance, prescription drugs
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please read the floor amendment. Kavanagh floor amendment.
- Please read the floor amendment. Cavend off floor amendment.
- We have an amendment. Mr. President, Oh, that's right. We have an amendment. Mr.
- This amendment is very simple.
- And the bill is amended.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, a journal approval, and a series of guest introductions recognizing groups at the Capitol for Environmental Day, Women’s and Reproductive Health Day, Arizona Nurses Day, Aerospace Day, and International Mother Language Day, along with a Doctor of the Day and a judicial proclamation honoring Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. The chamber also made temporary committee appointments and referred several bills between committees before moving into Committee of the Whole and later third reading votes.
The main floor action centered on several SNAP-related bills. SB 1002, dealing with public assistance verification, passed the Committee of the Whole after a Kavanagh floor amendment and then passed third reading 17-9-13, with supporters saying it targets fraud and lowers error rates and opponents arguing it duplicates existing checks, adds bureaucracy, and could harm eligible families. SB 1331, on SNAP military employment and training, SB 1333, on SNAP error-rate audit and penalties, SB 1334, on SNAP work requirement waivers and exemptions, and SB 1368, on SNAP purchase restrictions, all advanced from Committee of the Whole and then passed third reading by the same 17-13 margin, with Democrats and some others warning they would increase hunger, burden rural and tribal communities, and restrict access, while supporters said they promote work, accountability, and healthier choices.
The Senate also considered SB 1638, a tax conformity bill. A Sundareshan floor amendment to narrow the bill to standard deduction conformity was debated at length, with supporters saying it would protect most taxpayers from filing confusion and limit revenue loss, and opponents arguing it removed other agreed-upon tax provisions and still left uncertainty. The amendment failed 17-13, the Finance Committee amendment was adopted, and SB 1638 then passed as amended. Finally, SCR 1011, a concurrent resolution calling for a federal constitutional convention on congressional term limits, received a do pass recommendation and passed the Committee of the Whole.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment the passage of which amendment amendment the passage of which amendment the<01:07:24.400
- amendment. Pass of which amendment? amendment. Pass of which amendment?
- amendment the passage of which amendment amendment the passage of which amendment the<01:14:59.760
- amendment the passage of which amendment amendment the passage of which amendment the<01:21:47.679
- amendment. The pass of which amendment. amendment. The pass of which amendment.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session 5/15/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's an amendment at the desk. The clerk will report the amendment.
- Bonner moves to amend House File 2464, the first engrossment as amended. The amendment is coded A6.
- Bonner moves to amend house amendment.
- House File 2464 as amended. Discussion to the bill as amended.
- <00:11:12.480>
Third 2464 as amended. Third 2464 as amended.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- All in favor of the amendment, say yay. Yay. All right, the amendment is adopted.
- Are there any questions on the amendment? There are no appearance forms on the amendment.
- The amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended.
- Let's take up that amendment by Senator Bradley, recognized to explain the amendment.
- We're back in the bill as amended or the questions on the bill is amended?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills. First, the committee took up SB 1724 on municipal utility services. A late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Martin was adopted after he explained it would require annual customer meetings for certain extraterritorial utility customers, cap the use of utility revenues for general government purposes, eliminate a 25% surcharge and reduce the rate differential cap, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain surcharges only as needed to satisfy existing bond covenants. The Florida League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the time needed for rate studies and budget adjustments, but the bill as amended was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices by Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, authorize their installation at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or debate, SB 936 was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water and wastewater service solely because a property owner declines annexation, if the property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. An amendment narrowed the bill by defining “main line” and reducing the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about large users, possible conflict with annexation law, potential enclave creation, and revenue impacts, but Senator Mayfield said he would continue working on the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, Chair Bradley presented SB 1498 on community associations. A strike-all amendment was adopted that made technical changes to video conference recording, turnover inspection reports, and electronic voting, and added provisions requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors, creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal. It also targeted mandatory club or amenity fee structures controlled by developers or third parties, declaring such provisions against public policy, limiting assessments to proportional expenses, and allowing suits and conveyance of common areas after turnover. Testimony from homeowners described alleged governance abuses and opaque, profit-driven mandatory fees in their communities, while the Community Associations Institute supported the amendment. The committee reported CS for SB 1498 favorably. Members then recorded additional votes for the record, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes bill to create an independent Office of the Inspector General to tackle fraud May 8th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment to the amendment prevails. The amendment to the amendment is adopted.
- there's an amendment to the amendment. there's an amendment to the amendment.
- the amendment to the amendment. the amendment to the amendment.
- amendment to the amendment?
- . amendment. amendment.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 856, which would create an Office of the Inspector General to combat fraud in state public programs. Representative Norris described the bill as the product of a long bipartisan, bicameral working group and emphasized the office’s independence, five-year term, Senate confirmation, removal-for-cause protections, authority to investigate entities receiving public funds, prevention-focused duties, and required public and annual reporting. Representative Anderson PE also thanked the bipartisan authors and staff, saying the bill was the result of extensive negotiations and should move forward without reopening the agreement.
Members then considered several amendments. Norris offered a technical cleanup amendment, A44, to clarify language about embedding employees at the Department of Education, distinguish civil and criminal investigative authority, and update law-enforcement terminology; it was adopted. Anderson PE then offered and secured adoption of a technical amendment, A45, to correct a drafting error. Representative Cleorne offered A37 to add prepayment review procedures for all agencies, but it failed on a roll call, 65-67. Cleorne also offered A38 to appropriate $15 million for OIG modernization and data-sharing improvements, but withdrew it after noting it would be out of order. A39, which would have renamed the proposed law enforcement unit from an anti-fraud and waste bureau to an anti-fraud and enforcement unit, failed on a roll call, 66-67, after debate over whether “waste” should be included in the title and scope.
During debate on the naming amendment, supporters argued the title should better reflect law-enforcement work and avoid implying the office was a “waste” agency, while opponents said the existing language reflected the bipartisan working-group agreement and that changing it could jeopardize the bill’s progress. Representative West cited inspector general standards that include waste among their duties, and Representative Pinto questioned the substantive basis for opposing the change. Later, Representative Mhler offered A41 to eliminate the future law-enforcement agency entirely, arguing it would be duplicative and unfunded; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 13, February 24, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, two amendments. Okay, we have amendments.
- amendments. Okay, we have amendments. amendments. Okay, we have amendments.
- On and against this<00:44:26.800>
amendment, this amendment, this amendment, the<00:44:28.960> - . amendment. amendment.
and amendment, first amendment rights and amendment, first amendment rights and all<01:35:56.320
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , 1286 is amended, 1325 is amended, 1422 is amended, 1429 is amended, and 1433; and Senate Bills 131,
- , 1286 is amended, 1325 is amended, 1422 is amended, 1429 is amended, and 1433; and Senate Bills 131,
- , 1286 is amended, 1325 is amended, 1422 is amended, 1429 is amended, and 1433; and Senate Bills 131,
- And 1433 amended. 1431 is amended.
- . 131 is amended. 154 157 165 is amended. 131 is amended. 154 157 165 is amended.<04:24:55.359>
172
Summary:
The House convened, took roll, and approved the journal of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as corrected. Members then made several announcements, including committee meeting notices, a Colorado Farm Bureau burger bash, recognition of Nurses Week, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and a commendation honoring former legislator Dorothy Rupert for her public service and advocacy. The chamber also heard a report that Rep. Flynnel had helped save a life by calling 911 when she witnessed a medical emergency near the Capitol.
Committee reports were received from Appropriations and Business Affairs and Labor, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order for May 7. The House then proceeded to special orders and considered House Bill 1433, which would allow the firefighter behavioral health trust to receive gifts, grants, and donations to sustain services for firefighters dealing with trauma. Supporters described the program as essential for first responders, and the bill passed.
The chamber next considered House Bill 1429 on consolidating administration of public assistance programs. Supporters said it would stabilize the safety net, reduce error rates, and create a transition plan involving counties, state departments, and frontline workers; the appropriations report and the bill both passed. House Bill 1416, which transfers money from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund to support small businesses and the Colorado Small Business Development Center, also passed as amended after debate over the use of the scholarship fund and its prior implementation challenges. Opponents argued the money should remain with students, while supporters said the fund had already distributed most of its original allocation and the transfer would help small businesses without creating a new program.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (03/10/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, I don't see that in the amendment, and second of all, the amendment does say shall.
- I’d like to offer an amendment.
- amendment to the House bill.
- The amendment to the amendment to 2025-36H to House Bill 373, local.
- I make a motion to accept the amendment to HB 124, the amendment number 2025 D08 61H.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment is adopted.
- The amendment is adopted. We will move on to item number eight. Sorry, amendment is adopted.
- The amendment is adopted.
- The amendment is adopted.
- all adopted amendments are released from everything we have on our agenda all adopted amendments are
Summary:
The special language subcommittee met for its first meeting of the session and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members were reminded that the subcommittee only handles special language, while personnel and appropriation items go to other budget committees. Most items were explained by DFA Secretary Jim Hudson and agency representatives, with no major opposition raised.
The committee adopted amendments for the Department of Finance and Administration to require administrative costs for pregnancy help organization grants to stay under 25%; for the Department of Correction to remove conflicting language about county jail reimbursement funds and make a technical fund-name correction; and for the Department of Education to designate the Department of Agriculture as the child nutrition agency and to implement Act 909 of 2025 changes related to EBD employer contributions and phasing out teacher equalization funds. It also adopted language allowing the CFO to waive the 3% state central services fee for agricultural promotion boards, allowing Department of Public Safety revenues from Camp Robinson facilities to be used for maintenance, and authorizing shared administrative services billing under the Arkansas Ford Initiative while removing duplicative reporting language.
Additional adopted amendments designated Arkansas Rehab Services as the state unit for the vocational rehabilitation grant and capped the reimbursement rate for the used tire program at $2.31 effective July 1, 2026, to stabilize funding. One item was skipped because a later governor’s letter superseded it. All amendments considered were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 1, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- On the amendment? Seeing no questions. Any public testimony on the amendment?
- No public testimony on the amendment. Any debate on the amendment? Any debate on the amendment?
- amendment.
- Any public testimony on the amendment? Not on the amendment. Any debate on the amendment?
- Show the amendment is adopted. Sir, we are back on the bill as amended.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and voted on a series of bills dealing with traffic enforcement, drug-related homicide charges, vessel regulation, crime-stoppers records, cyber harassment, pawn data sharing, hotel removals of nonpaying guests, and Fish and Wildlife Commission authority. Members and witnesses generally framed the bills around public safety, law enforcement efficiency, victim protection, and property rights, while several bills drew concerns about criminal penalties, due process, and impacts on workers or families. Public testimony included support from sheriffs, police chiefs, AARP, hospitality workers, civil liberties groups, and industry representatives, depending on the bill.
PCS for CSHB 351, creating a criminal offense for dangerous excessive speeding, passed 13-4 after debate over whether the new offense would expand search-and-seizure authority and whether the penalties were too harsh. HB 457, which expands third-degree murder to include unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and removes the under-18 exclusion, was amended to add a knowledge/should-have-known fentanyl standard and then passed unanimously 17-0. CS for HB 1285 on disposition of migrant vessels and HB 1149 on vessel accountability both passed unanimously after brief discussion and a cleanup amendment on HB 1149.
HB 397, providing a public records exemption for Crime Stoppers organizations, passed 16-0 after a clarifying amendment. HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment also passed 16-0 after an amendment expanding definitions, penalties, civil remedies, and limitations periods. PCS for HB 1359, requiring FDLE to study a statewide pawn database, passed 16-0 with support from law enforcement and concerns about linking local systems and private vendors.
CSHB 535, which clarifies when guests in public lodging establishments may be removed for nonpayment and also addressed service-charge language affecting gratuities, generated the most extended debate and strong opposition from hospitality workers and labor advocates over due process and tipped income. Supporters argued it would clarify transient occupancy and protect property owners, but the bill passed 11-6. Finally, CS/HB 1133 on Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission appointments and warrant requirements for FWC officers passed 16-0 after an amendment requiring warrants or probable cause for entry onto private land. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Commerce and Tourism Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there questions on the amendment? Questions on the amendment?
- Show the amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.
- The amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.
- Show the amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended.
- the amendment?
Summary:
The Committee on Commerce and Tourism took up several measures, beginning with SB 1666, which would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, smart contracts, blockchain, and NFTs. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably. It also approved CS/SB 480, a proposal to create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model; the bill drew significant questions about preexisting conditions, ACA coverage, costs, and whether the plans would function like insurance, but it was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from some members and outside groups. The committee then unanimously advanced CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program; an amendment added military-spouse hiring preferences and protections for private employers that adopt them voluntarily.
The committee also approved CS/SB 1400, a bill aimed at non-consensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes. The measure requires covered platforms to provide a removal process, post clear notice of that process, and remove identified content within 24 to 48 hours, with liability under the Florida Unfair Trade and Deceptive Practices Act for noncompliance; an amendment carved out internet service providers from liability. Members raised concerns about repeat uploads and the meaning of “reasonable efforts,” but the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adopted SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, despite testimony opposing it as unnecessary and constitutionally questionable. It also passed SB 1252, which would create a centralized statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies; the sponsor said the first step would be a $250,000 feasibility study, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 922, which revises Florida’s restrictive covenant laws by creating a streamlined process for certain non-compete and garden leave agreements involving employees with access to sensitive information and higher wages. The bill drew extensive debate over worker mobility, global scope, and whether it would strengthen employer leverage too much; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. The last major item was SB 1776, a Florida Whistleblowers Act revision that adds a notice-to-cure requirement, narrows retaliation and employer definitions, and limits claims where another statutory remedy exists. Members and public speakers raised concerns that it could make whistleblower claims harder to bring and give employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was amended and then reported favorably.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN, CPN Public Hearings 02-19-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you in support of those amendments? Yes, I am in support of those amendments.
- I will make one clarification, and that's the third amendment—I'm sorry, the second amendment that's
- The recommendation is to pass with amendments, adopting the DNR's proposed amendments submitted in their
- The recommendation is to pass with amendments, adopting the DNR's proposed amendments submitted in their
- <00:33:43.760>
any amended any amended any discussion<00:33:45.960>seeing <00:33:46.320
Summary:
The committee heard SB 573, which would require condominium associations to repair defective common-element conditions that create health or safety violations. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, including from the Community Associations Institute and construction-defect counsel, who argued the bill could lead to piecemeal repairs and unintended damage in complex building systems. The measure was deferred.
The committee then heard SB 1038 on privacy and data-breach notice requirements. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs supported the bill as a modernization of the law, while the Hawaii Financial Services Association, Consumer Data Industry Association, and other groups opposed it, mainly over the proposed redaction standard for Social Security numbers and concerns about making Hawaii an outlier compared with other states. Members discussed possible amendments, including harmonizing with other states and clarifying encryption and redaction rules. The committee later voted to pass SB 1038 with amendments, including changes from the Office of Consumer Protection, Hawaii Bankers Association, and State Privacy and Security Coalition, and deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050.
The committee also took up SB 890 and voted to pass it with amendments and recommit it to the CPN committee for a hearing before the decking deadline. In a separate decision-making segment, the committee passed SB 1291 on CPA licensure with amendments after testimony from accounting groups, educators, and others described a shortage of accountants and supported an alternate pathway using public-accounting experience. The committee adopted amendments clarifying the education and experience requirements and then approved the measure. Later, the committee also passed several additional measures on a decision agenda, including SB 129 SD1, SB 140 SD1, SB 144 SD1, SB 1197 SD1, SB 1341, SB 411 SD1, and SB 1438, generally with amendments or as introduced, and all were adopted without objection.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 063 Mar 18th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So this amendment is amending the committee report.
- So this amendment is amending question.
- . amendment. amendment.
- . amendment. amendment.
- amendment. Thank you. amendment. Thank you.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and tributes, including recognition of American Red Cross Day and reminders about committee meetings. Members also marked St. Patrick’s Day with light remarks and a limerick before moving into floor business. Committee reports were read, including a recommendation to refer House Joint Resolution 1021 on farmers markets to the House for final action and to postpone House Bill 1270 indefinitely, along with favorable reports on other bills.
The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1021, which supports Colorado farmers markets, local food access, Double Up Food Bucks, and the partnership between the Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Farmers Market Association. The sponsor and other members spoke in favor, emphasizing the value of farmers markets to local economies, small producers, and access to fresh food. The House suspended the rules for immediate consideration, then adopted the resolution unanimously, 58-0, with seven excused.
The House next moved through third-reading votes on several bills. Senate Bill 74, concerning penalties in public construction performance bond disputes, passed 59-0; House Bill 1252, updating state entities responding to emergencies, passed 52-7; Senate Bill 16, prohibiting discharge of pre-production plastic materials, passed 41-0; Senate Bill 37, allowing local elected judicial officers to set weekend bonds, passed 59-0; and House Bill 1253, on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality, passed 48-11. The body also set House Bill 1299 and House Bill 1102 as special orders.
The House then began special-order consideration of House Bill 1299, a school administrative-relief measure aimed at reducing reporting burdens. Sponsors described provisions modernizing missing-children reporting, repealing outdated paper-and-pencil assessment policy requirements, aligning statute with State Board rules on unified improvement plans for smaller districts, and clarifying mandatory versus voluntary reporting. Members discussed an amendment to strike “or charter school collaborative,” with concerns that collaborative schools may need separate improvement plans if their programs differ. The amendment and the committee report were both adopted, and debate on the bill continued as the transcript ended.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the bill is amended with Senator Gavan's amendment.
- I have a couple of amendments.
- And I have gone over this amendment, and I think it's a well-received amendment.
- Senator Albertton, as the amendment, it was a friendly amendment. ...amendment.
- And I was told I think that amendment was a small amendment. amendment was a small amendment that was
Keywords:
law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, HB285
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 30th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amending the statewide...
- Speaker, I'd love to move House Floor Amendment No. 1 to House Bill 9 as amended.
- And in the amendment, Mr.
- Debate on the amendment.
- I support this amendment, and one of the reasons I support the amendment is...
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:02.799>
that amendment um the upcoming amendment that amendment um the upcoming amendment - So this is the budget amendment. Discussion to the amendment.
- First, the committee voted on the DE2 amendment. All in favor of the DE2 amendment say aye.
- So, first we'll vote on the DE2 amendment. All in favor of the DE2 amendment say aye. Aye. Opposed?
- So, first we'll vote on the DE2 amendment. All in favor of the DE2 amendment say aye. Aye. Opposed?
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- All in favor of the amendment say aye. All opposed, say nay. The amendment is adopted.
- The amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended.
- There's an amendment. Okay. We're going to take up amendment barcode 453-862.
- Back on the bill as amended. The amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended.
- The amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended.
Keywords:
golf courses, best management practices, fertilizer regulation, Department of Agriculture, environmental protection, certification, beach management, beach erosion, beach nourishment, coastal resilience, shoreline protection, critical erosion, critically eroded beach, Florida DEP, Department of Environmental Protection, coastal flooding, compound flooding, storm surge, inlet management, coastal engineering
Summary:
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 636 on beach management, by Senator Leek, would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, shifting the process toward a more proactive approach. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell raised concerns about local capacity and funding, and the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association said the bill was an alternative pathway but emphasized the need for more recurring funding. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee then considered SB 544, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS and establishes certification and training standards there. Senator Smith and Senator Harrell asked about environmental oversight, taxation, and whether the change would affect state park restrictions; the sponsor said it would not change tax treatment or park rules and that DEP would still handle enforcement if BMPs are not followed. The Florida Springs Council opposed the bill, arguing golf courses are not agriculture and warning of weaker protections for springs, while the Florida Golf Course Superintendent's Association supported the move as a continuity and participation measure. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
SB 848 on stormwater treatment, also by Senator Trunow, was amended to clarify the role of water quality enhancement areas while stormwater rules are still being finalized and to make public-land project review forward-looking. Resource Environmental Solutions supported the amendment and bill as providing a clearer market for water quality credits, and the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield would require 30-day public notice before meetings reviewing the sale or exchange of state conservation lands, including at water management districts; after a technical amendment, it received support from conservation groups and was reported favorably.
The committee also received a DEP presentation on the State Park Amenities Report, which said Florida’s 175 state parks drew over 28 million visitors and generated a $3.6 billion economic impact. DEP identified nearly $759 million in needed repairs and upgrades over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development in unit management plans. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.