Transcript Highlights:

• Good evening and welcome to the Higher Education Conference Committee.
• Ann Stavisky, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, and I'm honored to co-chair this conference
• Good to be here at this joint conference committee.
• MINORITY CONFERENCE WHICH REPRESENTS OVER 6 MILLION NEW YORKERS.
• This concludes the Joint Conference Committee meeting. Thank you.

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants. Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 25 ayes and 6 nays, the conference committee report is adopted.
• In one day, the conference committee report on Senate Bill 1198 is adopted.
• I move adoption of the conference committee report on Senate Bill 2778.
• Members, I move adoption of the conference committee report.
• I move adoption of the Conference Committee Report for House Bill 2011.

Bills: SJR27 , SB7 , SB27 , SB57 , SB66 , SB140 , SB293 , SB413 , SB437 , SB467 , SB506 , SB510 , SB512 , SB571 , SB710 , SB785 , SB800 , SB850 , SB863 , SB865 , SB904 , SB905 , SB973 , SB974 , SB1191 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1494 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1567 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1723 , SB1760 , SB1838 , SB1923 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1964 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2221 , SB2321 , SB2368 , SB2373 , SB2407 , SB2431 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2807 , SB2965 , SB2986 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB8 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB21 , SB30 , SB37 , SB260 , SB268 , SB331 , SB379 , SB441 , SB447 , SB457 , SB509 , SB568 , SB650 , SB763 , SB1198 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1540 , SB1566 , SB1610 , SB1637 , SB1660 , SB1833 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2155 , SB2217 , SB2308 , SB2337 , SB2601 , SB2753 , SB2778 , SB2878 , SB2900 , SB2972 , SB3059 , HB4 , HB145 , HB300 , HB493 , HB2011 , HB2067 , HB2516 , HB2525 , HB2885 , HB2974 , HB3071 , HB3372 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB5138 , HB5246 , HB40 , HB46 , HB 119 , HB705 , HB1545 , HB2017 , HB2963 , HB3642 , HB3909 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HB796 , HB1523 , HB5294 , HB748 , HB3395 , HB180 , HB3171 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB5694 , HB 1135 , HB3225 , HB186 , HB1449 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB3336 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB5663 , HB2399 , HB 111 , HB3483 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB632 , HB4730 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB3385 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB 123 , HB5606 , HB 1057 , HB3664 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59 , SR695 , SCR54 , HCR153 , HCR166 , HCR168 , SJR27 , SB7 , SB57 , SB66 , SB140 , SB293 , SB413 , SB437 , SB467 , SB506 , SB510 , SB512 , SB571 , SB710 , SB785 , SB800 , SB850 , SB863 , SB865 , SB904 , SB905 , SB973 , SB974 , SB1191 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1567 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1723 , SB1760 , SB1838 , SB1923 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1964 , SB2167 , SB2221 , SB2321 , SB2368 , SB2407 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2807 , SB2965 , SB2986 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3070 , HB40 , HB 119 , HB705 , HB1545 , HB2017 , HB2963 , HB3642 , HB3909 , SB17 , SB21 , SB509 , SB1198 , SB1506 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2601 , SB2778 , HB300 , HB2011

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, read the conference committee report on HB 7031.
• This is a conference product. It's a bicameral process.
• Read the Conference Committee report on HB 5015.
• That's outside the scope of the conference report.
• Members, the primary differences between SB 2510 as brought into conference and the final conference

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, we confer 39% of the new teacher credentials issued in the state.
• And in the mental health care space, our sector confers over 90% of the degrees in clinical psychology
• For example, we confer 39% of the new teacher credentials issued in the state.
• And in the mental health care space, our sector confers over 90% of the degrees in clinical psychology
• with industry demand, and align better partnerships between all levels of formal education, including

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met in a special hearing on SB 638 by Senator Padilla, a workforce development bill aimed at creating a new coordinating entity, the Middle Class Pipeline Project, to streamline education and workforce programs and improve career pathways, especially in high-unemployment and low-income regions. The author and supporters argued California’s current workforce system is too siloed and disjointed, and that the bill would better align education, training, and employer needs while expanding access for underrepresented communities. Support testimony came from the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the California EDGE Coalition, National University, Long Beach City College, and United Ways of California, all backing the idea of stronger statewide coordination and data-driven planning. Committee members raised significant concerns about the scope of the proposed entity, its overlap with existing bodies such as the California Workforce Development Board and other education agencies, and whether $1.5 million would be enough to staff and operate it. Several members questioned whether the bill was duplicative, too broad, or should be delayed for a more deliberative process or audit. Senator Padilla responded that the bill was intended to keep an operational coordinating entity on the table for tri-party negotiations with legislative leadership and the Governor, and that the final structure and priorities were still to be worked out. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 638 to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The roll call showed five ayes, with DeMaio and Tangipa voting no and Celeste Rodriguez not voting at that time. The chair later noted the record would remain open for additional members to add on, and the meeting adjourned after a courtesy vote and closing remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the conference be allowed to exceed the differences on sections 143.971 and the severability clause
• Francis. 994 as amended and grant the Senate a conference thereon. The lady from St.
• Conference on that we actually never had a conference about how the other.
• The Conference Committee report, House Committee substitutes until 975.
• You have adopted the Conference Committee report on Senate Bill 975, so on the main date.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2007, the legislature created the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 147, which gave a meet-and-confer
• These conversations, also known as meet-and-confer conversations, are desperate... ...ly needed in Harris
• Providing sheriff's offices with meet-and-confer options fosters better communication, transparency,
• Statutes in other municipalities have used this meet and confer process.
• HB 3648 lays the foundation for Sheriff's Office employees to earn meet-and-confer status.

Bills: HB1597 , HB2364 , HB2437 , HB3205 , HB3253 , HB3310 , HB3648 , HB3906 , HB4259 , HB5645

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: county jailer, jail training, veterans, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, TCOLE, criminal justice system, county jail, law enforcement training, mental health training, jail standards, correctional officers, veteran services, veteran interaction, occupations code, jailer licensing, parking, county courthouse, infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Bill is in order to put us in a proper posture for conference. That is the amendment.
• The Education Estimating Conference provides the forecast.
• This adds the substance of the 5012 and puts us in proper posture for conference.
• There are a lot of provisions that are in alignment, and there are a lot of differences.
• Agreed to include the bill in the budget conference. Tracie C.

Bills: HJR 99 , HB 1399 , HB 1400 , HB 1094 , HB 365 , HB 1109 , HB 647 , HCR 35 , SB 14 , HB 12 , HB 1522 , HB 422 , HB 675 , HB 204 , HB 748 , HB 912 , HJR 99 , HB 1399 , HB 1400 , HB 1094 , HB 365 , HB 1109 , HB 647 , HCR 35 , HCR 123 , HCR 124 , HR 57 , HR 87 , HR 111 , HR 228 , HR 230 , HR 322 , HR 624 , HR 625 , HR 626 , HR 627 , HR 628 , HR 630 , HR 631 , HR 634 , HR 635 , HR 636 , HR 637 , HR 638 , HR 639 , HR 640 , HR 645 , HR 646 , HR 648 , HR 649 , HR 651 , HR 652 , HR 653 , HR 654 , HR 664 , HR 665 , HR 668 , HR 675 , HR 676 , HR 678 , HR 679 , HR 680 , HR 683 , HR 686 , HR 688 , HR 689 , HR 694 , HR 695 , HR 697 , HR 698 , HR 699 , HR 472 , HR 622 , HR 632 , HR 633 , HR 643 , HR 655 , HR 657 , HR 660 , HR 661 , HR 662 , HR 663 , HR 667 , HR 670 , HR 674 , HR 681 , HR 682 , HR 696

Transcript Highlights:

• , legislative day, and a spring events conference.
• </c> including two leadership conferences including two leadership conferences individual<00:02:52.840
• </c><00:03:43.480><c> legislative</c> fall leadership conference legislative fall leadership conference
• </c><00:03:47.159><c> in</c> day and a spring events conference in day and a spring events conference
• </c> redundant language section six aligns redundant language section six aligns the<01:08:53.520><c>

Bills: HF1966 , HF54 , HF2043 , HF1171 , HF2741

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• Training should be developed and provided by the professional association most aligned with that role
• It is not required, but it is offered... ...every year at our annual conference, so all new directors
• student's needs, strengths, preferences, and interests, and the resulting transition plan must be aligned
• Let me confer with Megan for a minute and see if she would.
• Let me confer with Megan for a minute and see if she would.

Summary: The House Education Committee heard several bills focused on school district operations, student access, and special education. Substitute Senate Bill 6222 would allow school districts and educational service districts to sell or grant surplus technology hardware, such as laptops and tablets, directly to public school students, with priority for low-income students and documentation of the transfer. Testimony from the sponsor, district staff, and advocates emphasized helping students keep familiar devices, reducing waste, and extending the public investment in technology. The committee also heard Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969, which would better integrate IEP transition plans with the statewide online IEP system and the universal high school and beyond plan platform to reduce duplication; staff noted a fiscal note had been requested, and there were no public testifiers on the bill. The committee spent substantial time on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, a school district financial management bill. The bill would require additional ESD oversight and support for districts showing signs of financial distress, create mandatory school director training on funding and finance, strengthen penalties for knowing violations of budget expenditure limits, and require disclosure authorizations before hiring certain budget or accounting personnel. Senator Dozier said the bill was prompted by district financial problems, declining enrollment, failed levies, and reserve fund declines. ESD, WSSDA, WASA, WOSBO, and OSPI testified in support overall, though some witnesses raised concerns about mandatory training, funding for implementation, and whether training should extend beyond school directors. Committee members asked about the bill’s scope, the undefined term “significantly,” the $750,000 reimbursement cap, and how it compared with House Bill 2593. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 622, which would exempt school districts and ESDs from certain surplus-property notice requirements when selling or granting surplus technology hardware to students at depreciated cost or no cost to low-income students. Senator Hunt said the bill came from constituent concerns about unused laptops and tablets and would help students transition to work, college, or technical school. Zero Waste Washington and an Issaquah School District official supported the measure, citing environmental benefits and practical student access to technology. The committee closed public hearings on the bills, noted sign-in counts for pro and con positions, and announced amendment deadlines and upcoming executive sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It aligns state rule language with federal policy.
• Chairman Paulson and Representative Ruby, so it aligns.
• The conference generally meets to make the...
• 17th National Conference in 2025.
• They're also not required to align with any federal statute, but they do align with the National Conference

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and this aligns with what the House bill has.
• Well, it won't be the last time you see these faces at this table during conference.
• I'm excited to continue to work on the conference stuff with you.
• You see these faces at this table during conference?
• I'm excited to work, continue to work on the conference stuff with you.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110, covering Medicaid and insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity-specific devices without lifetime or continuous-use caps, received emotional testimony from families and athletes describing high costs and the importance of access for children and adults with disabilities. Members voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1574, which would add biliary atresia screening to the newborn screening program using the existing birth blood specimen. The sponsor and a parent testified that earlier detection could prevent severe liver damage, transplants, and deaths, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 794, dealing with background screening for employees at residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities and a review of waiver support coordination, was amended to align with the House companion and then reported favorably after testimony emphasizing the importance of strong support coordinators for APD waiver families. Members then considered SB 162, requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Nurses and other supporters described surgical smoke as a serious occupational hazard, while the Florida Hospital Association said hospitals are already regulated in this area and the bill was somewhat prescriptive; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 254, which tightens oversight of nursing education programs, adds preceptorship and provisional licensure pathways for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, and increases transparency and accountability for low-performing programs, drew support from nursing advocates and opposition from private nursing schools concerned about workforce impacts; after amendment, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 688 to reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida was heard with testimony both supporting expanded health care choices and opposing the bill over safety and scope concerns, and it too was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their work will enable the impact conferences to score proposals in a timely manner.
• Their work will enable the impact conferences to score proposals in a timely manner.
• Tab 3, which is the GR Revenue, or the presentation on the GR Revenue Conference.
• So when we go into a conference cycle, we look at a couple of things.
• So when we met last time for the General Revenue Conference in August, we had data General Revenue Conference

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met for its first meeting of the session, with a quorum present and several members excused. Chair Avila opened by framing the committee’s main focus as property tax relief and housing affordability, noting the complexity of any changes to Florida’s long-standing property tax structure and emphasizing the need to preserve funding for schools and local public safety. He also introduced new committee staff member Tamisha Black and thanked staff for summer work supporting analysis of potential proposals, including constitutional amendment concepts and other property tax relief ideas. Staff director Azar Khan then presented an update on the General Revenue forecast, explaining that collections remained above estimate but at a slower pace than the prior year, with recent economic indicators slightly weaker than earlier forecasts. He said the new forecast mostly reflected modest adjustments, with a notable share of the increase coming from earnings on investment rather than the usual drivers such as sales tax or corporate income tax. Khan also gave a detailed presentation on ad valorem millages, explaining the different millage types used by school districts, counties, municipalities, special districts, and water management districts; the rollback rate; TRIM notice and hearing timelines; voting thresholds for adopting higher millages; and long-term trends showing millage rates declining over time even as total taxes levied have increased. Members used the presentations to discuss property tax relief options and the relationship between local property taxes and state revenue. President Passidomo praised staff and Senator Bernard’s summer work on proposals. President Gaetz asked about converting homestead property tax revenue to sales tax and was told the rough equivalent could be around a 2.8-cent sales tax increase, though with important behavioral and distributional caveats. Senator Rouson asked about the decline in corporate income tax estimates, and Khan said it likely reflected changes in national corporate profit expectations and collection patterns, promising a follow-up. The Department of Revenue’s Lizette Kelly confirmed that TRIM data, including adopted millages, rollback rates, and maximum millage calculations, are collected by jurisdiction and can be provided to the committee. No bills were taken up and no votes occurred beyond adjournment, which was adopted by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the agreed upon target for this conference committee.
• conference conference committee.<00:05:12.160><c> And</c><00:05:12.320><c> then</c><00:05:12.560><c>
• I just want to thank you for your work on this conference committee report.
• Glad to be included in the committee and on the conference committee.
• </c> committee and on the uh conference committee and on the uh conference committee.<00:57:06.720><c

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this bill cleans up the state language to align with the various treaties and agreements we have
• But in point of fact, as we conferred with many school districts, would like that to be faster.
• But in point of fact, as we conferred with many school districts, they said there are so many people
• This bill is about making sure that our statutes align with court rules.
• It aligns it for those within the organized militia of Washington. What this accomplishes, Mr.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2272 , HB2340 , HB2543 , HB2554 , HB2632 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2254 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB2441 , SB5808 , SB5949 , SB6006 , SB6260 , SB6297 , SB6351 , SB6354 , SB6355 , HB2124 , HB1069 , HB2104 , HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, chairs having conferred, why don't we go into decision-making on H35.
• </c> transparency, and stewardship aligned transparency, and stewardship aligned with<00:27:49.600><c
• </c><00:32:59.279><c> Um</c> state capital conference room 224.
• Um state capital conference room 224.
• room, conference room 224. 224. 224.

Bills: HCR31

Committee: Senate Water, Land, Culture and the Arts

Summary: The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Housing first heard HCR 85, which urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to transfer parcels in the East Oahu area. DLNR, OPSD, HHFDC, and HCDA testified, and the chairs noted an intent to keep revenues from the lands with DLNR while agencies collaborate until parcels are ready for substantive transfer. Both committees then voted to pass the measure as is, with the recommendation adopted. The committees also heard HCR 101 and HCR 166. HCR 101 was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted by both the Hawaiian Affairs and Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committees. HCR 166, which asks DLNR to identify state lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, received no opposition in testimony and was also recommended and adopted unamended by both committees. Later, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee took up several resolutions. HCR 36, establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, Japan, drew support from DBED, which highlighted educational, agricultural, and airport-related opportunities, and the committee moved it forward. HCR 19, designating March as March for Water Month, was supported by the Board of Water Supply. HCR 162, creating an arts data mapping task force, received support from DBED and arts advocates, including the Hawaii Youth Symphony. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, and nursery capacity, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple community testifiers emphasizing climate resilience, native forests, and storm recovery. The committee also heard HCR 106 on designating Waikīkī as a world surfing reserve, with support from the University of Hawaii, and HCR 14 on a perpetual non-exclusive easement for existing drainage improvements at Waikīkī, which DLNR said had already been approved by the board and only needed legislative passage to execute. HCR 178, concerning a county set-aside for East Maui public trust water resources, drew testimony from the East Maui Water Authority and others supporting local control and public stewardship, while HCR 179, directing the Aamoku Advisory Committee to follow its rules and comply with Sunshine Law, drew testimony both in support and urging amendments to preserve Aamoku’s independent, semi-autonomous role. Because quorum was not available, decision-making on the later measures was deferred to the end of the 3 p.m. agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• and findings are shared by our leaders and faculty each year at Florida's professional education conferences
• state and technical colleges, infusing students into our job training partnerships experiences, which align
• this was spoken to last week as well in terms of identifying curriculum development and standards alignment
• State conferences are also a huge part of our undertaking in terms of making sure that we get into these
• State conferences are also a huge part of our undertaking in terms of making sure that we get into these

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met to receive an update from Florida developmental research lab schools on articulated health care programs created under the Live Healthy initiative and Senate Bill 76. Chair Calatayud opened the meeting, confirmed a quorum, and heard presentations from P.K. Young/University of Florida, Florida State University Schools, FAMU Developmental Research School, and Florida Atlantic University Laboratory School. Each school described efforts to build K-12-to-postsecondary health care pathways, expand dual enrollment and industry certifications, and share replicable curriculum models with other districts. FSU Schools highlighted its HERO program, including CNA and food manager certifications, dual enrollment growth, reserve seating at colleges, and a paid internship with the Department of Health tied to emergency shelter operations. P.K. Young described its Healthy Lives Blueprint, which combines K-8 wellness experiences, a new high school health and human performance pathway, AP and science course expansion, a planned gymnasium redesign, and partnerships with Santa Fe College and UF. FAMU DRS reported growing dual enrollment, partnerships with FAMU, Tallahassee State, and Lively, and a goal of serving at least 100 students and 40 staff through health career exposure, certifications, and AA/AS pathways. FAU Lab School described a more advanced model that integrates elementary through high school research and health science experiences, including biotechnology, bioengineering, and partnerships with health and research institutions. The school reported 87 peer-reviewed student publications, more than $350,000 in student grants, six patents, and pipelines into FAU’s medical and nursing programs, including a Med Direct pathway and a National Merit Scholar pipeline. Committee members asked about student readiness for nursing programs, dual enrollment, articulation with state colleges, and how the lab school models could be disseminated statewide. The meeting concluded with praise for the programs and a motion by Senator Fine to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the our forecast period since the last conference, so going into it we were in pretty good shape
• You'll see so four of the five sources the conference added funds to the forecast.
• So that was one of the things that was taken into consideration by the conference.
• If you look at the impact that the conference adopted, you'll see this table.
• So the conference practice has always been to develop five-year impacts.

Bills: S0110 , S0434 , S0856

Committee: Senate Finance and Tax

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there, if there's, I don't want to say confusion or lack of alignment on earning good time, will that
• We can discuss something else, but would the ability to have alignment on how good time is...
• Would the ability to have alignment on how good time is earned and applied be covered under the topics
• this does meet the needs going forward in the next two years if we can hold our position in the conference
• Hold our position in the conference committee, you know, working with the department is, you know, I

Committee: House Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Summary: The committee discussed a draft amendment to consolidate two proposed studies into one Legislative Management study on sentencing, corrections, and parole oversight. Representative O’Brien explained that the revised language would cover the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s inmate classification, housing, placement authority, and transitional services, including work or educational release, while avoiding confusion over separate study proposals. Members also discussed whether issues such as earning good time, meritorious time, parole eligibility, and release decisions would be included; the chair and members concluded those topics would be covered under the parole board and related study language. Several members raised concerns about recidivism data, including the difficulty of counting people who are incarcerated in other states or in the federal system after release from North Dakota custody. Representative Murphy noted that DOCR appears to be using the best available national-study-based method, but that the data limitations remain a problem. The chair and others said the study should focus on what can be measured and that interagency communication is important, while Representative Burke noted that incorporating federal data would be difficult because comparable state-level data would be lacking. The committee then moved and approved the amended study language, with a technical correction changing “early release” to “placement authority.” The motion passed 8-0. The committee later took up further amendments to engrossed Senate Bill 2015, approved those amendments 8-0, and then passed engrossed Senate Bill 2015 as amended on an 8-0 roll call. Members briefly discussed a minimum security facility planning number, confirming the pad/landing number at 20, and the chair said the bill would be sent to Legislative Council for final drafting and could be ready as soon as the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to what would be alignment to what would be alignment I<00:38:49.520><c> mean</c><00:38:49.599><
• Um, the chair is having conferred.
• Um, the chair is having conferred.
• </c><01:11:39.760><c> room</c> here in state capital, conference room here in state capital, conference
• </c><01:16:27.360><c> um</c> discussion chair is having conferred um discussion chair is having conferred

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, what's the value in any professional association or conference?
• First of all, what's the value in any professional association or conference?
• She does her best to mentor other new librarians, but few can afford to attend conferences.
• She does her best to mentor other new librarians, but few can afford to attend conferences.
• It aligns with traditional... Other meetings today, we heard a prayer led by Seth Blackman.

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horn’s annual State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, school choice, teacher pay, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools and teacher preparation. Horn said the department has expanded school police officers, promoted Project Momentum and tutoring, supported cell phone restrictions in classrooms, and pushed for more phonics-based reading instruction and stronger university teacher-prep programs. Members questioned him about DEI complaints, cell phone implementation, ESA oversight, school safety funding, reading proficiency, and teacher compensation; Horn said ESA spending is reviewed and recovered when inappropriate, and argued teacher raises should come directly to teachers, not through districts. No formal action was taken on his presentation. The committee then considered HB 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues to professional library associations. Sponsor Representative Cooper argued the bill would keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while saying membership itself would still be allowed if paid privately. Opponents, including a former librarian, a school board member, and the ACLU of Arizona, said the bill would undermine professional development, local control, literacy support, and constitutional rights of association and petition. Supporters said associations promote ideological content and that free professional-development alternatives exist. After public testimony and debate, the committee voted to return HB 2008 with a do-pass recommendation.