Senate in Session [Source] Translate

A quorum was confirmed, and the meeting began with an opening prayer emphasizing trust in God and compassion for the vulnerable, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Several senators introduced guests, including a young constituent interested in state government, a resolution honoring the Ripple Project for childhood cancer awareness, and recognition of the Tamarack Fire Rescue EMS team. Senator Gates presented a report on 42 executive appointments, which was unanimously adopted. The Senate then addressed Senate Bill 7020, concerning public records exemptions for aquaculture and shellfish facilities, which was substituted with House Bill 7011 and passed with a vote of 33 to 3. Senate Bill 7026, consolidating trade secret exemptions, also passed with the same outcome, while Senate Bill 7024, regarding cybersecurity information exemptions, was amended and passed with 36 yeas to 1 nay. Senator Bradley introduced a committee substitute for Senate Bill 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failing to report suspected child abuse until reported to law enforcement. The bill passed with 37 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 584, concerning commercial driving schools, passed unanimously, as did Senate Bill 340, which mandates human trafficking education for nursing graduates. Senate Bill 32, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence, and Senate Bill 210, a public records exemption for serious violence reporters, both passed with 38 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 302, related to nature-based coastal resiliency, passed with an amendment restricting dredging. Senate Bill 192, removing the cap on patient funds held by chiropractic physicians, and Senate Bill 246, authorizing new specialty license plates, both passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1682 was postponed, while Senate Bill 1622, concerning penalties for late-filed financial disclosures, passed with 37 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 1216, related to public school personnel compensation, passed unanimously. The Florida Farm Bill, presented by Senator True, passed with amendments. Senate Bill 110, clarifying homestead exemption eligibility for long-term leaseholders, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 330, addressing disability provisions for firefighters and law enforcement officers, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 394, aligning the statute with current practices regarding reinsurance intermediary licenses, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 420, requiring portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in public schools, passed with 36 yeas and 2 nays. Senate Bill 422, defining automatic dependent surveillance broadcast technology, passed with the same vote. Senate Bill 418, improving law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 176, addressing safety policies in public post-secondary education, passed with 37 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 834, repealing restrictions on Healthcare Sharing Ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, passed with 32 in favor and 5 against after a heated discussion about the implications of the bill. Senate Bill 962, clarifying definitions in the Live Local Act, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 936, allowing temporary door locking devices, also passed unanimously. Senate Bill 54, establishing requirements for medical examiners, passed with 37 yeas and 1 nay. Senate Bill 434, preventing tax penalties for homeowners improving wind resistance, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 538, revising eligibility for extracurricular activities, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 488, increasing the reporting threshold for crash damages, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 490, exempting certain email addresses from public disclosure, passed with 36 yeas and 2 nays. Senate Bill 628, honoring sailors murdered at Naval Air Station Pensacola, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 694, proposing compensation for the descendants of the Groveland Four, passed unanimously after a strong discussion on historical injustices. Senate Bill 840, refining land use regulations for local governments post-natural disasters, was discussed and received support. Senate Bill 180 passed unanimously, while Senate Bill 824, requiring school districts to submit annual property inventories, passed with 28 yeas and 9 nays. Senate Bill 838, clarifying electronic payment convenience fees, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 820, increasing reporting requirements for problem-solving courts, passed with 37 yeas and 1 nay. Senator Mayfield introduced a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after Donald Trump, which sparked significant debate regarding its implications and community support. The bill ultimately passed with 25 in favor and 11 against. Following this, Senate Bill 748 aimed at enhancing transparency for felony voting rights restoration was introduced, along with a water safety bill addressing child drownings, which passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with discussions on various legislative matters, including budget considerations and the status of ongoing bills, emphasizing collaboration between the House and Senate.