Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2342, amending Title 33, Chapter 16, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Members, by your votes of 45 ayes, 5 nays, 9 not voting, and 1 vacant, you have passed House Bill 2342
• Members, by your votes, you have 45 ayes, five nays, nine not voting, and one vacant.
• House Bill 4070, amending Title 10, Chapter 25, A.R.S., Section 10-3203.01, amending Section 22...
• Title 10, Chapter 25, A.R.S., adding Section 13-2303.01, amending Section 13-3722, relating to human

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and guests, including a University of Arizona presentation in the members’ lounge and a proclamation honoring Mama Luisa’s Italian restaurant for 70 years of family ownership and service. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and several Committee of the Whole reports, with members frequently explaining votes and offering support or objections on policy grounds. Among the bills passed on third reading were HB 2041 (child neglect), HB 2128, HB 2251 (midwifery), HB 2342 (planned communities/HOAs), HB 2402 (emergency medical services), HB 2403 (AHCCCS appropriations), HB 2615 (parenting time), HB 2641 (firefighting foam), HB 2673 (incarcerated persons and mental illness), HB 2700 (Technology First Study Committee), HB 2951 (subscription cancellation/consumer protection), HB 2991 (minors’ access to technology content), and HB 4070 (human trafficking). HB 4018, relating to county officers, failed on a 26-24 vote. Members also voted to reconsider that failure, but the motion to overturn the chair’s ruling on division was defeated. The House then entered additional Committee of the Whole proceedings on measures including HB 2136 and HB 2923, both of which were amended and recommended do pass after extended debate about free speech/civil terrorism language and guardianship/probate issues. In a later Committee of the Whole, members advanced HB 2188, HB 2239, HB 2437, HB 2445, HB 2502, HB 2620, HB 2931, HB 4004, and HB 4064, with amendments on several bills. HB 4044, concerning public safety funding and the rainy day fund, was also amended and recommended do pass after debate over fiscal reserves and DPS/corrections support. The final consent calendar measures were adopted with committee amendments and recommended do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:01.839> entities<00:45:02.480> in<00:45:02.720> our<00:45:02.960> state
• > brought<00:45:11.680> up<00:45:11.920> to<00:45:12.160> be<00:45:12.319>
• <00:45:14.720> But<00:45:14.880> all<00:45:15.119> it<00:45:15.359> says<
• <00:45:16.880> careful<00:45:17.440> in<00:45:17.680> the<00:45:17.920> wild<
• of what<00:45:44.560> wild<00:45:44.880> rice<00:45:45.359> is<00:45:45.599>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . chapter. chapter.
• So<01:45:07.640> that<01:45:08.080> folks<01:45:08.400> can<01:45:08.920> who
• time<01:45:13.560> you<01:45:13.640> know<01:45:13.720> we're<01:45:13.960><
• That's<01:45:16.520> what<01:45:16.640> I<01:45:16.680> hear<01:45:16.840> a<
• /c><01:45:16.880> lot<01:45:17.240> in<01:45:17.640> in<01:45:17.800> this

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :53.280> We<00:45:53.440> have<00:45:53.520> a<00:45:53.680> house<00:45:
• We have a house rule about germanine<00:45:55.040> and<00:45:55.200> original<00:45:55.520
• The gentleman<00:45:56.560> has<00:45:56.800> hit<00:45:57.040> on<00:45:57.200>
• the<00:45:57.359> house<00:45:57.599> rule,<00:45:58.319> but gentleman
• :45:58.880> not<00:45:59.200> based<00:45:59.599> in<00:45:59.920> the<00

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and moved into the calendar. Members also introduced several visitors and groups in the galleries, including AFL-CIO representatives, Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, New England College students on a civil rights tour, and other guests and constituents. The chamber then proceeded through a series of motions to reconsider, table, or advance bills on the calendar. On the appropriations calendar, the House passed several Senate bills after adopting strike-off or amendment language. Senate Bill 2896, described as a potential trooper pay raise measure, was amended and passed 128-0. Senate Bill 2898 increased the MIMA disaster assistance trust fund from $20 million to $40 million and passed 128-0, and Senate Bill 2924 authorized spending from that fund and passed 119-0. Other appropriations measures included Senate Bill 2825 on the healthcare industry zone act, Senate Bill 2832 extending a repealer for the short-line railroad tax credit, Senate Bill 2834 on motor vehicle specialty tags, Senate Bill 2835 allowing banks to use third-party vendors to check liens, and Senate Bill 2846 on conduit bonds; each was explained as largely conforming to House language or adding reverse repealers, and each passed overwhelmingly. The Ways and Means calendar included Senate Bill 2850, which removed a reverse repealer and updated the Advantage Jobs Act to align incentives with prior commitments and future tax changes; it passed 119-0. Senate Bill 2873 expanded administrative forfeiture procedures to products on the cigarette and ends registry and passed 117-1. Senate Bill 2882 clarified that tax assessors cannot require settlement statements for homestead exemptions and passed 118-0. Senate Bill 3111, which would exempt up to 10 cases of wine donated annually to nonprofits from alcohol taxes, drew some concern and passed 97-13 after a reverse repealer was added. Senate Bill 316 added energy storage facilities such as batteries to the definition of alternative energy for local ad valorem tax purposes and passed 114-1. Senate Bill 3124 revised the Pregnancy Resource Act to allow individuals as well as businesses to participate in the tax credit, adjust reporting and in-state requirements, and incorporate House language; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:45:07.120> So,<02:45:07.520> my<02:45:07.760> wife<02:45:07.920> and<
• :45:10.960> eat,<02:45:11.200> we'll<02:45:11.359> always<02:45:11.600> be
• <02:45:16.000> They<02:45:16.160> grew<02:45:16.240> up<02:45:16.319> to<
• I've signed<02:45:47.120> up<02:45:47.279> for<02:45:47.439> both,<02:45:47.760>
• <02:45:53.279> Um,<02:45:53.760> anyways,<02:45:54.160> to<02:45:54.319>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, that proud spirit lives on through more than 200 chapters nationwide, including at least 10 chapters
• That proud spirit lives on through more than 200 chapters nationwide, including at least 10 chapters
• So, as you guys know, I represent 45 counties, so quite a few here in the state of Texas.
• , and it's called Chapter 6.5, Title 71.
• I'm at Section 171A.403, construction of chapter related to asserted defense.

Summary: The Senate began with a quorum call, prayer, approval of the previous journal, and messages from the House, then moved through several recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups. Members adopted resolutions recognizing the Texas chapters of Blue Star Mothers of America, Fine Arts Education Day, Donate Life Texas Day, Baha’i Capitol Day, County Government Day, Jack County Day, Crockett County Day, and a recognition of Navy Petty Officer Simon Urbanik for service during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The chamber also heard remarks from visiting doctors, students, county officials, and community groups, with multiple senators speaking in support of military families, arts education, organ donation, and local government service. The Senate then took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2779, relating to the allocation and use of certain hotel occupancy tax revenues. Senator Birdwell said the bill would stop local governments from conditioning HOT funds on race- or class-based priorities and would require Galveston to transfer the full state rebate for beach cleaning and maintenance to its park board. After questions, the Senate suspended the rules, passed the bill to engrossment, suspended the three-day rule, and finally passed it, though the final vote showed significant opposition. The chamber also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2322, described as a cleanup bill removing the compelling-factor test for dispatchable generation from the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act. A major debate centered on Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2253, which would phase out uncertified teachers in core classrooms and strengthen educator certification requirements. Senator Creighton argued the bill responds to a teacher pipeline crisis, adds parent notification, creates multiple preparation pathways, and provides financial incentives for certification; Senator West and Senator Sparks pressed for rural flexibility and implementation details. An amendment from Senator Gutierrez to add a teacher student-loan repayment program failed on a 11-17 vote, while other technical and fiscal amendments were adopted. The bill then passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2371, updating skimmer-reporting rules to cover electronic terminals beyond fuel pumps, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2351, relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit. Senate Bill 619, a conscience-protection bill for health care workers, drew extended questioning from Senators Cook, Eckhardt, and Menendez about patient abandonment, scope, and whether it could allow refusals of legal services such as vaccines, antibiotics, contraception, or personal care; despite those concerns, the Senate suspended the rules and passed the bill to engrossment. Finally, the chamber began consideration of Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1169, which would allow public entities to form public utility agencies to cooperate on water and wastewater projects without eminent domain or cross-collateralization, with Senator Hinojosa explaining it as a tool for small and rural communities facing utility infrastructure problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:10.320> to<00:45:10.400> move<00:45:10.560> away<00:45:11.359> from<00
• It<00:45:17.800> would<00:45:17.920> be<00:45:18.040> a<00:45:18.080> mistake
• Therefore,<00:45:23.080> I<00:45:23.160> urge<00:45:23.359> you<00:45:23.480>
• ><00:45:25.840> 6A<00:45:26.359> of<00:45:26.480> section<00:45:26.840> 1
• Thank<00:45:36.800> you<00:45:36.880> for<00:45:37.000> your<00:45:37.080><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:06.640> effect<00:45:07.119> years<00:45:07.520> from<00:45:07.960> now
• billion<00:45:19.359> dollar<00:45:20.000> in<00:45:20.480> utility<00:45:20.800
• <00:45:24.000> And<00:45:24.160> I<00:45:24.400> have<00:45:24.480> to
• And I have to say<00:45:25.040> this<00:45:25.359> also<00:45:25.760> hits<00:45
• that they're<00:45:46.240> going<00:45:46.319> to<00:45:46.480> be<00:45:46.560

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:11.319> earned<00:45:12.319> on<00:45:12.520> behalf<00:45:12.839>
• <00:45:40.040> okay<00:45:40.440> can<00:45:40.640> someone<00:45:40.920> help
• 44.119> not<00:45:44.319> there<00:45:44.400> you<00:45:44.599> go<00:45:
• c><00:45:47.480> today<00:45:47.920> to<00:45:48.160> voice<00:45:48.520> my<
• :45:52.880> mother<00:45:53.119> of<00:45:53.280> teenagers<00:45:53.920> in<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 146, relating to updating public land leases issued pursuant to chapter 171, HRS.
• The proposed process would be exempt from HRS chapter 91, which are the administrative procedures.
• Within chapter 91 there already exists the emergency rulemaking process for the purpose of addressing
• it's already embedded in law in chapter it's already embedded in law in chapter 205<01:04:27.480
• <01:19:47.920> a-22 that the opsd language in the 45 a-22 that the opsd language in the 45

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• > p<01:45:05.360> on<01:45:05.600> line<01:45:05.920> n<01:45:06.159>
• n on eight and<01:45:07.679> we<01:45:07.920> have<01:45:08.000> a<01:45:08.159
• <01:45:12.800> Uh<01:45:13.040> we<01:45:13.280> have<01:45:13.360> no
• <01:45:19.920> So,<01:45:20.159> so<01:45:20.400> your<01:45:20.639> your
• > the<01:45:26.080> text<01:45:26.480> in<01:45:26.719> the<01:45:26.880>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:06.160> the<00:45:06.280> school<00:45:06.520> district,<00:45:07.160>
• <00:45:10.120> um<00:45:10.240> with<00:45:10.440> disabilities<00:45:11.160>
• :24.000> a<00:45:24.120> line<00:45:24.480> at<00:45:24.640> the<00:45:24.840
• /c><00:45:26.480> education<00:45:27.000> shall<00:45:27.200> be<00:45:27.320>
• > that<00:45:55.480> actually<00:45:55.760> might<00:45:55.960> be<00:45:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 751 reviewed amendment 2026-1904H page by page, focusing on open enrollment rules, capacity definitions, statewide enrollment limits, denial criteria, transportation, and funding. Members discussed clarifying that districts may set capacity at zero if they truly have no room, creating a statewide enrollment cap of 500 that can increase by 25% if it reaches 90% utilization, and exempting seats already used by open enrollment students before October 1, 2026. They also discussed how the Department of Education would allocate seats through rulemaking, while local districts would still set capacity, with grandfathered seats preserved where districts already allow open enrollment. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on when districts may deny open enrollment applications. The amendment would allow denials for reasons such as chronic absenteeism or disciplinary history, while requiring districts to consider whether those issues are tied to disability, McKinney-Vento status, foster care, or bullying. Members emphasized that such factors are to be considered, not used as the sole basis for rejection, and noted that the bill separately prohibits receiving schools from accepting or rejecting applicants based on pupil needs, special education needs, disability, aptitude, or athletic achievement. There was also discussion of whether interdistrict transfers should count toward open enrollment capacity, with a suggestion that a carve-out may be needed. The committee also reviewed provisions on program-specific capacity, continuous enrollment, and transportation. It was explained that capacity can apply to a school, grade, program, or class, including CTE programs, and that students may be denied if a specific program is full or if they do not meet prerequisites. The group clarified that open enrollment pupils would maintain continuous enrollment without reapplying, though there was concern about how that would work if district capacity changes over time. Transportation would generally be the parent’s responsibility unless required by an IEP or 504 plan, though students may use an existing bus route if seats are available and the receiving district allows it. On funding, the committee noted that the amendment changes the earlier HB 751 approach and instead ties open enrollment funding to base adequacy, differentiated aid, and an additional grant modeled on charter school funding, with dates removed at the department’s request. Members also raised concerns about how open enrollment would interact with existing tuition agreements and whether districts could use the new pathway to alter or pressure those arrangements. Department staff said districts would still be required to maintain a school of record and provide an adequate education free of charge outside the open enrollment program, and that if open enrollment enrollment became unusually large relative to district adequacy enrollment, the issue could be brought to the state board. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> not<01:45:38.320> leaving<01:45:38.760> that<01:45:39.200> the<01:45:39.320
• 40.360> leaving<01:45:40.640> it<01:45:40.760> to<01:45:40.920> the<01:45
• <01:45:48.400> to<01:45:48.480> monitor,<01:45:49.000> we<01:45:49.160> have
• > collect<01:45:50.640> data,<01:45:51.240> and<01:45:51.480> then<01:45:
• <01:45:54.960> on<01:45:55.120> that<01:45:55.400> and<01:45:55.560> not<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so that would<00:45:11.599> be<00:45:11.680> number<00:45:11.920> one<00:45:12.160
• 45:13.119> ask<00:45:13.359> the<00:45:13.599> cabinet<00:45:14.000> to<00
• uh and<00:45:20.960> make<00:45:21.200> recommendations<00:45:22.079> for<00:45
• for where there may<00:45:23.040> be<00:45:23.200> gaps<00:45:23.680> in<00:45:
• > a<00:45:28.480> a<00:45:28.720> friendly<00:45:29.119> amendment<00:45:

Keywords: 00:00:06 - Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:23 - Review of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:02:00 - Discussion of 26RS HB 485 01:00:40 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 485 01:03:25 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 485, a major mental health measure addressing both KRS 202C and KRS 202A. The committee first adopted a committee substitute and then approved a committee amendment correcting misspellings in the bill. Members and witnesses described the bill as the product of years of work with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, mental health professionals, advocates, and the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. Testimony on the 202C portion focused on individuals charged with serious violent offenses who are found incompetent to stand trial. Witnesses, including a circuit judge and a family member whose mother was killed by her mentally ill brother, argued that current timelines require repeated evidentiary hearings and impose unnecessary trauma on victims’ families and strain on courts and KCPC. Supporters said the bill would lengthen review intervals, clarify the role and payment of guardians ad litem, and reduce repeated relitigation while preserving due process and public safety. They noted that 202C cases are few in number but consume a significant share of KCPC bed space. The committee then turned to the 202A portion, which covers civil mental health commitments for people who may not have committed a crime. Supporters said current law leaves courts with only two choices—hospitalization or release—and that the bill would create a third option by allowing court-ordered outpatient treatment and other guardrails such as medication compliance and follow-up care. Witnesses emphasized that the bill defines terms such as “benefit” and “serious mental illness,” expands the definition of danger, and aims to provide a least restrictive alternative to inpatient hospitalization. No final vote on the bill itself was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued in support of the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah,<01:45:00.040> we<01:45:00.160> have<01:45:00.280> the<01:45:00.360>
• 01:45:01.840> that<01:45:02.000> down,<01:45:02.240> too.
• c><01:45:04.480> have<01:45:04.600> said<01:45:04.760> it<01:45:04.880> real<
• <01:45:13.800> It's<01:45:13.880> like<01:45:14.040> we<01:45:14.120> did
• All<01:45:16.960> right,<01:45:17.200> so<01:45:17.600> uh<01:45:17.640> any<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank<00:45:08.720> you,<00:45:08.880> Chair<00:45:09.119> West.
• >> On<00:45:12.560> a<00:45:12.720> vote<00:45:12.880> of<00:45:13.280>
• uh<00:45:13.520> 1313,<00:45:14.400> it<00:45:14.560> is<00:45:14.720> a
• <00:45:20.880> for<00:45:21.040> tomorrow?
• >> Uh<00:45:21.839> the<00:45:22.000> preview<00:45:22.400> tomorrow<00:45

Transcript Highlights:

• already<04:45:04.798> required<04:45:05.240> to<04:45:05.320> be<04:45:05.440
• 04:45:12.638> questions<04:45:13.080> seeing<04:45:13.360> none<04:45:13.638>
• 05:45:13.718> of<05:45:13.878> not<05:45:14.000> being<05:45:14.200> able
• <05:45:15.920> this<05:45:16.080> current<05:45:16.440> process<05:45:16.958>
• 05:45:26.080> have<05:45:26.240> the<05:45:26.400> option<05:45:26.638> to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first noted that House Bill 398, concerning Holocaust and genocide studies, and House Bill 131 had already been handled previously and were off the schedule. It then took up House Bill 740, which would require the Department of Education to maintain permanent records for closed charter schools. After brief discussion about overlap with another charter-school bill that already addressed closure and records, Representative Freeman moved to table the bill. The committee voted 16-0 to table/ITL the bill, and it was placed on the consent calendar. The main discussion centered on House Bill 557, which would require additional information on school budget ballots, including average cost per pupil, enrollment history, and teacher-to-administrator ratios. Members raised concerns that the bill was duplicative of existing law, overly detailed, costly to towns, and potentially electioneering or cumbersome on ballots. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help voters who do not attend deliberative sessions or use online resources. The committee did not vote on the bill during the discussion; instead, members moved into caucus and later indicated they would hold the bill until Monday for further review. Later, the committee turned to House Bill 699 on special education definitions and considered Amendment 0606H. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed with the Department of Education after hearing testimony and was intended to align state definitions with federal law and incorporate recommendations from a prior audit, including changing “functionally blind pupils” to “students with visual impairments.” Some members supported the changes as responsive to the hearing and audit, while others objected that the amendment was still confusing, had not fully addressed stakeholder concerns, and should wait for a more comprehensive special education audit. The discussion also referenced House Bill 754 and another amendment, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 699 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:45:02.080> Then<02:45:02.319> the<02:45:02.640> the<02:45:02.720> the
• It hurts<02:45:10.880> both<02:45:11.200> the<02:45:11.439> owner<02:45:11.680><
• process in which<02:45:18.800> to<02:45:19.200> protect<02:45:20.319> not<02:45
• It's a<02:45:34.160> really<02:45:34.399> good<02:45:34.560> piece<02:45:34.800>
• Clerk<02:45:42.160> one<02:45:42.399> lock<02:45:42.720> machine<02:45:43.040>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I move that there be a Republican caucus pursuant to Rule 13B until the hour of 1:45.
• All right, there'll be a Republican caucus until the hour of 1:45.
• Congratulations to you, and may your next chapter be filled with rest, with joy, and good health.
• As currently written in Chapter 33, M.G.L., it specifically states that the adjutant general shall not
• This legislation... ...for veterans under the age of 45.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate began with routine formalities, then took up several final-passage and engrossment matters. It adopted emergency preambles for House Bill 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Iwanek, and House Bill 1024, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer service to a parcel in Sharon. The Senate also passed to be enacted Senate Bill 2528, allowing Marblehead to establish fines related to parking violations, and adopted a pair of congratulatory resolutions. Later, it ordered several House bills to third reading, including measures for an additional off-premises alcohol license in Somerset and sick leave banks for David A. Russell and Jean McCarran, and concurred in a gubernatorial amendment to a vital statistics bill. The chamber then considered major committee reports and amendments on military and veterans issues. It advanced a Ways and Means substitute for a bill on free expression and a substitute for a bill on assault and battery upon a transit worker, placing both on the Orders of the Day. The Senate also debated and amended Senate Bill 2503, the EASE Act for military-connected families, with remarks emphasizing school stability for military children, special education continuity, juvenile justice transfers, and use of military protective orders in domestic violence cases. Several proposed amendments were withdrawn or rejected, including tax relief proposals for 100% disabled veterans, while an amendment requiring tracking of veteran suicides was adopted. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed by roll call, 39-0. Another major item was Senate Bill 2501, clarifying the duties of the adjutant general. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means substitute and considered multiple amendments, including one withdrawn proposal on entry by non-federalized armed forces from other jurisdictions and another adopted amendment requiring recruit training on lawful orders; other amendments were withdrawn. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed. The Senate also passed House Bill 3388, designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. Throughout the session, members also offered and adopted several adjournment motions honoring the lives and service of Judge Leslie E. Harris, former Newton Mayor Seyi Warren, and Anthony P. Dwingnan, and the Senate adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Evidence shows that surgical intervention performed within the first 30 to 45 days of life offers the
• Evidence shows that surgical intervention performed within the first 30 to 45 days of life offers the
• Florida by redesignating Chapter 462 of the Florida Statutes as naturopathic medicine and by updating
• I'm a registered nurse of 45 years. We've been hearing a lot from nursing this morning.
• I'm a registered nurse of 45 years, and I have health care experience, but I'm here to talk about the

Bills: S0162, S0254, S0688, S0794, S1110, S1574

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.