Transcript Highlights:

• Kentuckians elect their attorney general to look out for their interest.
• officer, not by a statewide election officer, not by a national<00:39:33.520> advocacy<00:39:
• statutory and democratically elected statutory and democratically elected advocate<00:40:48.240>
• He is elected and responsible to the voters of the Commonwealth, who can remove them through an election
• Uh of course, for having to run out.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:38 SB 213 Discussion 00:01:23 SB 213 Roll Call Vote 00:20:45 SB 8 Discussion 00:26:23 SB 8 Roll Call Vote 00:58:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and first heard Senate Bill 213 from Senator Phillip Wheeler. He described the bill as a response to rising electric bills, especially in Eastern Kentucky, and said it would give the Public Service Commission more tools to push utilities toward least-cost planning, require stronger integrated resource plans, and address utility service territories, utility sales, and generation contracts. He argued that monopoly service territories are privileges granted by the Commonwealth, not irrevocable rights, and said the bill would help prevent ratepayers from bearing the cost of poor utility decisions or sale premiums. He also said the bill would allow large new loads, such as data centers, to choose alternative power sources in certain areas to encourage economic development. Members asked questions about how the bill would work, especially the section stating that service territory rights belong to the Commonwealth and the provision dealing with utility sale premiums. Senator Wheeler explained that if a utility is sold at a premium, that premium should not simply be passed on to customers, and he said the bill aims to reduce costs for ratepayers and create more competition. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s goals while noting the complexity of utility regulation. Senator West said some companies had not been responsive to concerns about rates, Senator Williams said he would pass but wanted utilities to have enough generation to serve Kentucky users, and Chair Smith said the bill was a smart approach within the legislature’s limited authority. The committee then voted to report Senate Bill 213 favorably with the expression that the same shall pass. The committee then took up Senate Bill 8 from Senator Brandon Smith, which would modernize the Public Service Commission. He said the bill and committee substitute were intended to help the PSC handle increasingly complex utility regulation, infrastructure investment, and rate cases by expanding the commission from three to five members, with three gubernatorial appointees and two appointed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. He also said the bill would adjust the threshold for PSC review of electric transmission construction from one mile to five miles, to reduce delays while preserving oversight of major projects, and would update appointment terms and other language in the substitute. Smith said the changes were meant to improve staffing and expertise at the PSC and speed transmission buildout. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final vote on Senate Bill 8 appears in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• and keeps us in what I think is a very, very good standing amongst states in the country for our election
• I appreciate it. >> Of course. >> Yeah. >> Thank you for the question, Senator. >> Again, the vote was
• I appreciate it. >> Of course. >> Yeah. >> Thank you for the question, Senator. >> Again, the vote was
• > here<00:43:59.119> in<00:43:59.280> the as elected officials here in the as elected
• to do is most what we're most elected to do is serve<00:44:11.040> the<00:44:11.359> best<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed preferred administrative regulations and, hearing no concerns, considered them reviewed. It then took up House Bill 388, described as a Casper cleanup bill. The sponsor said it would exempt charitable health care providers from e-prescribing requirements, allow Casper data sharing with certain federal entities, update references to hydrocodone’s schedule status, clean up drafting errors, and clarify practitioner registration with Casper. The bill passed 9-0 and was then approved for consent. Next, House Bill 134 was presented as a follow-up to a prior study on shortages of sexual assault nurse examiners and SANE-ready hospitals. The sponsor and a representative from the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs said the bill would create a statewide SANE coordinator. The committee adopted a substitute, then passed the bill unanimously and sent it to consent. Senate Bill 147 was then heard as an administrative update to vital records, modernizing certified-copy requests, adjusting fees, and requiring the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to send the annual death report to the State Board of Elections by July 1 each year. It passed unanimously and was also moved to consent. House Bill 280, a Kentucky Board of Nursing cleanup bill, would let the board investigate out-of-state nurses applying for Kentucky licenses, clarify licensing language, and update school rescue medication provisions, including inhalers, nebulizers, glucagon, Solu-Cortef, and nasal epinephrine. A committee substitute narrowed the bill to glucagon updates, and one senator asked whether the bill also covered child care centers; the sponsor said it addressed school medications only but was open to further discussion. The bill passed 10-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, Senate Bill 77 drew extended testimony. The sponsor and supporters argued that ibogaine research and treatment could help address addiction, PTSD, and depression, citing studies, personal recovery stories, and a proposed public-private partnership funded through opioid settlement money. The committee substitute removed the bill’s appropriation request and emergency clause, and members asked questions about whether PTSD is an addiction, whether smoking was included, whether the bill was authorizing research rather than funding, and how the treatment works. The sponsor said the substitute was only creating a structure for research, not appropriating money, and supporters described ibogaine as a one-time, medically supervised treatment. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Senate Bill 77 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will move that this bill be referred to the Elections Finance and Government Operations.
• I will move that this bill be referred to the Elections Finance and Government Operations.
• I will move that this bill be referred to the Elections Finance and Government Operations.
• amended to the committee on elections amended to the committee on elections finance<00:37:45.599
• <00:43:01.160> officials labor of the elected officials labor of the elected officials themselves

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• While the CTF chair and the elected While the CTF chair and the elected leaders<00:13:27.040>
• Of course, you may recall the Purple Star Schools program, bonding bill funding for maintaining MDVA
• Of course, you may recall the Purple Star Schools program, bonding bill funding for maintaining MDVA
• Motion carries, and House File 4171 is re-referred to Elections and Local Government.
• Motion carries, and House File 4171 is re-referred to Elections and Local Government.

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

Transcript Highlights:

• So we stand up a bridge during election time and we take care of this.
• This is an election year.
• There's a lot of controversy across the country in 2028, our federal elections.
• Regardless of the outcome of the election, we will have a new governor next year.
• And then, of course, another option is a statutory change. Possibly. Thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sheriffs are elected by our people in North Dakota. State's attorneys are elected by our community.
• Sheriffs are elected by our people in North Dakota.
• State's attorneys are elected by our people in North Dakota.
• Judges are elected by our people in North Dakota. And we want them to lose hope in our system?
• This driver assaulted several peace officers in the course of taking him into custody.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Representative Hoverson offered remarks recognizing World Autism Day, and the House then handled conference committee motions on several bills, including House Bills 1460 and 1248 and Senate Bills 2262, 2070, 2294, and 2297, with the Speaker appointing members to each conference committee. The chamber also set aside Senate Bill 2200 for re-referral to Appropriations and moved to amendments on Senate Bill 2128, which was the main subject of the day. Senate Bill 2128, a major criminal justice and corrections bill, drew extensive debate over truth-in-sentencing, mandatory minimums, parole, transitional facilities, work release, electronic monitoring, and the fiscal impact of longer incarceration. Division A of the amendments removed mandatory minimums for resisting arrest and felony simple assault while keeping consecutive-sentence language; supporters said this preserved judicial discretion and reduced costs, while opponents argued it weakened public safety. Division A was adopted 70-23. Division B proposed broader changes to preserve transitional programming, add penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring and escape, limit some work-release restrictions, create a parole board study, and fund electronic monitoring with a $600,000 appropriation. Supporters framed it as a compromise that balanced rehabilitation and public safety; opponents said it undercut the bill’s intent and left dangerous offenders with too much access to transitional release. Division B failed on a 46-46 tie. The House then took up the bill itself, with the Judiciary Committee reporting a do-not-pass recommendation as amended, and debate continued over whether the amended bill should advance, with members split between concerns about victims and public safety versus rehabilitation, prison capacity, and recidivism.

Transcript Highlights:

• Van der Leand and, of course, law enforcement across.
• I want to first thank Senator Cole Course for again bringing this very important legislation.
• Senator, of course, was local. So Senator Hinojosa, so, Rick. to take deaths every day in Texas.
• You couldn't have just lost your election, yeah.
• So as your question, can those be elected, defeated judges? Is that your question?

Bills: SB476, SB664, SB745, SB826, SB989, SB1080, SB1171, SB1320, SB1437, SB1727, SB1809, SB2289, SB2320

Keywords: education, funding, school infrastructure, public schools, teacher support, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, ignition interlock devices, youth offenders, vehicular homicide, Texas courts, judicial officers, associate judge, magistrate, master, referee, hearing officer, court administration, Government Code Chapter 54, Government Code Chapter 54A

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several criminal justice bills, with most of the discussion focused on oilfield theft, DWI enforcement, juvenile justice, reentry licensing, jail transparency, and court/judicial standards. SB 1320 would create a DPS oilfield theft unit headquartered in the Permian Basin; supporters from industry, law enforcement, and a district attorney described increasingly sophisticated, organized theft tied to cartels and multi-jurisdictional criminal networks, while DPS said it currently has only two officers working the issue. The committee voted SB 1320 out unanimously and placed it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 826, which would enhance DWI committed in a school zone to a state jail felony, also passed unanimously after brief explanation and no testimony. SB 1171, adding juvenile justice OIG peace officers to Schedule C salary, was reported favorably on a committee substitute, and SB 1080, which would allow incarcerated people to obtain occupational licenses effective upon release, also passed on a committee substitute after testimony from formerly incarcerated advocates and reentry supporters. The committee also considered several bills aimed at tougher DWI penalties. SB 476 would increase intoxication manslaughter penalties when the offender violates an ignition interlock restriction; the bill was supported by the author, victims’ family members, Galveston officials, and law enforcement, but opposed by the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued treatment and prevention would be more effective. After discussion about possible amendments, the bill was left pending. SB 745 would create a new first-degree felony option for intoxication manslaughter involving multiple deaths, and it was reported favorably after testimony from a prosecutor supporting the need for a stronger sentencing option. SB 2320 would broadly increase penalties for DWI offenses, including first-time DWI, DWI with an open container, high-BAC DWI, and repeat offenses; it was supported by a grieving family member and a sheriff, and the committee voted it out favorably. On juvenile justice, SB 1727 would expand tools to address assaults on staff at Texas Juvenile Justice Department facilities by lowering the age for transfer to adult prison in some cases, allowing earlier transfer of determinate-sentence youth, and restricting release when a criminal case is pending. Juvenile probation officials supported the bill as a public safety and victim-rights measure, while the Texas Civil Rights Project opposed it, arguing it would send children to inappropriate adult facilities and conflict with juvenile justice principles; the bill was left pending. SB 1437 would expand the juvenile justice do-not-hire registry to include non-certified positions, and it passed unanimously after supporters said it would help close loopholes that allow predators to move between child-serving jobs. SB 2289, requiring counties that house inmates out of state to report that information and any deaths to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, also passed unanimously. Finally, SB 989, requiring criminal background checks for court personnel who determine bail, and SB 664, establishing statewide qualifications and oversight for magistrates and associate judges, were explained and discussed as transparency and public-safety measures, with SB 989 reported favorably and SB 664 under committee consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another state, of course, that would be appropriate for them.
• He to his family has received death threats and visitation to their house to ensure that our elected
• officials, property appraisers supervised elections.
• But so just in your debate, could you covered is is also include former electeds or is it just current
• elected officials?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Only two years after his election, Alfredo was elected to serve as Senate Majority Leader due to his
• Our election system is a decentralized system where counties administer elections, and this is a move
• The Secretary of State's office should not be involved in running our elections, administering our elections
• , or using taxpayer money to In running our elections, administering our elections, or using taxpayer
• Of course we have poor. Do we take care of our poor? Of course we take care of our poor.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:09.760> Our<00:20:10.000> elected<00:20:10.640> school<00:20:10.960><
• Our elected school boards you with this.
• Our elected school boards oppose<00:20:12.240> the<00:20:12.400> statewide<00:20:13.039
• 45:34.640> due look forward to moving forward in due look forward to moving forward in due course
• . course. course.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• uh took that course or what have you. uh took that course or what have you.
• Before it was not clear that you would have a second election. It's a second election.
• Just stay the course. >> That's what. >> Stay the course. >> Thank you, my sister.
• Just stand stay the course. Just stand stay the course.
• >> Stay the course. >> Stay the course.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He took an amazing elective course entitled Event Broadcasting.
• <01:15:08.400> course he took an amazing elective course he took an amazing elective course
• So, currently, if a teacher would like to offer a course, maybe it's an elective, they go through the
• <01:26:54.679> um<01:26:54.800> they<01:26:54.960> go course maybe it's an elective
• um they go course maybe it's an elective um they go through<01:26:55.719> the<01:26:56.119>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Existing law does call for an election.
• They got up there and they never denied wanting to deny us an election.
• And of course we're gonna get your input.
• We do not elect them to ignore us and take away our vote.
• to serve or communities we were elected to serve.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• It can be an elective.
• <03:30:39.439> or requirement or through an elective or requirement or through an elective
• <03:31:25.160> but<03:31:25.319> an electives already is an elective but an electives
• already is an elective but an elective<03:31:26.000> is<03:31:26.239> not<03:31:26.880
• <03:31:30.479> so has to take that particular course so has to take that particular course

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chief election judge in Henipin County. chief election judge in Henipin County.
• Clean Elections Minnesota elections.
• nonprofits that spend on elections. nonprofits that spend on elections.
• ,<01:37:55.119> elections,<01:37:55.600> elections, Elections, elections, elections, elections
• , elections, elections, elections.

Bills: HF4133, HF3419

Keywords: homeowner's insurance, peace officer, property damage, just compensation, exclusion policy, corporate powers, entity law, business corporations, nonprofit corporations, LLC, limited liability company, cooperative, partnership, trust, foreign entity, campaign finance, election spending, political spending, ballot measure, ballot initiative

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, we all oppose discrimination against someone based on the fact of their pregnancy.
• And um certainly the ERA I support equal rights for women, of course, absolutely.
• course, absolutely. course, absolutely.
• in November's in November's in<01:40:06.240> an<01:40:06.360> election, in an election,
• , this, but this discussion, of course, this, but this discussion, of course, isn't<01:44:06.560>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This, of course, would have to be approved by the voters, but for them to get it there, we need your
• looking to curtail through this two-thirds majority are normally fees that facilitate the normal course
• I also want to lift up that just because state agency heads are not elected doesn't mean that they're
• Government, the elected officials need to do that, not the administrators.
• Chairman, members, Senate Bill 1142 establishes that Arizona elects to participate in the federal tax

Bills: SB1142, SCR1028

Keywords: scholarships, tax credit, education funding, nonprofit organizations, Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional amendment, state revenue, tax policy, legislative approval, two-thirds vote, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1760 requires specified elected officials to reside.
• SB 1760 requires specified elected officials to reside in the state of Florida.
• This helps ensure that elected officials have a vested interest in the communities in which they are
• elected to serve.
• But instead, the elected officials we've elected want to pass legislation that targets our community

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll calls. SB 1760, by Senator Grall, would require certain elected officials and agency heads to reside in Florida, with agency heads also required to be U.S. citizens and live in the county where their agency is headquartered; it also clarifies the constitutional prohibition on holding more than one office. SB 1202, by Senator McClain, expands insurance benefits for firefighters who are totally and permanently disabled during official training exercises, and its amendment was adopted to avoid local fiscal impact. SB 582, by Senator Leak, increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and limits the higher penalty to properties on the National Register of Historic Places or in a listed district; supporters included representatives of St. Augustine and the Florida League of Cities, while one opponent waived in opposition. SB 312, by Senator Gates, revises governance of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and allows affiliated nonprofit subsidiaries to enter agreements with universities; an amendment adding one public member to the board was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 676, by Senator Martin, which would allow employees to waive the state minimum wage right under a framework the sponsor said would help young or inexperienced workers gain entry-level experience. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it could help small businesses hire and create opportunities, and opponents saying it would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage, invite coercion, and exploit vulnerable workers. Senator Martin’s amendment clarifying the Fair Labor Standards Act exception was adopted, and the bill passed on a favorable vote despite opposition from Senator Arrington and others. Finally, SB 440, by Senator McClain, was heard as an expansion of prior law to cover public employees and prohibit certain employment practices related to gender identity and pronoun use; after an amendment narrowing the bill by deleting references to training, instruction, or other activity regarding sexual orientation, the committee heard extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters framing it as protecting conscience rights and opponents calling it discriminatory. The committee ultimately reported SB 440 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 2753 by Assembly Member Soria, an act relating to elections.
• sex offenders from running for or holding local or state elected office.
• sex offenders from running for or holding local or state elected office.
• It will affirm the public's trust in our democracy and hold our elected officials to a higher standard
• And I want to thank our chairman for, one, being elected to raise these issues that we have before us

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the people of the state of Florida's money, who have elected us to... Why don't they?
• Of course, that's been after the fact.
• This amendment would allow an elected official who serves on the same elected board, council, commission
• when supporting or voting for the elected relative for a leadership position only within the elected
• Within the elected body. Other questions of the sponsor? Is there a debate?

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing visiting groups and guests, including college students and leaders, health and nonprofit organizations, Catholic Days at the Capitol participants, foreign dignitaries from Morocco, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with remarks honoring the Parkland community and the school safety law that followed. The chamber then took up a special order calendar of bills, beginning with several claims bills and local relief measures. SB 14 for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County passed 37-1, and HB 6517 for A. Sanchez-Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg passed after substitution. HB 6515 for Lordes Latour and Edward Lator against Miami-Dade County also passed 38-1. The Senate then approved SB 52 on volunteer armed security at places of worship (39-0), SB 124 updating Florida Virtual School statutes (39-0), SB 504 on code inspector body cameras (39-0), and SB 506 on related public records (38-1). A lengthy debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Several senators argued for tighter oversight and supported an amendment by Senator Berman that would have limited fund use and required Legislative Budget Commission approval for continued spending; that amendment failed 12-27. The underlying bill then passed 29-10. Senators also adopted SB 594 on local housing assistance for mobile home owners (39-0), SB 656 strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children programs (39-0), SB 806 creating right-to-repair protections for wireless devices and agricultural equipment (39-0), SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (39-0), SM 1186 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure by voice vote, SB 308 creating the Florida Museum of Black History with a late-filed amendment clarifying ex officio nonvoting legislative members (39-0), and SB 572 updating ethics law to include foster children and foster parents, as amended (38-0). The Senate also withdrew SB 1360 from further consideration, certified passed bills to the House, and adjourned until February 19.