Transcript Highlights:

• Reports to standing committees. The objection report to standing committees.
• The reports being under the journal and the secretary record the actions.
• I move the Committee of the Whole rise and report. Well, there it is.
• President Pro Tem, I have a motion to amend the Committee of the Whole report. Mr.
• When the Committee of the Whole rises to report, it recommends HB 2873 do pass.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate met with 28 members present and approved the journal, then took up several motions to recall or reconsider previously passed House bills, including HB 2035, HB 2249, and HB 2192. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider a series of bills and memorials. Major floor action centered on HB 2248, a public health bill restricting medical intervention requirements; HB 2313, relating to teacher strikes and remote instruction; HB 2379 and HB 2380, both dealing with school district governing boards; HB 2720, relating to prostitution assessment and the anti-trafficking fund; HB 2873, concerning local government referendum petitions; and several memorials and resolutions on foreign policy, education, water, and energy. HB 2248 drew the most debate, with supporters arguing for parental and individual choice and opponents warning it would undermine public health protections, especially for children, immunocompromised people, and patients in schools and medical settings. Amendments were adopted in committee, and the bill advanced. HB 2379 and HB 2380 also prompted extended debate over school board training and livestreaming requirements, with opponents calling them unfunded mandates or attacks on democracy and supporters emphasizing transparency and fiscal responsibility. HB 2873 was heavily discussed as a Marana-specific referendum measure tied to a local data center dispute; supporters said stakeholders agreed to the language, while opponents said it was an end run around voters and pending court proceedings. In third reading, the Senate passed HB 2118 on mobile food vendors, HCM 2009 on mineral access and federal land withdrawals, HCR 2015 on school physical activity and dietary guidelines, HCR 2020 on housing outside designated service areas with assured water supply, HCR 2057 supporting next-generation geothermal energy, and HB 2248, HB 2379, and HB 2380. The chamber also passed HCM 2001 and HCM 2002 urging federal terrorist designations for the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR, and HCR 2047 recognizing Judea and Samaria. These memorials and resolutions drew strong opposition from senators who said they targeted Muslims, promoted religious or ideological messaging, or were not based on adequate evidence. The Senate also adopted a House request to adjourn after April 22 and then adjourned until April 21, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair called the roll, and the bill was reported favorably by a 5-0 vote.
• But we need to get those 24 bills out and report it tonight, one way or the other.
• Senator Cook, you get to go do your first subcommittee report. All right.
• But we need to get those 24 bills out and report it tonight, one way or the other.
• Senator Cook, you get to go do your first subcommittee report. All right.

Bills: HB103

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:58.799> Yeah, this the pro um the report. Yeah, this the pro um the report.
• But the other reports that we do on an annual, quarterly, monthly basis are those reports in regards
• that in terms of transparency reported that in terms of transparency reported online?
• <00:34:59.200> and to do the identification and report and to do the identification and report
• Education to provide a detailed report Education to provide a detailed report to<00:39:51.760>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard three resolutions. STR 53 SD1 sought to have the Legislative Reference Bureau work with the Hawaii State Public Library System to identify rural and underserved communities needing better telecommunications access so residents can participate in the legislative process. Testimony from the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure, emphasizing that many advocates cannot always travel to the Capitol and need better access. STR 117 SD1 urged the Department of Education to work with the Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and the County of Hawaii to inventory bus stops on Hawaii Island used by students and develop safety improvements; DOE described an upcoming live route audit, noted the large number of routes and stops on the Big Island, and said some stops are on private roads. The Department of Transportation, Hawaii County Council, the mayor’s office, and others supported the measure, and members discussed whether the effort could eventually expand statewide. STR 134 asked the Department of Education to provide a detailed report on the true cost of producing school meals to improve transparency and avoid unnecessary price increases. DOE said it already tracks food, labor, benefits, supplies, equipment, and other costs to calculate per-meal costs, but does not currently include transportation costs in the same way; it stated its breakfast cost was $5.80 and lunch cost was $8.66. Support testimony came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the Hawaii Hunger Action Network, and others, who said clearer cost information is especially important amid funding uncertainty. In decision making, the committee amended and passed STR 53 SD1, reverting it to the original draft by replacing the Legislative Reference Bureau with the Controller and adding coordination with the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office, while removing references tied to the LRB and the public access room outreach clause. The committee also amended and passed STR 117 SD1, shifting the lead role to the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and adding a request for the County of Hawaii to consider funding the effort. STR 134 was passed unamended. Representative Souza was excused for the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:17.800> and to provide the review of the report and to provide the review of the report
• I appreciate everybody's prompt review of the report and whatnot.
• All right, one thing I would like to note: the report does have, um, the structure of the report provides
• So when that report is issued, that will be available to review.
• So when that report is issued, that will be available to review.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Subcommittee met to review its report and vote on eight bills concerning voter registration, absentee voting, domicile qualifications, photographic identification, and related election procedures. The chair explained that the subcommittee’s mission was to consolidate and reconcile the bills, review constitutional and federal-law issues, and issue recommendations. Members thanked the chair, legislative staff, and outside contributors for the report and supporting materials, including research memos and testimony. The report was expected to be formally issued later in the week, with the bill recommendations finalized at the meeting. The subcommittee first voted on House Bill 27, relative to absentee ballots, where members discussed a proposed bipartisan follow-up bill to clarify language for voters in jail and correctional facilities. The bill was recommended ought to pass by a 3-2 vote. House Bill 289, on domicile qualifications for voting, and House Bill 323, requiring government-issued photographic identification to vote, were both retained by unanimous 5-0 votes. House Bill 385, concerning a prior voting law, was recommended inexpedient to legislate by a 3-2 vote after members cited constitutional concerns and cost. House Bills 418, 618, and 684 were each recommended inexpedient to legislate unanimously, with members saying the subcommittee was consolidating overlapping bills into one measure per topic. The final bill, House Bill 686, requiring identification when requesting an absentee ballot, was retained unanimously for further work over the summer and review by the full Election Law Committee in November. After completing all eight votes, members said the process helped them better understand the issues and that there was substantial bipartisan agreement on many principles, even where they differed on implementation. The meeting concluded with thanks and no further action beyond the subcommittee recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> report any person may report voluntarily report any person may report voluntarily report suspected
• The vast majority of the reports DHS receives are for vulnerable adult maltreatment reports.
• DHS received 7,730 maltreatment reports; 8% of those reports were assigned for investigation.
• The vast majority of the reports DHS receives are for vulnerable adult maltreatment reports.
• > to these reports are instead reported to these reports are instead reported to counties<01:09

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and staff roles. Nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal staff explained that they draft bills and amendments, prepare bill summaries and background research, answer legal and fiscal questions, and help track revenue and budget effects. They also distributed a Budget Overview Brief intended to condense the larger budget materials into a more usable format for members. Staff then walked through the Human Services budget and the committee’s areas of responsibility. They described the department structure, noting that DHS oversees administration, compliance, rulemaking, and county support, and that the overall Human Services budget is large, with medical assistance as the dominant program. They also explained recent and upcoming reorganizations: many children and family-related functions are moving to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Direct Care and Treatment is becoming its own agency, and some homelessness-related functions remain at DHS. Staff reviewed how the budget is organized by program and budget activity, the difference between direct appropriations and standing appropriations, and how forecasted programs and “tails” work in the budget process. The presentation also covered Medicaid financing and long-term care. Staff explained the federal-state FMAP match, including Minnesota’s current 51.16% federal match for most Medicaid spending, the CHIP match, and the 90% federal share for the expansion population. For long-term care, they outlined Medical Assistance services for elderly and disabled people, state-funded long-term care supports, and Board on Aging programs. They highlighted the personal care assistance program’s phaseout and replacement by Community First Services and Supports, and reviewed the five home- and community-based waivers. Members asked one question about refugee resettlement funding, specifically whether it covers flights; staff said they would need to follow up on the exact use of the federal funds. No bills were heard, and no formal votes or other committee actions were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• IN JANUARY 2025 WE ISSUED OUR OPERATIONAL REPORT WE HAD NINE FINDINGS.
• FINANCIAL REPORTS.
• THE 22/23 AUDIT REPORT HAS NOT BEEN FILED YET.
• IN THIS CASE I DON'T BELIEVE WE DID IN THE OF THE REPORT TO THE STATE ATTORNEY.
• IN THE OVERVIEW, THEY HAVE TO TURN IN AUDIT REPORT TO THE AUDITOR GENERAL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so a lot of my questions are based on what is presented in today's report.
• Reporting on from whom the reports are made and by whom the alleged harm was committed?
• As was stated, the report, the UNI report, identifies the exact degrees that are needed, not to duplicate
• It's self-reported data, so yeah, self-identified.
• Okay, yeah, it's a self-reported data, so yeah, self-identified.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reports come back that report updated a little bit.
• Reports come back that report updated a little bit.
• Reports come back that report updated a little bit.
• report is pretty thorough as well.
• report is pretty thorough as well.

Keywords: Meeting start 00:06:05 Roll Call 00:06:33 HB 152 Discussion 00:07:55 HB 152 PHS 2 Vote 00:10:12 HB 545 Discussion HB 545 PHS 1 Vote 00:13:47 HB 606 Discussion 00:15:15 HB 606 Vote 00:16:32 HJR 30 Discussion HJR Vote 00:19:07 HJR 32 Discussion 00:20:25 HJR 32 PHS 1 Vote 00:23:11 HJR 34 Discussion 00:25:04 HJR 34 PHS 1 Vote 00:28:50 HJR 46 Discussion 00:30:09 HJR 46 Vote 00:34:15 HJR 53 Discussion 00:35:40 HJR 53 Vote 00:38:55 HJR 54 Discussion 00:40:15 HJR 54 Vote 00:40:50 HB 546 Discussion 00:42:15 HB 546 PHS 1 Vote 00:46:15 HB 605 Discussion 00:47:38 HB 605 PHS 1 Vote 00:52:10 HB 694 Discussion 00:53:46 HB 694 Vote 01:07:47 HB 695 Discussion Only 01:10:20, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met on February 25 and considered a series of bills and joint resolutions, mostly involving appropriations, capital projects, and local infrastructure funding. The committee first adopted PHS 2 and passed House Bill 152, which creates a Medicaid supplemental payment program for public ground ambulance providers; the sponsor said the substitute ensures no state general fund dollars will be used and that local agencies must identify a funding source for any required match. HB 152 was reported favorably on a 20-0 vote. The committee also passed House Bill 545, the annual claims bill, after members confirmed all executive-branch claims were included; it was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 606, requiring reporting for general obligation bonds, also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then took up several joint resolutions tied to capital and infrastructure spending. House Joint Resolution 30, concerning water projects, was described as implementing ranked projects under the Waters program administered by KIA and was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. House Joint Resolution 32, concerning school facilities construction, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after discussion referencing the Auditor’s report and questions about a Johnson County Schools expenditure; it also passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 34, relating to contingent appropriations for KCTCS, was amended by PHS 1 and advanced after testimony outlining three projects in Somerset, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Glasgow; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 46, for local road projects, was described as funding the highest-scoring local road requests from a larger pool of applications and passed 21-0. The committee also advanced House Joint Resolution 53, authorizing release of funds for KSU’s Health Sciences Center project, after KSU officials said the building is needed for nursing and allied health programs and promised a business plan report by November 1, 2025; it passed 21-0. House Joint Resolution 54, authorizing funds related to the State Fair Board, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee considered House Bill 546, which revises the local roads and streets program by adding a DOT-developed scoring system, monthly reporting, a match requirement, and a $500,000 project cap; members asked about the cap and were told larger projects should be handled through other mechanisms. HB 546 was reported favorably on a 21-0 vote. Finally, House Bill 605, a technical corrections and update bill for the local economic relief grant program, was amended by PHS 1 and discussed as expanding eligibility, including to the Delta Regional Authority and certain local-affiliated applicants; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 605.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2434 will be reported favorably to the full Senate.
• House Bill 3161 will be reported favorably to the full Senate. will be reported favorably to the full
• Senator Hinojosa moves that House Bill 3487 be reported favorably to the full Senate. reported favorably
• House Bill 3487 will be reported favorably to the full Senate.
• Reported favorably to the full Senate.

Bills: HB104, HB2434, HB2529, HB2688, HB3161, HB3486, HB3487, HB3745, HB4044, HB4226, HB4945, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age

Transcript Highlights:

• website uh there's also a summary report website uh there's also a summary report as<00:06:59.319
• recommendations that are in the report recommendations that are in the report really<00:23:30.520
• <00:48:29.079> um chamber foundation for their report um chamber foundation for their report
• processes uh even before this report processes uh even before this report agency<00:49:23.520>
• public the most recent permitting report public the most recent permitting report produced<01:13

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hutchinson reports from the Committee on Finance: House Bill 1667, reported as amended.
• Bills 890 and 1400, reported as amended; House Bill 2443, reported as committed.
• reported as committed; House Bill 1102, reported as amended.
• Senate Bill's 890 and 1,400, reported as amended. House Bill 2443 reported as committed.
• Senate bills 1061, 1303, and 326 reported as committed. Senate Bill 1355 reported as amended.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session. On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage. Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education. In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• Order of Business 4: Reports of Committees. Mr.
• Ordered business four: Reports of committees. Mr.
• Order of Business 4: Reports of committees. We have no further reports at this time.
• The report was signed by Senator Marilyn Dondero Loop, Chair, and the reports concluded.
• End of reports. We are back on the seventh agenda. Order of Business 4, reports of committees.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So therefore, this bill reports to the calendar. Okay, all.
• So therefore, this bill reports to the calendar.
• This bill is reported out. Thank you. Our fourth bill is Senate Bill...
• This bill is reported. Second by Senator Fahy. All in favor? Aye. Thank you. This bill is reported.
• This bill is reported. And our last bill on the agenda is... Thank you. This bill is reported.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Local Government met for its third meeting and considered 10 bills, with Senators Fahy, Rolison, Weik, and others present. The chair thanked committee and finance staff before moving through the agenda. Most of the measures were local tax exemption or municipal administration bills, including S.3190 expanding eligibility for a State of New York Mortgage Agency low-interest-rate program, S.435 allowing the Nassau County assessor to accept a real property tax exemption application from Powell House, and S.444A concerning industrial development agencies and the definition of labor organization. The committee also advanced S.74872 on notice of health insurance contracts for retired officers, employees, and their families, S.6817 and S.8263 involving Nassau County and a retroactive exemption for Congregation Cahal Mavakche Hesham, S.9325 creating a real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of correction officers killed in the line of duty, S.9326 authorizing Babylon to accept an exemption application from Tiggerman Community Services, and S.9351 exempting the Village of Williamsville Fire Department from the non-resident membership cap. S.9409, authorizing the Commissioner of Transportation to extend a lease of lands in Farmingdale, was also considered. For each bill, members generally offered brief motions and seconds, with little debate or testimony recorded. All of the bills were reported out of committee, and S.74872 was specifically reported to finance. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is reported. Next is S. 333.
• The bill is reported. Next is S. 3052.
• The bill is reported. S-5827 is next.
• Bill is reported. S. 6599. Thank you. Bill is reported. S6599.
• The bill is reported. Next is S9020A.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Investigations and Government Operations Committee met on March 10, 2026 and considered a series of bills, mostly reported favorably. Measures discussed included S.104, requiring the State Liquor Authority Chair to make quarterly reports; S.333, concerning the description of the state arms; S.384, related to the Public Lands Law; S.647, expanding video conferencing for purely advisory bodies; S.663 and S.3075, both Alcoholic Beverage Control Law bills involving alcohol sales and private label liquor; S.3371 and S.6599, Public Officers Law measures; S.5396, concerning private label wine; S.5827, requiring child-resistant packaging for edible cannabis products; and S.9020A, another Public Officers Law bill. Members also briefly noted the importance of public lands protections and one bill’s relevance to the committee’s prior work on state symbols. Two bills were referred to finance rather than reported: S.625A, dealing with the timing of annual tax elections, and S.3052, establishing a municipal right of first refusal for state land sold at public auction. S.4657A, a legislative law bill concerning the Law Revision Commission, was also referred to finance after being noted as part of the one-house budget resolution. Most other bills were approved with one or more members voting without recommendation, and S.663 received one nay while still being reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say some of the reports usually are very thin, but I do appreciate your report.
• The excellent staff report and the excellent report from DCA and the Bureau didn't cover matching up
• Because it’s self-reported.
• So there's a lot in this report. I appreciate the staff report on both ends. It's very thorough.
• Again, we strongly agree with the majority of the report.

Summary: The joint Sunset Review Oversight Hearing focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and its reauthorization, operations, enforcement, fiscal condition, and student protections. Committee leaders and DCA officials praised the Bureau’s recent improvements in data systems, licensing, inspections, and enforcement, while noting the Bureau’s role has become more important as federal higher education oversight weakens. Bureau Chief Deborah Cochran said the agency has met its inspection mandate for the first time since the law was enacted, increased citations and disciplinary actions, reduced pending complaints, and used data tools to identify risk and monitor institutions more effectively. A major portion of the hearing centered on student harm, especially school closures, transcript access, predatory recruiting, and the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). Members asked how the Bureau protects students when schools close, whether bad actors can reopen under new entities, and whether enforcement tools are strong enough. Cochran said the Bureau can cite, fine, place schools on probation, revoke licenses, and order refunds, but it is seeking new authority to deny approval to operators who previously closed schools improperly or failed to refund students. She also said the Bureau is tracking ownership data and is concerned about institutions targeting immigrant and visa students. On STRF, Cochran explained that the fund is currently healthy, assessments are at zero because the balance is above the statutory target, and the Bureau paid about 1,100 claims totaling roughly $17 million over the last four years. Several members questioned the fairness of the assessment structure and discussed alternatives such as surety bonds, but the Bureau said STRF is working well and no change is needed at this time. Fee increases and the Bureau’s structural deficit were another major topic. Cochran said the Bureau reduced costs by eliminating positions, streamlining inspections, improving data analysis, and shifting some student-relief costs to STRF, but that legislative action is still needed to address the deficit. She said the proposed fees were based on workload analyses and that application fees generally match service costs, while annual fees are designed to cover most of the Bureau’s revenue needs. Some members and stakeholders criticized the proposed increases as too high, especially for out-of-state registration and campus fees, while others argued the Bureau needs sufficient resources to regulate effectively. Public commenters from private schools, Northeastern University, San Joaquin Valley College/Carrington College, and TICAS generally supported the Bureau’s mission and reauthorization, but urged changes such as risk-based oversight, better transcript protections, stronger limits on repeated provisional approvals, and more targeted fee and STRF reforms. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with no formal action beyond discussion and receipt of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, CS for SB 196 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for SB 196 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for SB 432 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for SB 1630 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 174 is reported favorably.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered a long agenda of bills covering education, health, criminal justice, aging services, labor, and commemorative measures. Among the measures reported favorably were CS/SB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative; CS/SB 196 and CS/SB 864 establishing and protecting a Uterine Fibroid Research Database; CS/SB 432, as amended, adding restrictions on xylazine and nitrous oxide sales; CS/SB 1630 modernizing aging and disability services and guardianship oversight; SB 1112 on labor pool placement fees and registration; CS/SB 524 revising FDLE and medical examiner provisions; CS/SB 530 updating lottery operations; CS/SB 646 narrowing drug paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, analogs, and xylazine; SB 676 strengthening animal cruelty penalties and the animal abuser database; CS/SB 1180 creating a recall process for community development district board members; CS/SB 800 increasing penalties for unlicensed engineering practice; CS/SB 1404 creating a memory care specialty license for assisted living facilities; SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force; and CS/SB 1684 and CS/SB 1686 establishing and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry. The committee also took up several high-profile commemorative bills. CS/SB 194, designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and free speech and opponents criticizing Kirk’s rhetoric and the appropriateness of a state honor. The bill was reported favorably after a recorded vote. SB 174, designating Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue in Miami-Dade County, also drew significant opposition testimony on similar grounds and was reported favorably. A late-file amendment to a related remembrance measure was withdrawn after discussion. Other bills, including the speech and debate, fibroid research, aging services, labor pool, animal cruelty, engineering, memory care, anti-Semitism, and Parkinson’s registry measures, were generally supported by agency, advocacy, or stakeholder testimony and advanced without major opposition. Several bills were amended before passage, including substitute or delete-all amendments on SB 432, SB 524, SB 646, SB 676, SB 1180, SB 800, and SB 1404. The committee repeatedly adopted amendments by voice vote and then reported the bills favorably by recorded roll call. The meeting ended with members requesting to be recorded on specific bills, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• the COGs in the development of their plan, the implementation of those plans, and then the annual reports
• The chair moves that House Bill 1777, without amendments, be reported.
• Report it favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it be passed and printed.
• The chair moves that House Bill 4155, without amendments, be reported favorably to the full House.
• The chair moves to report it favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass and be

Bills: HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023, SB 36

Keywords: employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Show CS for HB 1007 reported favorably.
• Julia, show CS for HB 1517 reported favorably.
• CS for HB 1219 is reported favorably as amended. Yes, voted, reported favorably as amended. Rep.
• CS for HB 903 reported favorably as amended.
• You show CS for HB 57 reported favorably. H.B. 57 reported favorably. Go to Rep. Barrero.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only 67 districts—half of them might report, and half that reported didn't answer all the questions.
• Verresby 1360 is reported favorably. By your vote, C.S. for SB 1360 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 1268 is reported favorably.
• Senators, by your vote, CS for SB 1084 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 1654 is reported favorably.

Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Michelle Whitworth to the Florida Commission on Offender Review. Whitworth described her 30 years of criminal justice experience, and the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably. The committee then took up SB 1692 on material harmful to minors, adopting a delete-all amendment that shifted the focus to K-12 instructional materials and objections by parents or residents. Supporters argued it would create clearer standards and protect children from pornographic content, while opponents warned it would worsen book bans and remove consideration of literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. After extensive debate and public testimony, the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1422 increased penalties for certain drone-related offenses near critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones; SB 1360 clarified xylazine’s veterinary use while creating stronger trafficking penalties; and SB 1732 increased penalties for animal cruelty involving minors and for contributing to a minor’s delinquency. SB 776 added an aggravating factor for the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 984 added aggravating factors for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for religious, school, or government activities. SB 1640 made domestic violence lethality assessment forms confidential, and SB 1268 updated FDLE operations and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. All of these bills were reported favorably after brief debate and mostly supportive testimony. Later, the committee approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, with a strike-all amendment addressing digitally forged intimate images and extending prosecution time limits. SB 1654 updated sexual offender and predator registration rules, including definitions of residence and online reporting for in-state travel, though one witness raised concerns about vague language and employer privacy. SB 1774 created a rebuttable presumption in certain second-degree murder cases when the victim had a controlled substance in their system, drawing criticism that it could devalue victims who used drugs. Finally, SB 1838 strengthened protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, with an amendment adding magistrates, hearing officers, and related staff; defense attorneys warned the tampering language could inadvertently reach zealous advocacy. Each of these measures was ultimately reported favorably, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the committee rise and report. Motion is for the committee to rise and report.
• Whole report. Are there any no votes? Whole report. Are there any no votes?
• Whole report is adopted. Whole report is adopted.
• I move House Bill 1044 and the committee report. There is no committee report.
• collection, and reporting. collection, and reporting.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received committee reports advancing several measures, including House Bills 1237, 1081, 1208, and Senate Bill 103. The chamber also adopted a motion to proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege, during which members welcomed students from Fort Lewis College, Colorado State University, and Adams State University, as well as Volunteers of America and Zonta International, and recognized Volunteers of America’s 130th anniversary. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 1120 on mobile home taxation and delinquent property tax collection after adopting a technical amendment, and passed House Bill 1007 on distributed energy resources after debate focused on safety, UL listing, utility coordination, and affordability. It also passed House Bill 1253 on disconnection of property from a statutory municipality and House Bill 1145 on water quality in mobile home parks, though the latter drew more opposition. House Bill 1044 on maternal health equity was amended to change language from a “statement of rights” to a required notice and to revise task force language, then passed after sponsors emphasized disparities in maternal mortality and provider training. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, which placed House Bills 1186 and 1044 on the calendar for third reading and laid over Senate Bill 134 and House Bills 1071 and 1084 until April 6. The chamber also confirmed three governor’s appointments to the State Board of Parole: Katherine Rodriguez, Rodrigo Luévano, and Greg Size. The meeting ended with announcements, including committee meeting notices and a brief personal privilege about the Artemis 2 launch, followed by a recess until noon.