Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Occupations Code'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 10th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- attend Oklahoma State University to obtain a degree in recreational therapy to eventually become an occupational
Bills:
SB1265, SB1198, SB2046, SB1415, SB1714, SB1962, SB26, SB172, SB260, SB264, SB1525, SB1332, SB1998, SB1378, SB1771, SB1919, SB2018, SB1936, SB1612, SB1543, SB1260, SB1988, SB1859, SB2041, SB1257, SB1726, SB1236, SB1633, SB1413, SB1317, SB1360, SB1342, SB1477, SB1189, SB1546, SB1524, SB1338, SB1193, SB1812, SB1617, SB1638, SB504, SB2072, SB1283, SB1216, SB1655, SB2011, SB1643, SB1446, SB1256, SB1258, SB1441, SB1224, SB1448, SB1496, SB1597, SB1621, SB1827, SB2066, SB2104
Keywords:
healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, local government, Oklahoma, municipalities, campsite regulation, Department of Environmental Quality, unauthorized camps, public safety, environmental standards, nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we suggest that there could just be a one-time qualification at initial occupancy.
- because you've been operating for two years under a temporary certificate of occupancy.
- , and constant building code changes.
- If we can start moving the building code and allowing residential building code to be used for that third
- building code.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several housing-related proposals and policy ideas. One speaker urged changes to the welfare property tax exemption for affordable housing, arguing that annual income recertifications are outdated and burdensome, and proposing a one-time qualification at move-in, streamlined monitoring through TCAC or HCD, and continued exemption protection for projects that remain in compliance. The witness said rising insurance costs and administrative burdens are hurting cash flow and threatening the viability of affordable housing operations.
A major portion of the meeting focused on social housing and the SB 555 study. HCD described its ongoing study process, including public engagement with residents, practitioners, and experts, and noted that California already has many building blocks for social housing, such as public land tools, long-term affordability mechanisms, community land trusts, and tenant protections. Community land trust and housing policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action, expanded public subsidy, tax abatements, public land, and simplified financing, and they emphasized the need to reframe the concept for the “missing middle” and middle-class households to build broader political support. Committee members discussed stigma around “social housing,” the need for a rebrand, and the possibility of a pilot program, especially on excess public land.
The committee also heard a proposal for a certified professional plan-check system modeled on Vancouver, Canada. The presenter said California’s permitting delays, inconsistent reviews, and staffing shortages add cost and uncertainty even for streamlined projects, and proposed allowing state-certified private professionals to perform plan checks and inspections under state oversight while local governments retain zoning and enforcement authority. Members discussed local control concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need to reduce delays and uncertainty in the entitlement process.
Finally, the committee heard testimony supporting changes to HCD loan disbursement so funds can be used during construction rather than only after completion. Witnesses said this would reduce interest costs, improve feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes with existing funding. The discussion also referenced AB 1053 as the vehicle for implementing that approach.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability May 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we suggest that there could just be a one-time qualification at initial occupancy.
- because you've been operating for two years under a temporary certificate of occupancy.
- , and constant building code changes.
- If we can start moving the building code and allowing residential building code to be used for that third
- code.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several housing-finance and permitting reforms aimed at making affordable and middle-income housing projects “pencil.” The first panel focused on the welfare property tax exemption, with witnesses arguing that annual recertifications are outdated, burdensome, and costly for both residents and operators. They urged streamlining by aligning eligibility rules with TCAC or HCD monitoring, allowing one-time qualification at occupancy, and preserving exemptions for projects that remain in compliance, especially as insurance costs and operating deficits are rising sharply.
A major portion of the meeting centered on social housing and community land trusts under SB 555. HCD described the state’s ongoing study, due by December 31, 2026 and to be included in the 2027 annual report, and outlined public engagement already completed with residents and practitioners. Community land trust and policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action beyond the study, including expanded tax abatements, public land use, soft loans, and simpler capital stacks. They emphasized that the model should include mixed-income and “missing middle” households, and several members discussed the stigma around the term “social housing,” suggesting a rebrand toward generational or multi-generational housing to broaden public support.
The committee also discussed a proposed certified professional program modeled on Vancouver, Canada, to speed plan checks and inspections by allowing state-certified private professionals to perform certain code-compliance functions under local oversight. The witness said this would reduce delays, repeated reviews, and cost overruns while preserving local authority over zoning and enforcement. Members raised concerns about local control, infrastructure costs, and political resistance, but expressed interest in exploring a pilot and further recommendations.
In the final panel, housing advocates supported allowing HCD loan funds to be disbursed during construction rather than only after completion. They said this would reduce interest costs, improve project feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes without new appropriations. Members agreed the current system is fragmented and outdated, and several speakers and legislators repeatedly called for streamlined, more flexible financing and permitting tools to support housing production.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:30 am
A&B Health Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of the specialty services we offer at the hospital are occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech
- So, it's Montana, Alaska, California, and Texas.
- We have instituted based on some code adjustments last in last year's legislative session.
- and make sure if you have the handouts, if you don't, gives us the ability to kind of codify that in code
- They get $45 million a year from that source alone in Texas.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Committee on Housing Afternoon Subcommittee (04/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, towns already have the discretion to follow the fire code and the building code.
- So, um, towns already have the discretion to follow the fire code and the building code.
- Yes, but as long as it's following the existing fire code.
- <00:45:30.800>
um of the state laws and state code. um of the state laws and state code. um - <00:45:40.720>
um septic systems that aren't to code um septic systems that aren't to code
Summary:
The subcommittee on SB 170 opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then worked through the bill section by section, focusing first on a housing-related provision that would prohibit municipalities from requiring occupants to be related by blood or marriage. The chair proposed adding “school enrollment status” as a protected class to prevent towns from limiting where students may live, especially in Durham. Members debated whether that phrase was too vague and whether “educational status,” “enrollment status,” or “school enrollment status” was the best wording. Public testimony raised concerns that adding a new protected class could have broader implications under the state’s anti-discrimination law and could also affect municipal zoning authority, while supporters argued the bill was aimed at preventing local rules that restrict student housing and group living arrangements. The subcommittee did not take a final vote on that language during the discussion.
The committee then turned to land-use and subdivision provisions. The Department of Environmental Services testified that its test-pit and related land-development rules are already protective of groundwater and surface water, and that municipalities sometimes impose stricter setbacks or other requirements locally. Builders and housing advocates argued that more stringent local requirements for test pits, well siting, and related approvals add time and cost and can impede housing development, while some municipal concerns were raised about aquifer and wellhead protection overlay districts and local groundwater safeguards. Public testimony also supported making state standards uniform across municipalities, though one speaker noted that local and state review processes can differ and that the bill could simplify approvals.
The subcommittee also discussed a road-length provision, with one member supporting limits on municipal caps that could impede development and another suggesting a possible water-and-sewer-capacity qualifier. Additional sections were explained as allowing utilities and infrastructure to be placed in subdivision open spaces or perimeter buffers, and requiring municipalities to act quickly on plan changes after initial review. The chair indicated support for several of the sections as drafted, and the discussion ended with the committee moving through the remaining provisions without recorded final votes in the transcript.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (03/04/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- a town, they would have to certify the design capacity of the septic system, and if the intended occupancy
- could be obtained and of occupancy could be obtained and there's<00:08:11.800>
actually <00:08 - <00:23:50.000>
and exempt from any safety safety codes and exempt from any safety safety codes - a difference um the it's there codes a difference um the sorry<00:24:38.000>
the <00:24:38.279 - uh that are safety of the occupants uh that are under Thank you, Rep.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 24 (2-10-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the Licensing and Occupation Committee has met and reports that Senate Bill 98 should pass and Senate
- And while a trial is taking place on this very bill right now in Texas, the Texas federal court hasn't
- And so, therefore, this bill cannot take effect in Texas.
- And while a trial is taking place on this very bill right now in Texas, the Texas federal court hasn't
- And so, therefore, this bill cannot take effect in Texas.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 38 members present and approved the journal from February 9, 2026. Committee reports were received on several bills, including Agriculture reporting Senate Bills 45 and 155 favorably, Banking and Insurance reporting Senate Bills 118 and 153 with committee substitutes, Families and Children reporting Senate Bill 160, and Licensing and Occupations reporting Senate Bills 98 and 145. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 748 and requested concurrence. New measures were introduced, including bills on pharmacy technician supervision, a Kentucky Health Command, campaign finance, and speech-language pathologists, along with several resolutions honoring individuals and memorializing Steven D. Dittle.
The chamber then considered Senate Bill 136, relating to unemployment insurance fraud. Supporters said the bill clarifies which agencies are involved in fraud cases and helps ensure recovered funds are returned to the unemployment trust fund. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 38-0. Senators also debated Senate Bill 183, concerning the regulation of proxy advisory services. Supporters argued it would increase transparency and require disclosure when proxy advice is influenced by non-financial considerations, while opponents said it would create bureaucracy, chill speech, and raise constitutional concerns. After debate, the bill passed 32-6.
After floor action on those bills, Senate Bill 172 on utility fuel adjustment was taken from the Natural Resources and Energy Committee, given first reading, and returned to committee. The remainder of the meeting featured extended remarks from a senator from Grayson focused on rural Kentucky, including ambulance access, healthcare delivery, economic decline, Medicaid costs, and the need for greater state investment in rural communities. No further votes were taken on those remarks.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- oval office occupant in our history. oval office occupant in our history.
- <00:42:08.000>
Trump Yet across the country, occupant Trump Yet across the country, occupant - The gentleman from from Texas, Mr. Roy.
- I thank the Texas is recognized.
- <07:09:15.520>
The World War II under occupation. The World War II under occupation.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- There's actually O*NET codes that you can look up. And it's very specific.
- There's actually O*NET codes that you can look up, and I can get you them.
- So it doesn't apply to every type of occupation.
- I mean, there's a billion job codes for DCR.
- Where it would be helpful is to know kind of to pick potentially like a couple occupations or a couple
Summary:
The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the January minutes. Members then heard from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler, who gave an update on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s apprenticeship efforts and emphasized apprenticeship as an earn-while-you-learn model that can help address workforce shortages while including people with disabilities. He described growth in apprenticeships across sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, and noted recent milestones including the state’s 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to support program development.
Committee members focused on how apprenticeship could be adapted for human services and disability-related jobs, including early education, direct care, PCA work, sterile processing, and related health occupations. They asked about funding structures, employer participation, community college involvement, and how to make programs accessible to people with disabilities. Cutler explained that apprenticeship programs are employer-designed but must meet core requirements such as paid employment, at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages. He said the state can support programs through the registered apprenticeship tax credit, which he said is $4,800 per apprentice and can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit, and through Grow grants, which were most recently awarded at about $2.1 million statewide.
Members and Cutler discussed using intermediaries such as trade associations, nonprofits, and disability organizations to help employers set up programs and navigate incentives. He said the commission could be useful as a convener and suggested a targeted panel or information session with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and existing sponsors to identify a few specific occupations and build a proof of concept. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on potential partner employers, including Eastern Bank, and on possible next steps for a focused panel or pilot opportunities.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- OKAY, THERE IS A LATE FILE AMENDMENT WITH THE AMENDMENT BAR CODE 327-7698.
- ALL OPPOSED SAY NAY THE AMENDMENT BAR CODE 327698 IS ADOPTED. BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED.
- BAR CODE 517760 BY SENATOR GRALL, ANY OBJECTIONS TO TAKING UP THE AMENDMENT?
- SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT BAR CODE 7160 IS ADOPTED. BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED.
- SEEING NO OBJECTIONS WE WILL TAKE UP AMENDMENT BAR CODE NUMBER 537706. PRES.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The fire code defines a...
- that's in the fire code um the fire code that's in the fire code um the fire code defines<03:21:
- is occupancy is set by fire code, right?
- the code is of bedrooms yes the code the code is specific<03:25:42.439>
on <03:25:42.560>including - But the occupancy goes up to the maximum that's allowed by the fire code for a lodging house.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:27:12.480>
in made changes to their zoning codes in made changes to their zoning codes - Um, this about a strong tax code.
- Senator from Texas at a who was a U.S.
- Thank you. for a fair tax code that funds the for a fair tax code that funds the public<01:23:52.960>
- <01:27:02.120>
to precedent by using the tax code to precedent by using the tax code to enforce
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Disability Commission Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of Virginia any request 22-308.3, subsection C, of the Code of Virginia.
- There is not a national standard because there is no job code in the Department of Labor. Okay.
- No data has been kept on this occupation. It's like it doesn't even exist.
- But the fact that there's no standardized occupational classification by the Department of Labor, occupational
- No data has been kept on this occupation. It's like it doesn't even exist.
Summary:
The Virginia Disability Commission held its first meeting of the year on June 18, established a quorum, and introduced members. Senator Barbara Favola was elected chair and Delegate Amy Laufer was elected vice chair, both unanimously. The commission also reviewed and unanimously approved its electronic/remote participation policy, which mirrors last year’s policy and allows limited remote participation under Virginia FOIA rules.
Staff then reviewed a package of 14 disability-related bills that passed last session and were signed into law. Topics included disabled veterans’ vehicle registration fee exemptions, open captioning requirements for movie theaters, guardianship/conservatorship order forwarding, service dog team definitions, education and transition planning for students with disabilities, Blue Envelope and driver communication training for law enforcement and driver education, deferred disposition and jury service protections, voting rights in guardianship cases, expansion of the Virginia Human Rights Act, continuation of a DD waiver eligibility change, and DMAS training authority for autism competency checklists. Members discussed implementation concerns, especially making the Blue Envelope/driver communication program more visible and considering a follow-up letter and DMV presentation.
The commission then adopted its interim work plan unanimously, with discussion of possible presentations on DMAS and Medicaid waivers, DBHDS telehealth training implementation, SCHEV and VDOE transition planning, transition from institutions to community settings, criminal justice reform, transportation and parking accessibility, adult-sized changing tables, and school accessibility. Members also suggested adding EVV concerns, seclusion and restraint, rare disease issues, and insurance coverage problems for needed medications. Public commenters urged the commission to address burdensome EVV requirements for family caregivers, improve accessibility for local government meetings and documents, and explore a standardized credential/career pathway for direct support professionals. The chair said follow-up work would be assigned on EVV and implementation issues, and the meeting location would move to the Senate side of the Capitol going forward.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- These are clock our programs that again trained for specific occupation.
- The state, again, training for specific occupation.
- And then finally we have are in demand occupation. And there are 2 ways that we do this.
- There are so many occupations within the space industry that it's not just space.
- So we are credited to the council occupational education.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- . codes. codes.
- some of the owner-occupant restrictions.
- had removed some of the owner occupant had removed some of the owner occupant restrictions.<00:44
- <00:44:56.760>
owner-occupied owner-occupant owner-occupied owner-occupant owner-occupied residential - But at occupant residential use buyers.
Keywords:
SB2069, Hawaii housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, equity pilot program, housing affordability, homeownership, first-time homebuyer, for-sale housing, transit-oriented development, TOD, transit-oriented development zone, bus route, bus stop, critical workforce housing, health care workers, educators, law enforcement, correctional officers
Summary:
The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room.
On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval.
The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer.
For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- Today, I'm testifying on an important House bill to fix the code and an act requiring universal changing
- restrictive alternative in the Uniform Law Commission's 2017 update to Article 5 of the Uniform Probate Code
- Thank you so much for your testimony, and we certainly don't want to fall behind Texas in anything, so
- This is an occupational therapy clinic. I clean the equipment and sometimes assist with clients.
- As S. 2585 builds on successful models in other states, including Texas, one of them, where child welfare
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hybrid hearing focused largely on DDS-related bills, with chairs Kennedy and Livingstone outlining strict time limits, accessibility procedures, and a 5 p.m. stop to preserve ASL and CART services. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a bill from Sen. Mike Moore to create a centralized electronic education records system for students in out-of-home placements, which supporters said would improve communication, preserve IEP continuity, and reduce missed services. Paul DePaulo also testified in support, describing the educational and justice-system harms that can follow when foster youth do not receive coordinated records and supports.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 242/S. 149, a bill to enhance standards of care for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rep. Garballey and many advocates, parents, clinicians, and disability leaders supported the bill, saying it would require provider training, statewide standards, and better emergency department practices to reduce misdiagnosis, trauma, and unnecessary ER boarding. Testimony described sensory and communication barriers in medical settings, lack of provider training, and the need for continuing education and license-related requirements. Related testimony also supported H. 213/S. 111, which would improve access to behavioral health services for children involved with state agencies by requiring better discharge planning, coordination with hospitals and agencies, and more appropriate post-hospital placements.
The committee also heard strong support for H. 256/S. 102, requiring universal changing stations in public buildings, from parents, advocates, and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said current restroom accommodations often force unsafe or undignified changes on floors, in cars, or in inaccessible spaces, and argued the cost of adding changing stations to new or renovated buildings would be modest compared with the benefits to dignity, safety, and community access. Another major topic was H. 261/S. 155 on supported decision-making agreements for certain adults, which supporters described as a less restrictive alternative to guardianship that preserves autonomy while providing trusted support. Finally, testimony on Tommy’s bill (S. 168/H. 282) described a preventable death after a hospital discharge and urged clearer communication and training requirements for residential staff handling life-sustaining equipment; the bill was presented as a safeguard for people with disabilities relying on such equipment.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Sep 25th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, I think it changes if you drive across a border, for example, or if someone from Texas comes in
- There's also Texas, Colorado, California, but Rio Rancho, where my colleague Charles lives, actually
- We don't have any currently for heat exposure during... occupational heat exposure.
- Impacts air quality under occupation.
- We know down in the south what our relationship is with Texas and the Rio Grande water system.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services REVISED Apr 20th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Health and Human Services
Bills:
HB1979, HB1225, HB3931, HB4454, HB3849, HB1746, HB3720, HB4275, HB4300, HB3586, HB2268, HB3755, HB4117, HB4294, HB3650, HB4298
Keywords:
early childhood education, task force, governance structure, healthcare access, stakeholder engagement, quality services, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity, X marker, transgender, vital statistics, State Department of Health, State Commissioner of Health
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
Transcript Highlights:
- , that is NFPA 101, and health care facilities code.
- NFPA 101 and health care facilities code.
- The report further details that transitioning from multi-resident homes to single-occupancy rooms improves
- H-480 and H795 would make this important change by requiring nursing homes to provide single-occupancy
- The benefits of single-occupancy rooms for nursing home residents have been substantially documented,
Summary:
The Committee on Aging and Independence heard testimony on a package of long-term care and elder care bills focused on building on the state’s 2024 long-term care reform law (Chapter 197). Richard Moore of Dignity Alliance urged favorable action on the bills as a “long-term care 2.0” effort, arguing they would strengthen the workforce, protect residents’ rights, improve clinical quality, and increase transparency and sustainability in nursing homes and other facilities. He also raised concerns about staffing funds not reaching direct care workers and suggested further oversight of how appropriated money is spent.
Patricia Crispy of the American Nurses Association testified in support of House Bill 766, which would require at least one registered nurse with full voting rights on the board of directors or trustees of every acute care hospital and nursing home. She and the bill’s sponsor, Representative Vanado, said nurses’ clinical expertise and 24/7 presence make them valuable contributors to governance and patient safety. Committee members asked whether the bill would cover assisted living and how many facilities already have nurse board members; the witness said she would provide more data and clarify the assisted living question.
Senator Lovely testified on two bills: Senate 479, which would expand transparency and accountability in long-term care by tightening fire safety, smoking, hearing-loss, and ownership disclosure requirements, adding advocacy groups to an advisory committee, and increasing penalties; and Senate 480/House 795, which would require single-occupancy rooms in nursing homes unless residents consent to share, to improve privacy and reduce infection spread. Deborah De Benedictus also testified in support of House 759, describing her father’s experience in assisted living and arguing for the use of cameras in elder care facilities to monitor care and deter neglect. The committee discussed privacy concerns, notification rules, and the need for honest staffing and care practices, and then adjourned without taking any recorded votes or formal actions in the transcript.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-19 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , That the FAA airport code, PBI, for Palm Beach International, remain unchanged.
- Reagan National Airport has the code letters DCA, which were their original code letters, and George
- MCO is a code for McCoy Air Force Base. It doesn't represent Orlando.
- And they did the code change from IDL to JFK.
- Trump Airport, we say, hey, by the way, Texas got a box. President Donald J.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of gallery introductions recognizing visitors, local officials, students, and public safety personnel. The chamber first took up a report from the Ethics and Elections Committee on 42 executive appointments; after Senator Gaetz explained that the committee had reviewed the appointees’ qualifications and suitability, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a 36-0 vote.
The Senate then moved through a long special-order calendar focused largely on open-government sunset reviews and other policy bills. It passed measures to continue or consolidate public records and meeting exemptions for aquaculture records, agency-held trade secrets, and cybersecurity information, with one technical amendment adopted on the cybersecurity bill. The chamber also approved bills extending the statute of limitations for failure to report child abuse, strengthening regulation of commercial driving schools, requiring human trafficking education for nursing graduates, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person, and making the related public-records exemption. Additional bills passed included a nature-based coastal resiliency measure with an amendment restricting dredge-and-fill in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve, a chiropractic trust-funds bill, specialty license plates, a one-time waiver of late financial disclosure fines, public school personnel compensation changes, the annual Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services “Farm Bill,” homestead exemption clarification for long-term leaseholders, disability-presumption clarifications for first responders, reinsurance intermediary manager changes, patriotic displays in public schools, ADS-B fee restrictions, autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope program, campus safety policy transparency at public colleges and universities, and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary certificates for practice, and domestic animals.
The Senate also debated and passed a bill allowing licensed insurance agents to market health care sharing ministries, despite concerns raised by Senator Polsky about consumer confusion, commissions, and the sale of non-insurance products; supporters argued it restored free speech, religious liberty, and consumer choice. The chamber approved the bill 32-5 after debate. Most other measures passed with strong bipartisan support, often by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, and several companion House bills were substituted in place of Senate bills before final passage.