Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no questions, are there any amendments on the bill? Seeing no amendments.
• Is there any public testimony on the amendment? None on the amendment.
• The amendment is adopted. The yeas have it. The amendment is adopted.
• The amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.
• Are there any questions on the amendment, and the amendment only?

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard a series of bills, beginning with HB 759, which would lower Florida’s minimum age to purchase or transfer firearms from 21 to 18. The bill drew strong opposition from gun-violence prevention groups, Parkland survivors and families, and several members who argued the current law was enacted after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and should not be reversed. Supporters, including gun-rights advocates and some members, argued 18-year-olds are legal adults who serve in the military, vote, and should have full Second Amendment rights. After debate, the committee voted 13-5 to report HB 759 favorably. The committee then unanimously approved HB 431, extending Level 2 background screening requirements for youth athletic coaches through July 1, 2026, and HB 231, which keeps certain medical examiner information confidential, both with little opposition. It also approved HB 663, increasing penalties for unlawfully using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of dangerous crimes, after adopting a technical amendment, and HB 845, which clarifies the intake process for Veterans Treatment Court and removes Veterans Hall of Fame language from the bill. Each of those measures passed without recorded opposition. Members also approved PCS for HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, which creates a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty cases. The bill was presented as a response to a high-profile dog abuse case and was supported by animal welfare and law enforcement groups; members cited animal cruelty as a predictor of broader violence. The committee then approved HB 1021, allowing active law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at sporting events, after debate over identification, venue procedures, and whether the bill should extend more broadly; it passed 16-1. Finally, HB 653, adding aggravating factors for capital felonies involving the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, was reported favorably after brief discussion about federal penalties and deterrence. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 6025, a repeal bill related to emergency restrictions on firearms during local states of emergency, but the discussion is cut off before action is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I and I have an amendment to potentially I and I have an amendment to potentially uh<00:06:52.400>
• When we get to amendments, I'll have an amendment that I actually think will apply this bill to a set
• When we get to amendments, I'll have an amendment that I actually think will apply this bill to a set
• Representative Greenman, I would offer the A1 amendment. Amendment.
• <00:28:56.600> I Amendment um and this is an amendment I Amendment um and this is an amendment

Bills: HF72, HF66, HF69, HF73

Keywords: campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an amendment. Ms. Champaign. Your implementation. There is an amendment. Ms. Champagne.
• The amendment is being passed out.
• Members, any question on that amendment? I'll offer that amendment. Seeing any objections?
• And I do have an amendment. Ms. Champaign. For these UTVs. And I do have an amendment. Ms.
• Members, any question on that amendment set? I'll offer up amendment set 60-68.

Bills: HR275, HR282, HCR112, SCR62, SCR64, SB513

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments. The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Any questions on the amendment? >> Any questions on the amendment?
• amendment? amendment?
• That amendment carries as well. Opposed? That amendment carries as well.
• is what this strike all is >> as amended is what this strike all is amended. amended. amended.
• strike all as amended. All in favor? strike all as amended. All in favor?

Keywords: Agriculture - Room 210, 27 February, 2026; 11:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee took up three House bills. House Bill 933 was briefly explained as a short bill allowing Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Livestock Theft Bureau agents to retain their sidearms upon retirement. The committee asked no substantive questions, adopted a motion that the title was sufficient, and passed the bill. House Bill 1153, a follow-up to last year’s meat labeling law, was described as clarifying enforcement language and adding cell-cultured deer products. The committee adopted an amendment to specify that a food product is not misbranded and another amendment to strike a special fund reference and replace it with the general fund. Senator McConnell then proposed and secured adoption of an amendment removing language that would have allowed the department to hire outside counsel if the attorney general declined representation. The bill, as amended, was then passed. House Bill 1647, the Grain Indemnity Act, was presented as a voluntary producer opt-in program modeled on similar laws in other states to provide funds in the event of a grain buyer bankruptcy. Senators asked about startup funding and whether insurance or bonding could serve a similar purpose; the sponsor said no funds were included in the bill and noted that insurance coverage may not be available. After discussion, the committee moved the bill as title sufficient and reported it out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion on the amendment.
• Amendment.
• And we do have an amendment on this bill. So, amendments coming forward. So, Mr.
• We know the amended bill before us? Mr. Chairman, I move due pass as amended.
• Statement of purpose of the amendment. Statement of Purpose of the Amendment.

Bills: HB1603

Keywords: Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0. The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote. The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's an amendment to the amendment. The clerk will report the amendment to the amendment.
• amendment to the amendment. amendment to the amendment.
• > we Duran's amendment to the amendment, we Duran's amendment to the amendment, we believe<00:53:
• this amendment to the amendment. amendment. amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 and Senate Amendment 3.
• Discussion on the gentleman's amendment. Gentleman from Clay, to speak in favor of the amendment.
• This amendment does two things.
• Happy to take any questions on the amendment. Discussion on the gentleman's amendment.
• Discussion on House Amendment No. 3. Discussion on House Amendment No. 3, the one ending in 0.07H.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal for the prior day by a vote of 131-2, and the Speaker signed several enrolled measures, including HB 1768, HB 1866, HB 1870, HB 2180, and HJR 173 and 174. Members also made a series of guest introductions and personal announcements, including remarks recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week and HCR 28, as well as notices about upcoming themed dress days. The chamber then received Senate messages returning a number of budget bills and other measures with Senate amendments, and the House budget chair moved to refuse the Senate versions and send HB 2002 through HB 2013 to conference. Members discussed major budget differences, including child care subsidies, transportation funding, higher education funding, and the shifting of broadband grant dollars, but all of the motions to go to conference were approved. The House also took up Senate Bill 975, relating to ambulance districts and emergency medical services. An amendment was adopted to restore compromise language on community paramedics and make a minor change to first responder mental health provisions. The bill passed 136-7. Later, the House considered a property tax reform package on Senate Bills 1066 and 1088. Amendments were adopted to correct technical drafting issues, require uniform levy increases across property classes and timely use of voter-approved tax increases, and add assessor training, electronic taxpayer notification, and changes to how disputed assessments are paid. Debate centered on local control, transparency, and the impact on schools and other local taxing districts. The combined bill passed 83-61. The House then adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 and Senate Amendment 3.
• Speaker, to inquire the amendment maker.
• This amendment does two things.
• Happy to take any questions on the amendment. Discussion on the gentleman's amendment.
• May I inquire the amendment maker?

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 56th day by a roll call vote of 131-2. The Speaker also signed several measures, including House Bill 1768, House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1866, Senate Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1870, Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2180, and Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174. Members then offered a point of personal privilege recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week and shared a constituent’s testimony in support of HCR 28, followed by numerous introductions of student groups, guests, and legislative announcements such as Hat Day and Ken Waller Day. The House received Senate messages on a series of budget bills and other measures, including House Bills 2002 through 2013, and then adopted motions on each of the budget bills to refuse the Senate substitutes and send the bills to conference committees. During discussion, members highlighted major budget differences, including child care subsidies, transportation funding, higher education funding, and a large broadband-related funding shift that would affect the apparent size of the operating budget. The budget chair said he had not yet seen all of the Senate’s printed changes but supported going to conference and expressed hope for compromise on disputed items. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 975, relating to ambulance districts and emergency medical services. After adopting a House committee substitute and a House amendment that restored compromise language on community paramedics and made a minor change to first responder mental health services, the bill passed 136-7. Supporters said it would help struggling ambulance districts, improve emergency response, and keep patients out of emergency rooms when appropriate; one member noted the bill was the same language as a previously passed House bill. The House also considered a property tax reform package in Senate Bills 1066 and 1088, adopting two technical and policy amendments on assessor training, electronic notices, protest payments, levy uniformity, and timing of voter-approved tax increases. Despite support from several members, concerns were raised that the bill could limit local control and create legal or fiscal issues for counties and taxing districts. The combined bill ultimately passed 83-61, and the House adjourned until April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have the amendment, right? The board is clear. We do have any amendment, right?
• And amendment set 2019 has been passed out. Would you like to explain the amendment?
• We amended this bill, didn't we? Okay, I'll move to report it with amendments.
• So if you look at the amendment set, we need to pass an amendment set.
• Amendment 3 deletes pages... It is or it isn't. It is not a substitute amendment.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions on the amendment? All right. Debate on the amendment?
• Seeing an amendment to the amendment, please read the amendment to the amendment.
• Late-filed Amendment to the Amendment barcode 735-864 by Senator Simon: delete line 69 and insert amendment
• So the amendment to the amendment was adopted. We were back on the original amendment.
• Further questions on the amendment as amended? Any debate on the amendment as amended?

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing visiting groups, including FSU students and officials, Catholic lay leaders, Broward County school officials and students, and veterans-related guests. The chamber then took up a series of bills, with several routine reviser measures passing unanimously: SB 36 adopting the 2025 Florida Statutes, SB 38 changing a division name in the statutes, SB 40 deleting repealed provisions, and SB 42 cleaning up obsolete language and cross-references. SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience was amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub’s role and passed 39-0 after debate about mangroves, oyster reefs, living shorelines, and hybrid green-gray infrastructure. SB 116, a major veterans bill, passed 39-0 after extensive discussion of veteran benefits awareness, mental health training, coordination with federal agencies, adult day health care, and the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions and debate over state preemption of local zoning and related regulation, and SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids passed 39-0 to expand access for adults after licensed evaluation. The Senate also passed SB 150, as amended, to conform to the House by changing the bill’s wording from “animals” to “dogs” in the natural-disaster abandonment context. SB 294 passed 38-0 to limit collaborative pharmacy practice from being expanded to certain serious cardiac conditions. Senate Memorial 314 was adopted by voice vote, urging Congress to seek a larger Florida National Guard force structure. SB 322 passed 39-0 creating a nonjudicial process for commercial property owners to have unauthorized occupants removed by the sheriff. SB 348 passed 39-0, making it an ethics violation to falsely claim a military rank for material gain and allowing delinquent ethics fines to be withheld from public paychecks. SB 7012 on child welfare passed 39-0 and would recruit former public safety workers into CPI/case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and improve data collection and services for commercially sexually exploited children. Later, the Senate returned to SB 108 on administrative procedures, which passed 39-0 after debate over a five-year review cycle for agency rules, reporting requirements, and greater transparency in rulemaking. SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services and discussion of easing pathways into the CPA profession while maintaining standards. SB 110 on rural communities passed after an amendment package and extensive debate, with provisions described as creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and road funding, school support, and health care investments for rural areas. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and received additional announcements before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As amended by the Senate.
• The Senate amendments.
• The amendment is now passed. There is an amendment at the desk.
• The amendment is adopted to amend Senate File 1740. There is an amendment at the desk.
• The amendment is not adopted. There is an amendment at the desk.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matthews offers the A2 amendment. Matthews offers the A2 amendment.
• I have the A16 amendment. The A16 amendment. Senator McEwen offers the A16 amendment.
• yes on this amendment. yes on this amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• about the A17 amendment. about the A17 amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the recommendation on this measure is to pass with amendments, adopting the Pu Amendment, requesting
• There are some technical, non-substantive amendments, and we will adopt the amendments proposed by the
• c> adopt<00:03:15.200> the amendments and we will adopt the amendments and we will adopt the
• > Hawaii<00:03:16.720> state Amendments proposed by the Hawaii state Amendments proposed
• pass with amendments adopting technical non-substantive<00:05:09.960> amendments<00:05:10.960

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met in decision-making session and took up a series of previously heard bills. SB 21 on water carriers was passed with amendments to make the inflationary cost-indexed adjustment mechanism permissive rather than required, along with technical changes and a non-defective effective date. SB 133 on energy was passed with amendments adopting PUC recommendations and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 391 on recycling, creating an end-of-life lithium-ion battery management working group, was passed unamended. SB 532 on DOE medication administration in public schools was passed with amendments incorporating Hawaii State Center for Nursing proposals and a defective effective date. SB 230 on wild game meat donations was passed with technical amendments and a July 1, 2050 defective date. SB 1279 on pharmacists and telehealth supervision under the 340B program was also passed with a defective effective date of July 1, 2050. SB 1494 on optional hearing aid coverage was passed with technical amendments and a defective effective date of July 1, 2050. The committee deferred action on SB 588, which would allow self-certification for certain behind-the-meter solar systems and exempt them from FEA no-rise/no-impact declarations, citing the testimony submitted. It also deferred SB 281 on telehealth conformity with federal Medicare rules and SB 49 on prior authorization data reporting, both until Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Conference Room 229. SB 838 on health insurance coverage for continuous glucose monitors was passed with amendments adopting technical changes and Department of Human Services proposals, plus a defective effective date of July 1, 2050; one member noted support but urged future consideration of including Medicaid managed care. All measures acted on were adopted without objections or reservations, with Senator Richards excused from voting on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you ready for the question on the amendment? amendment. The recommendation to bill amendment.
• . amendment. amendment.
• The<02:00:29.119> amendment The amendment The amendment is<02:00:31.440> 0644H is 0644H
• The Senate amended the bill with several floor amendments, and all of those floor amendments have been
• > support<05:14:48.160> is this bill amend amended support is this bill amend amended support

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any debate on the amendment?
• All in favor of the amendment say aye. Any opposed say nay. Show the amendment adopted.
• We're back on the bill as amended. Any questions on the bill as amended?
• Show that amendment adopted. Senators, we have an amendment to the amendment.
• That amendment has been withdrawn. So we are now back on the bill as amended.

Bills: S0214, S0694, S1266

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, compensation, wrongful conviction, civil rights, historic injustice, reparation, cybersecurity, internships, workforce development, education, economic growth

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. First, SB 214 by Senator McLean, a rural access bill for special districts, was amended to allow independent special districts in rural areas to receive certain state and federal financial assistance payments directly for verified work rather than relying on reimbursement. Testimony in support came from representatives of water and sewer entities and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 214 favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1266 by Senator Collada on cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was amended to create a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, working with Cyber Florida at USF. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn by Senator Bernard. With no opposition noted, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 1266 favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 694 by Senator Bracey Davis, which provides compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for wrongful convictions and related harms. The bill was presented as a justice and redress measure, with supportive testimony from Delatry Hollinger and comments from Senator Smith and the chair praising the effort. The committee reported CS/SB 694 favorably, and then adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is the amendment, Mr. Chair. Any questions on the amendment?
• The amendment is adopted. Take up Amendment Barcode 156346.
• Amendment Barcode 156346 is a technical amendment for line 131 of the bill.
• The amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended.
• Amendment Barcode 148410 is a technical amendment for line 34 of the bill, and that is the amendment,

Bills: S1512, S1602, S1604, S1656

Keywords: Space Florida, tax exemption, governmental purpose, aviation, defense industry, space exploration, semiconductor technology, veterans, housing, property management, incentives, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, vacancy relief, risk mitigation, housing finance, trust fund, Homes for Veterans, S1656, SB 1656, official state flagship

Summary: The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum and considered several memorials and bills. It first passed Senate Memorial 1714, urging Congress to support the “No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Acts” measure to prevent U.S. funds from benefiting the Taliban in Afghanistan. The committee then favorably reported SB 1512, which expands tax exemptions and procurement flexibility for Space Florida, and SB 1656, which designates the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship in place of the Western Union. The committee also favorably reported SM 1186, which urges Congress to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with supporters citing Florida’s large population and disaster response needs. Senator Sharif voiced support for the effort. Next, the committee took up SB 1602, creating a Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation funds; two amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as committee substitute. SB 1604, which creates the associated trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, also received one technical amendment and was reported favorably as committee substitute. Throughout the meeting, several measures drew supportive testimony or comments, including representatives from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber on SB 1512 and a supporter on SB 1602. Multiple members offered to co-sponsor or support veterans-related measures. No bills were opposed in debate, all amendments were adopted without objection, and each item was reported favorably before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other amendments? On the desk, Mr. President. Read the first amendment.
• Are there questions on the amendment? Is there debate on the amendment?
• Read the next amendment. Amendment barcode 211-610 by Senator Simon.
• So the amendment passes. We're back on the bill as amended.
• Are there questions on the amendment? Is there a debate on the amendment?

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial executive appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities, described as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package. Sponsor Senator Simon outlined provisions creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties facing population loss, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping grant language tied to new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties generally supported the bill, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural areas and how funds would be accessed. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General findings by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance-based business plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including changes to the stabilization fund and documentation requirements. Senators from both parties debated transparency, accountability, and implementation concerns, with some also urging future attention to declining-enrollment school districts and the quality of scholarship providers. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County visitors in the gallery, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• solution to that is the amendment. solution to that is the amendment.
• We have another amendment. Yes, I have an amendment.
• I understand these two amendments were spoken to me before and they were friendly amendments.
• We're not taking an amendment, a written amendment, like we used to.
• :28:36.000> written<00:28:36.240> amendment an amendment hand a written amendment an amendment

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to move Amendment 0882H. Would you like to hand out the amendment?
• We are voting on the amendment for a ought to pass as amended—actually, we're voting on the amendment
• You can have Ought to Pass as amended. You can't have ITL as amended. Okay, thanks.
• You can have Ought to Pass as amended. You can't have ITL as amended. Okay, thanks.
• You can have Ought to Pass as amended. You can't have ITL as amended. Okay, thanks.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 118 in executive session and adopted Amendment 0882H, which would remove the House and Senate members from the Child Care Commission while leaving the commission in place. Members said the amendment was a continuation of earlier committee discussion and supported it as a needed change. The committee then voted 12-0 to recommend ought to pass as amended, and HB 118 was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 142, dealing with Gold Star Mother’s Day. The sponsor explained that the bill was unnecessary because existing statute already directs the governor to issue a proclamation for Gold Star Mother’s Day and to urge appropriate observance, including flag-related ceremonies. Several members discussed how to ensure the proclamation and flag observance would happen and whether the committee report should note the existing statute. Other members said they would oppose killing the bill because the recognition was important. The committee voted 9-3 to table/ITL the bill, and HB 142 was declared inexpedient to legislate. The final major item was a public hearing on a non-germane amendment to House Bill 456, with a related draft amendment also discussed. The sponsor said the amendment would raise the annual membership allowance from $20 to $75, rename fees as dues, prohibit dues from being used to pay lobbyists, require NHMA dues to be brought before voters as a separate warrant article for transparency, and require separate accounting so lobbying funds are not co-mingled with other funds. Supporters said the goal was to keep taxpayer-derived money from funding lobbying while preserving non-lobbying services such as legal advice and training. Opponents argued the proposal was an overreach and would micromanage local towns. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the Senate amend the House amendment to Senate Bill 155. Thank you, Mr. President.
• I move the Senate amend the House amendment to Senate Bill 155.
• Senator from Lewis moves the Senate to amend the House amendment to Senate Bill 155.
• I move the Senate concur in the House amendment as amended.
• 155 as amended.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first took up Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. After adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, the chamber concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed the bill 33-0, with one member absent and not voting. The amendment was described as creating an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year, and the bill was presented as a tool to help county boards fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas. The chamber then received a large number of committee reports and advanced several House bills on first reading. These included measures on creating the Team West Virginia Corporation, establishing the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the respiratory care interstate compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the Science and Culture Center, and a comprehensive energy development policy and plan. Several bills were reported as amended by committees, and one energy bill was referred to the Rules Committee. Additional committee action included reports on a bill to repeal the school-transfer eligibility protection, a load forecast accountability bill, oil and gas well plugging provisions, a TANF drug-screening extension, and a bill authorizing the Supreme Court of Appeals to create child protection commissioners. Most of these were advanced on first reading after unanimous consent. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day, with announcements of upcoming committee meetings before the chamber adjourned.