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NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Judiciary Feb 14th, 2026

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • this committee, the temperature of how different the room is, because I think the only reason the lawmakers
  • I think the only reason the lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary were supportive of this is because there
  • And I think you're still going to see lawmakers even in the Senate say, telling the schools to do anything
Bills: HB294 , SB40 , SB43 , SB35
Summary: The committee first briefly discussed House Bill 95, which would create an additional judgeship in the Second Judicial District. Members noted it was being aligned with the Senate version so the House and Senate bills would match. An amendment was adopted to also include the new First Judicial District judgeship that had been added earlier in the session, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies banning wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, and health care needs. The sponsors and Public Education Department officials said the bill was intended to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus and mental health, and support teachers, and the Office of Broadband explained that $1 million from an existing education technology fund would help schools implement storage solutions such as lockers or pouches. Supporters included representatives from New Mexico Kids Can, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Higher Education Department; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s definition of “school day,” the three-year phase-in, local control, and whether the funding and storage requirements were necessary. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to strike Section 4, which contained the phase-in schedule, and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended. Members also discussed whether the bill should be more direct and immediate, but sponsors said the phased approach and funding were intended to improve chances of passage and implementation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 246, which would add licensure and inspection requirements for massage therapy establishments to address safety, sanitation, and concerns about illegal activity such as prostitution and human trafficking. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would close a regulatory gap and allow inspections of establishments, while the massage therapy industry supported the rulemaking being left to the board. Members questioned the breadth of the bill, including inspection timing, the impact on legitimate businesses, and language that could unintentionally bar people from licensure for past conduct. The committee worked through amendments to narrow those provisions, including adding “for compensation” and limiting certain denial language to conduct after the bill’s effective date, and the sponsor accepted those changes.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/26/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • As lawmakers of today, may I ask, Please proceed.
  • As lawmakers of today, may I ask, are we going backwards into prehistoric ways?
  • Today, as lawmakers, we are making the laws to better the lives of all people, all living things, including
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Pamela Murphy as Doctor of the Day. Members also introduced a number of guests, including Deacon Ernie Gonzalez, local Prescott officials, Arizona Game and Fish commissioners, and advocates from the Alzheimer’s Association. A proclamation was read designating January 26, 2026, as Arizona Aviation Day, with remarks highlighting the aviation industry’s economic impact and the presence of airport and aviation representatives in the gallery. The clerk then read a long list of bills that had been first read or referred for printing, and a second-reading calendar covering measures on water and energy, education, elections, taxes, housing, veterans, public safety, and other topics. No floor votes on those bills were taken during this segment. Representative Gress also read a resolution recognizing National School Choice Week and praising Arizona’s school choice programs, including charters and ESAs. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of members’ personal privilege remarks responding to violence and immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and elsewhere. Speakers from both parties and several senators and representatives condemned ICE tactics, described constituent fear and family separations, and called for constitutional rights, due process, and accountability. Representative Sandoval requested and the House observed a moment of respectful silence in memory of Alex Pretty and Renee Good. The House then received committee and caucus announcements and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Financial Institutions Jan 14th, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Financial Institutions

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so as lawmakers, I think it impedes us to make sure that we do everything on our So as lawmakers,
  • My primary responsibility as a lawmaker down there is to protect my constituents.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Higher Education - 01/21/25

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's just mostly a recommendation of how we can work together, your office and us as lawmakers, to say
  • It's just mostly a recommendation of how we can work together, your office and us as lawmakers, to say
  • It's just mostly a recommendation of how we can work together, your office and us as lawmakers, to say
  • It's just mostly a recommendation of how we can work together, your office and us as lawmakers, to say
  • It's just mostly a recommendation of how we can work together, your office and us as lawmakers, to say
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 5/14/26 - Part 2

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Praying for those affected and for lawmakers to wake up.' You are a junior.
  • Praying for those affected and for lawmakers to wake up.'
  • </c><01:51:15.199><c> And</c><01:51:15.360><c> you</c> for lawmakers to wake up.
  • And you for lawmakers to wake up.
  • </c><03:18:43.520><c> have</c> sessions is that we as lawmakers have sessions is that we as lawmakers
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • We've had threats on lawmakers.
  • In the course, over the course of time, particularly if you're talking about lawmakers, people who enter
  • And as a result, a former lawmaker absolutely gains an unfair situations, and as a result, a former lawmaker
Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills covering property, criminal justice, public safety, courts, insurance, housing, and family law. Early measures included HB 4343, which would let district courts set appraiser fees in condemnation cases at levels more comparable to private appraisers, and HB 4125, restoring firearm rights to certain nonviolent felons after meeting requirements. The committee also approved HB 4126 on liability protections for dirt bike tracks, HB 3471 expanding information protections for ongoing investigations by OBN, ABLE, and the Corporation Commission, and HB 3407 clarifying the process for abandoned manufactured homes on private property. Several bills were advanced on recorded votes, generally with strong support, including HB 2933, an omnibus insurance consumer protection bill, and HB 3453, which shifts the burden of proof in eminent domain cases to the condemning authority after amendment. A major point of debate was HB 3094, which would allow SDA license holders to carry firearms in the Capitol. Representative Jenkins argued the bill would align Oklahoma with other states and protect constituents who must leave firearms in vehicles; Department of Public Safety Director Tipton opposed it, citing safety, threat-assessment, and manpower concerns. Committee members questioned the bill’s practical effects, including screening, tracking, and whether the Capitol is truly a gun-free zone. The motion to advance HB 3094 failed on a 4-5 vote. The committee also rejected HB 3727, which would impose a four-year waiting period before former legislators could register as lobbyists, after members raised constitutional and free-speech concerns and the sponsor defended it as a revolving-door restriction. Other notable measures included HB 3845, restoring a driver’s license revocation tool for chronic child-support delinquency; HB 1453, barring foreign entities and individuals tied to designated countries from owning Oklahoma real property or agricultural land and requiring divestment; HB 387, extending garnishment timelines to 30 days; HB 2941, creating overdose reporting and fentanyl-related death presumptions; HB 2959, tightening mandatory child-abuse reporting from schools to law enforcement; and HB 2945, creating a civil qui tam action against trafficking in abortion-inducing drugs, which drew extensive questions about standing, privacy, enforcement, and intent but ultimately failed 3-5. The committee also advanced bills on child custody interview standards, workplace violence protective orders, utility debt collection through tax refunds, eviction mediation to stabilize housing for children, AI chatbot protections for children, supported decision-making for adults with disabilities, commercial receiverships, charitable reporting protections, notice publication errors for municipalities, uniform wage garnishment procedures, and ending cost arrest warrants for unpaid court fines and fees. Most bills were reported out by recorded vote, often with sponsors noting they would continue working on language with stakeholders.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Business, Trade & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • people across Washington and that they will be on the hill next week for lobby day to talk with lawmakers
  • He also said the bill recognizes how fast AI is moving and that if lawmakers wait, harmful practices
  • He said that if lawmakers wait, harmful practices will become normal and much harder to undo.
  • If lawmakers wait, harmful practices will become normal and much harder to undo.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Washington allows citizens to participate in the lawmaking process by suggesting initiatives or referenda
  • Washington for 36 years and appreciate that citizens have an opportunity to bring initiatives to lawmakers
  • me and many people in Washington because it allows us to hold political power and influence the lawmaking
  • These powers do not come from lawmakers.
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2260, House Joint Resolution 4209, and House Bill 2259, with testimony and questions on each. HB 2260 would require petition signature gatherers to sign and date each petition sheet, provide their address and county, and require voters’ residence addresses for signature verification; supporters said this would improve accountability and help prevent fraud or duplicate signatures, while opponents argued it would burden volunteers, risk disenfranchising voters who move or use incomplete addresses, and add unnecessary penalties. The Secretary of State and former Secretary of State opposed the bill, saying existing verification methods are effective and that the measure could create costly, unintended barriers. HB 2259 would require 1,000 registered-voter signatures before filing an initiative or referendum and prohibit pay-per-signature compensation, with civil penalties and a private right of action; supporters said it would reduce frivolous filings, title shopping, and fraud incentives, while opponents said it would chill initiative activity, especially for rural communities and referenda with tight timelines. The Secretary of State and former Secretary of State also opposed HB 2259, saying the initiative process should remain accessible and that the bill would add barriers and workload. House Joint Resolution 4209 would amend the state constitution to allow the legislature to modify congressional districts mid-decade by simple majority if another state adopts a new congressional map absent a court order. The prime sponsor argued Washington should not unilaterally stay passive if other states engage in partisan mid-decade redistricting, while opponents said the proposal would weaken Washington’s bipartisan redistricting system, set a bad precedent, and invite retaliation. Testimony on the resolution was sharply divided, with supporters warning that partisan redistricting elsewhere threatens fair representation and opponents saying Washington should preserve its existing commission-based process rather than respond in kind. The hearing on HJR 4209 was concluded after testimony. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt. The chair suspended and reopened hearings as planned, and testimony was taken on all three measures, with HB 2260 and HB 2259 drawing extensive public comment and questions about fraud, access, and administrative burden.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Dec 15th, 2025 at 01:04 pm

Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They give lawmakers a feeling they have accomplished something constructive.
  • Accumulate all the evidence to the contrary you want, but lawmakers in many states are still going to
  • five years, ten years, or whatever, that it at least will resurface in the legislature so that the lawmakers
  • And he had found a handful of like-minded lawmakers nationally, and if any of you are among them, I don't
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House tax panel considers HF526 4/8/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Colleagues, it is imperative that lawmakers recognize that ambulance and fire special districts provides
  • Colleagues, it is imp<00:03:01.959><c> imperative</c><00:03:02.959><c> that</c><00:03:03.280><c> lawmakers
  • </c><00:03:03.920><c> recognize</c> imp imperative that lawmakers recognize imp imperative that lawmakers
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • many individuals vandalized public buildings, particularly the Capitol, threatened the lives of lawmakers
  • <00:21:32.320><c> of</c> the capital threatened the lives of the capital threatened the lives of lawmakers
  • 33.840><c> and</c><00:21:34.080><c> the</c><00:21:34.159><c> general</c><00:21:34.240><c> general</c> lawmakers
  • , staff and the general general lawmakers, staff and the general general public<00:21:35.760><c> physically
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • The current funding process allows lawmakers to allocate resources based on the evolving needs of Florida's
  • So the current funding process allows lawmakers to allocate resources based on the evolving needs of
  • And what I mean is that the Legislature appropriates in silos, meaning that lawmakers overseeing higher
  • And what I mean by that is that the Legislature appropriates in silos, meaning that lawmakers overseeing
Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on higher education funding, focusing on how Florida’s university system should be financed and whether a new funding model is needed. University system financial officers and Chancellor Ray Rodriguez discussed major cost drivers, including wages and benefits, utilities, maintenance, financial aid, research, and the effects of geography, institutional mission, and student mix. UF highlighted the cost of research and graduate programs; UCF and FAU pointed to growth, location, and cost of living; FAMU emphasized recruiting top-tier talent while relying on other revenue sources; and UNF noted the challenges of growth and long-term planning. Members also discussed the role of internal controls and audits in addressing excessive spending and questioned whether out-of-state tuition should be adjusted to help offset costs. On revenue sources beyond state appropriations and tuition, the panel described auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. Several universities noted that some revenues are restricted to specific purposes and cannot be used for general operations. FAMU explained that a large share of its capital project funding reflected active campus construction, while UF said its component-unit revenue is largely tied to UF Health. The Chancellor emphasized that the system’s low tuition and strong state support are central to Florida’s national standing, but also noted that some auxiliary revenues are pledged to debt and must be managed carefully. When discussing the current funding process, witnesses praised Florida’s performance-based funding model for aligning incentives with student success, transparency, and accountability. They also raised concerns about non-recurring appropriations, rising employee benefit costs, unfunded mandates, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of multi-year planning. Suggestions for improvement included more recurring funding, better coverage of mandated costs, greater flexibility in fee-setting, and possible weighting for mission, geography, and institutional type. The Chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a “version 3.0” of performance-based funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications, but any changes would require legislative action. On out-of-state tuition, most universities said they would prefer local board flexibility, while the Chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or fees could affect future state support and should be balanced carefully.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Ethics and Elections Mar 10th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • This right exists to ensure that when lawmakers fail to act in the best interest of the people, the people
  • Instead of respecting this sacred democratic process, state lawmakers have launched a systematic attack
  • This right exists to ensure that when lawmakers fail to act in the best interest of the people, the people
  • Instead of respecting this sacred democratic process, state lawmakers have launched a systematic attack
Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections heard SPB 7016, a bill revising Florida’s citizen initiative petition process to address fraud, voter information, and ballot integrity. The bill and its amendments would add sponsor bonds and deposit requirements, require more identifying information from signers and circulators, bar certain felons and non-citizens from circulating petitions, require circulator training, shorten the time to submit signed petitions, require notices to voters whose signatures are verified, and change how financial impact statements are handled. Several amendments were adopted, including a $1 million bond framework, 10-point font and page limits for petition forms, a ban on incentive-based pay tied to petition counts or speed, removal of a requirement that fraud be proven by criminal conviction before administrative fines, county deposit and payment procedures for supervisors of elections, invalidation of petitions gathered by ineligible circulators, training requirements within 30 days, and a prohibition on public funds being used to advocate for or against constitutional amendments. Committee discussion focused heavily on implementation and fairness. Supporters, including the sponsor and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, argued the bill was needed to deter fraud, protect voter information, and ensure sponsors—not taxpayers—bear the costs of the initiative process. Supervisors of elections testified that county taxpayers should not subsidize petition verification, but also warned that some provisions would be difficult to implement quickly because of software and operational constraints. Senators raised questions about the bond cost, the 10-day submission deadline, notice to voters whose petitions are invalidated, the effect on returning citizens, and whether the bill could disenfranchise voters who sign petitions in good faith. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, NAACP Florida, Florida Rising, Equality Florida, All Voting Is Local, and other advocates said the bill would suppress grassroots participation, criminalize volunteers, create costly barriers, and favor wealthy or corporate interests. They objected especially to the bond, the new signer identification requirements, the shorter submission window, and the lack of notice when a petition is invalidated. A few supporters, including the Florida Chamber, backed the measure as a safeguard against fraud and outside influence. After debate, the committee did not reach a final vote on the bill in the portion provided, but the bill remained before the committee as amended.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Mar 10th, 2025

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • This right exists to ensure that when lawmakers fail to act in the best interest of the people, the people
  • Instead of respecting this sacred democratic process, state lawmakers have launched a systematic attack
  • This right exists to ensure that when lawmakers fail to act in the best interest of the people, the people
  • Instead of respecting this sacred democratic process, state lawmakers have launched a systematic attack
Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider SPB 7016, a major bill revising Florida’s constitutional initiative petition process. Senator Grall presented it as a fraud-prevention and ballot-integrity measure that would add sponsor training, stricter circulator rules, more voter identification information, faster submission deadlines, notice to voters whose signatures are verified, and additional civil and criminal penalties. The committee also considered several amendments, including a $1 million bond requirement, font and page limits for petition forms, restrictions on incentive-based circulator pay, removal of a criminal-conviction prerequisite for certain fines, deposit and reimbursement procedures for supervisors of elections, invalidation of petitions gathered by ineligible circulators, mandatory circulator training, and a prohibition on public funds being used to advocate for or against constitutional amendments. All of the amendments were adopted, with some roll-call votes recorded and most passing on party-line or near party-line splits. The bill drew extensive questioning from senators, especially about the practical effects of the new requirements. Senator Polsky and Senator Rouson raised concerns about disenfranchising voters, burdening grassroots volunteers, the cost of bonds and deposits, the 10-day return deadline, and whether voters would be notified if a petition they signed was later invalidated. Grall said the measures were intended to protect the constitutionally significant initiative process, reduce fraud, and ensure sponsors—not taxpayers—bear administrative costs. Dave Ramba, speaking for supervisors of elections, supported the deposit and reimbursement concepts but warned that the bill’s implementation would be operationally difficult and that software vendors might not be ready for the changes by the effective date. He also said the process should avoid subsidizing petition drives with county taxpayer money. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers from Common Cause Florida, the League of Women Voters, the NAACP Florida State Conference, Florida Rising, Equal Ground, Voices of Florida, and other civic groups arguing the bill would suppress direct democracy, criminalize volunteer activity, impose excessive costs, and create confusion and litigation risk. One speaker from the Florida Chamber of Commerce supported the bill, saying the initiative process should be protected from fraud and outside interests. During debate, Senator Polsky argued the Legislature has steadily made the initiative process harder after recent citizen-led amendments succeeded, while supporters framed the bill as a necessary integrity measure. The committee had not yet taken final action on the bill itself by the end of the transcript.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • Would it have to be something that lawmakers pass, or I'm curious how that could work or roll out?
  • Would it have to be something that lawmakers pass, or I'm curious how that could work or roll out?
  • something that lawmakers pass or I'm something that lawmakers pass or I'm curious<00:21:12.400><c> how
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Election Law (03/07/2025)

Election Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:09:42.920><c> process</c> that affects uh the lawmaking process that affects uh the lawmaking
  • </c> solution as if it they have lawmaking solution as if it they have lawmaking power<01:19:05.080><
  • All address the same thing: the state lawmaking power must always follow the State Constitution, and
  • </c><01:24:11.000><c> power</c> all about that the state lawmaking power all about that the state lawmaking
  • power to that body as well lawmaking power to that body as well to<01:24:25.800><c> continue</c><01:
Committee: House Election Law
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Home care visit limits 3/25/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The health plans are not lawmakers and cannot unilaterally decide who pays for this care when there is
  • The 2010 mandate was a deliberate choice by lawmakers.
  • 2010 mandate was a deliberate choice The 2010 mandate was a deliberate choice by<00:04:41.759><c> lawmakers
  • The</c><00:04:42.960><c> commercial</c><00:04:43.360><c> plans,</c><00:04:44.320><c> not</c> by lawmakers
  • The commercial plans, not by lawmakers.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

HLT-HHS Informational Briefing 03-06-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, this one though, the more tickets police give, the more money the state and us lawmakers get to do
  • Uh, this one though, the more tickets police give, the more money the state and us lawmakers get to do
  • 10:58.320><c> us</c> give, the more money the state and us give, the more money the state and us lawmakers
  • </c> lawmakers get to do whatever we want. lawmakers get to do whatever we want.
Bills: HB20 , HB276 , HB644 , HB812 , HB816 , HB916 , HB1131 , HB1247 , HB1518 , HB1525 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB1546 , HB1553 , HB1562 , HB1565 , HB1566 , HB1576 , HB1577 , HB1591 , HB1605 , HB1612 , HB1613 , HB1614 , HB1618 , HB1620 , HB1650 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1668 , HB1676 , HB1707 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1715 , HB1718 , HB1727 , HB1749 , HB1756 , HB1774 , HB1776 , HB1801 , HB1802 , HB1805 , HB1813 , HB1815 , HB1831 , HB1838 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1859 , HB1863 , HB1871 , HB1872 , HB1918 , HB1920 , HB1952 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1967 , HB1969 , HB1972 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1975 , HB1980 , HB1985 , HB2005 , HB2023 , HB2031 , HB2033 , HB2062 , HB2113 , HB2114 , HB2116 , HB2138 , HB2139 , HB2156 , HB2158 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2208 , HB2268 , HB2270 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2276 , HB2289 , HB2310 , HB2315 , HB2335 , HB2338 , HB2339 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2361 , HB2384 , HB2387 , SB2338 , SB2431 , SB2438 , SB2593 , SB2907 , SB2671 , SB2321 , SB3084 , SB2401 , SB3033 , SB2972 , SB3032 , SB2806 , SB3014 , SB2108 , SB2981 , SB2973 , SB2423 , SB2078 , SB2322 , SB2397 , SB2896 , SB2088 , SB2347 , SB2408 , SB2970 , SB2851 , SB2713 , SB2697 , SB2312 , SB2192 , SB2363 , SB2530 , SB3028 , SB2024 , SB3007 , SB2599 , SB2596 , SB2662 , SB2930 , SB3334 , SB2378 , SB3019 , SB3231 , SB2240 , SB2372 , SB2175 , SB2046 , SB2298 , SB2922 , SB2835 , SB3263 , SB2174 , SB2128 , SB2006 , SB2489 , SB3134 , SB2982 , SB2425 , SB2849 , SB2797 , SB2795 , SB2575 , SB2521 , SB2765 , SB2386 , SB2852 , SB2022 , SB2117 , SB2277 , SB2387 , SB2688 , SB2885 , SB3132 , SB3219 , SB2169 , SB2591 , SB2090 , SB2983 , SB888 , SB3249 , SB2611 , SB2429 , SB2463 , SB3154 , SB3131 , SB3152 , SB3315 , SB2448 , SB2054 , SB2140 , SB2520 , SB2377 , SB2986 , SB2010 , SB2189 , SB2026 , SB3010 , SB2818 , SB2002
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

December 2, 2025 - 08:30 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's irresponsible that lawmakers keep reintroducing the bills which roll back the age to buy the long
  • I remember lockdown drills and watching students my age beg lawmakers to act after 17 students and educators
  • The thought that our own lawmakers would effectively put a target on our children's back by making it
  • There's no right that's absolute in the Constitution because we as lawmakers make laws that benefit the
  • Because we as lawmakers make laws that benefit the public, the health, safety, and welfare of the public
Summary: The committee first heard HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor said the bill restores the rights of law-abiding 18-year-olds. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters from Gun Owners of America and Florida Carry arguing that adults 18 and older should have equal Second Amendment rights and that current law is inconsistent with other adult responsibilities, while opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates, students, parents, and Parkland-related speakers, said the bill would reverse a post-Parkland safety measure and increase risks of suicide, accidental shootings, and school violence. Several members debated the bill, with opponents emphasizing Parkland, the Florida State shooting, and public polling showing broad opposition; supporters stressed parental responsibility, mental health, and constitutional rights. HB 133 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote of 13 yeas, with several members voting no. The committee then took up CS/HB 289, which would revise Florida’s wrongful death law to allow parents to recover damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to let grieving parents seek civil remedies, and members questioned how it would apply in situations involving surrogacy, rape, ectopic pregnancy, medical care, and damages calculations. The sponsor said the bill would not allow suits against the mother, would not apply to lawful non-negligent medical care, and would be handled through ordinary wrongful death damage proof before a jury. Public testimony was again split: supporters from pro-life and faith groups said the bill recognizes unborn children and aligns Florida with many other states, while opponents from civil liberties, reproductive rights, and advocacy groups warned it could be used to target abortion providers, helpers, and even families or businesses in miscarriage-related cases, and could be weaponized by abusive partners. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 289, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • If lawmakers want to witness an economy in which grocery prices are sky-high and getting higher by the
  • I urge lawmakers to pass this crucial piece of legislation, and thank you. Thank you, Mr. Knox.
  • I urge lawmakers<00:07:54.800><c> to</c><00:07:54.960><c> pass</c><00:07:55.199><c> this</c><00:07:55.440
  • ><c> crucial</c><00:07:55.759><c> piece</c><00:07:55.919><c> of</c> lawmakers to pass this crucial piece
  • of lawmakers to pass this crucial piece of legislation<00:07:56.639><c> and</c><00:07:56.960><c> thank