Transcript Highlights:

• Do you approve of girls in boys' sports? I don't approve of boys in girls' sports.
• Do you approve of girls in boys' sports? Yes, you do approve of girls in boys' sports?
• I don't have... ...you approve of girls in boys. Yes. You do approve of girls in boys?
• of boys in girls sports correct do you approve of girls in boys sports yes you do approve of girls in
• You do approve of girls in boys?

Bills: HB2020, HB2032, HB2033, HB2249, HB2313, HB2318, HB2378, HCR2003

Keywords: interference, disruption, educational institutions, public order, conduct rules, statewide assessment, student testing, academic standards, third grade reading, reading retention, promotion and retention, school accountability, assessment window, testing window, test scores, school report cards, nontest data, graduation rates, dropout rates, education data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a motion for the approval of the minutes with those two corrections? Corrections.
• Is there a motion for the approval of the minutes with those two corrections?
• The meeting minutes are approved. Thank you. I got one last minute. Public comment raised hand.
• One, responsibilities: mission critical, suitable sites, approved sites.
• Well, because right now, TerraPower is the only approved design for a small modular reactor.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• protection of jobs, local businesses, and tax revenue that Plain Ridge Park generates, I urge you to approve
• Online gambling is engineered to be addictive.
• Plain Ridge Park Casino has been a reliable economic engine for our region.
• Plain Ridge Park Casino has been a reliable economic engine for our region, but we never allowed it to
• So don't take this from me. 1,028 jobs at our brick-and-mortar casinos when iGaming was approved.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies. The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools. The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• minors engaged in hunting education are allowed to possess a firearm so long as they have written approval
• The five years or more that it takes to get a transmission line approved is the real culprit here.
• It prevents them from adding new constraints or restrictions three years after the state approves their
• It's an existing environmental process to approve this kind of projects already.
• If this bill is adopted, California would be the first state to require browsers and browser engines

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long floor file of bills. Early measures passed with little or no debate, including AB 698 on local transfer taxes and affordable housing analysis, AB 456 on mobile home sales, AB 1129 on reportable infant health conditions, AB 69 on Fair Plan insurance notices and voluntary market searches, AB 357 on expedited student and faculty housing permits, AB 383 on firearms code cleanups, AB 426 on drones interfering with emergency response, AB 825 on energy affordability and transmission financing, and AB 699 on ballot transparency for local tax and bond measures. Most of these bills passed unanimously or with strong bipartisan margins, while AB 825 drew the most extended debate over whether it would lower costs or expand state control of energy infrastructure; it ultimately passed 45-5. The most contentious item was AB 84, which would strengthen oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and tighten accountability for charter spending and operations. Supporters argued it was needed to stop fraud and misuse of public education dollars, citing major scandals and audit findings, while opponents warned it would harm legitimate charter schools, reduce educational options, and disproportionately affect rural and special-needs students. Several members said they supported the bill only to keep negotiations going, and others urged more targeted or delayed action. After extensive debate and multiple amendments, the Assembly passed AB 84 on a 41-22 vote. The chamber also took up AB 610, a housing bill that would require cities and counties to disclose planned housing restrictions and limit new constraints for three years after housing element approval. The author framed it as a certainty and transparency measure to help address the state’s housing shortage, while noting continued discussions with local governments and housing advocates. The transcript ends with the bill’s presentation and request for an aye vote, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This growth has grown to be a $2.1 billion economic engine with over 16,000 people in its workforce.
• with over 16,000 people economic engine with over 16,000 people [clears throat]<00:30:34.320> in<
• Windsor had to do with voter approved Windsor had to do with voter approved debts<01:10:25.000><
• Uh, 11 districts have approved bonds since July 2024.
• And then you got to get the engineers And then you got to get the engineers in. in. in.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So far, no mRNA vaccines have received full regulatory approval for use in animals produced for food.
• Regulatory approval of any drug administered to livestock includes specific withdrawal time guidelines
• No, there are no mRNA vaccines that have been approved for any animal use.
• I think that we did approve, at least in the work group; it's still in the budget.
• about, not many other places have actually approved that.

Bills: SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Aeronautical University, which is the premier specialized institution for aviation, aerospace, engineering
• the first 60 days of a declared state of emergency, but continued use of the fund would require approval
• But I can't approve offering a blank check to the executive branch.
• Made, but I can't approve offering a blank check to the executive branch, especially one that has often
• In recent days, We can re-approve this trust fund through the end of 2027 so that we can see how these

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

Transcript Highlights:

• this past year we've had tremendous take out energy from citizens with over 1.5, 5 million policies approved
• may be in order for that, they have to justify to the office and then ultimately a final number is approved
• have the we do not have re inform regulatory authority to to do do submit a review form to us for approval
• It's we received over over 1.5 million request from companies for takeout that we've approved.
• We have that's a takeout request approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• engineer chief engineer of the engineer chief engineer of the Department<00:15:01.440> of
• <00:15:15.240> by And this would have to be approved by And this would have to be approved
• Do advise and consent has been approved. Item 37, Senator. >> Thank you, Mr. President.
• Do advise and consent has been approved. Item 38, Senator. >> Mr.
• to secure FDA's approval of. to secure FDA's approval of.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Dr. Ryan Wade and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine business by dispensing with the reading of the journal and committee reports. Several guests were recognized, including Leadership Jackson County, Farm Bureau members, a doctor of the day, adult educators, and other visitors in the gallery. Senator Brumfield also announced support efforts for Senator Warren Barnett, asking members to contribute to him through Ms. Anita Jackson. The chamber then considered a series of House bills, most of them taken up with strike-all amendments and passed by use of the morning roll call. Measures included HB 1390 on personal services funding allocations, HB 1571 on ARPA funds and unexpended balances, HB 1655 on the State Aid Road Construction director’s personnel status, HB 1650 on dormant state accounts and pooled investments, HB 1651 on state agencies using other agencies’ facilities and charging 50% of fair market value, HB 1345 on administrative forfeiture of illegal cigarette and vaping products, HB 1386 on allowing sidewalks as an eligible use of municipal infrastructure funds, HB 671 on alcoholic beverage delivery responsibility ending when retailers transfer possession to delivery services, and HB 1385 on eliminating paper-original homestead exemption submissions. Members asked questions on several bills, especially about whether the fairgrounds language in HB 1651 would affect youth livestock shows and whether HB 1386 or other measures would change county revenue; sponsors generally said the bills were intended to address state-agency use, municipal reporting, or administrative efficiency rather than alter those programs. The Senate also advanced HB 898, creating a sales tax diversion study committee to review misallocated municipal sales tax revenues, assess impacts, examine technology and oversight, and recommend reforms by the 2027 session; Senator Hill questioned whether counties should be included, but the sponsor said that would be a separate policy decision. Later, the Senate reconsidered HB 1265, the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act extended repealer, adopted an amendment to remove the repealer instead of extending it, and then passed the bill. The body also took up SB 2632, the local governments disaster recovery emergency loan program, and voted not to concur and to invite conference. Finally, HB 1142 on bench warrant notices was called up; the sponsor explained a strike-all that would replace certified mail with personal service or electronic transmission and include a reverse repealer for further conference work.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that recently um be approved.
• where it's application and then approval where it's application and then approval and<01:18:52.080
• They're now um the name how you got approval for that. and if how you got approval for that. and if that
• welldeveloped project could be approved welldeveloped project could be approved uh<01:22:35.520>
• 22.639> the<01:30:22.960> business affirmative approval from the business affirmative approval

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Move to approve. So motion by Roers, second by Weisz. Any other discussion?
• recommended number of positions, the committee is also tasked with approving the rates.
• The committee is also tasked with approving the rates.
• So there's no action that you need to take today to approve these documents.
• Development operations engineer. And I honestly, I don't know what that is.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• whole planning process and engineering whole planning process and engineering and<02:55:21.920><
• You guys don't engineer it.
• engineering, and then you use your own licensed engineers to oversee the consultant that's overseeing
• it you guys pay you guys don't engineer it you guys pay an<02:57:37.840> engineering<02:57:38.399
• your own licensed engineers to oversee your own licensed engineers to oversee the<02:57:47.520> consultant

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the city engineer for the city of Brooklyn Park.
• engineer for the city of Brooklyn Park. engineer for the city of Brooklyn Park.
• of that. represent the Minnesota County Engineers represent the Minnesota County Engineers Association
• <01:40:26.000> have current policy and county engineers have current policy and county engineers
• My city uh engineer at the time ideas.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• motion to approve? motion to approve? >> Motion. >> Motion. >> Motion.
• the summer around our new space there, the engineering building.
• the summer around our new space there, the engineering building.
• the summer around our new space there, the engineering building.
• <00:55:17.920> a actually the board uh approved a actually the board uh approved a significant

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services. Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program. During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• participating school district or municipality must appoint an advisory committee to evaluate the approved
• To evaluate the approved applications submitted by both students and private employers, we are investing
• We are able to work with students in areas like precision machining and engineering that are vital to
• Without dedicated state funding, schools risk losing the coordinators, key engines in this process, and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And civil engineering, for example, those are two of them.
• These subclusters also form the name and the direction of all of our CTE-approved programs of study in
• The Career Readiness Bureau has followed federal law by identifying course sequences for approved programs
• But you can go to—there are engineers in town that have done this.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a retired aerospace engineer. I used to work at San Diego National Laboratories.
• We spell it out science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and education, so we don't like acronyms
• Headed to or very close to getting NRC um approval, so something that can start being deployed, um, I
• All right, can I get a motion for um the work plan, approval of the work plan? 2nd. OK, thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• per year leader of phosphorus, the septic to sewer projects stormwater projects increasing the engineering
• that I should be submitting 6 $700,000 request through this budget process and hoping that it gets approved
• There are more than 1400 approved adopters in the system found throughout 22 states and 500 of those
• I would argue and just the design, engineering marvels and it's wonderful. It's beautiful.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or personal people who want to build their own homes have reasonable timelines to get their plans approved
• timelines to get their plans approved. timelines to get their plans approved.
• Farmington itself, including just last week, a week ago today, has approved over 800 housing units in
• > density<00:26:19.120> single We've also approved mixed density single We've also approved
• approved 2040 comprehensive plan. approved 2040 comprehensive plan.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're an economic engine for the city of St.
• We're an economic engine for the city of St.
• We're an economic engine for the city of St.
• We're an economic engine for the city of St.
• We're an economic engine for the city of St.

Keywords: 1183, house