Transcript Highlights:

• Many districts would need to purchase additional buses, attempt to hire bus drivers who are in demand
• , and Many districts would need to purchase additional buses, attempt to hire bus drivers who are in
• The schedule is very, very flexible.

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, they're receiving free land that they get this land for free or did they purchase the land?
• My my purchase or own. >> Thank you for the question.
• susceptible to hurricanes local jurisdictions, especially those in hurricane prone areas, require the flexibility

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, purchasing the animal specimens can be costly, and typically a lot of money.
• And it's certainly far less costly than having to purchase animals, the animal. for dissection year after
• To be clear, this is not a mandate on schools, but rather provides them with more flexibility to effectively

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of purchasing power and it um<00:49:06.160> requires<00:49:06.720> a<00:49:07.119>
• So that's really important to know: those distributions must preserve purchasing power over time, and
• And then, starting on lines 2.1, it says provide annual distributions while preserving the purchasing
• And then, starting on lines 2.1, it says provide annual distributions while preserving the purchasing
• Secondly, this maintains building allocation flexibility at 40% for one additional year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• purchase? purchase? >> Mr.<00:32:23.279> Shia. >> Mr. Shia. >> Mr. Shia.
• purchase? purchase? >> Mr.<00:32:46.480> Shia, >> Mr. Shia, >> Mr.
• So, a lot of times if you purchase a motorcycle, same if you purchase a car, a dealership will offer
• So, a lot of times if you purchase a motorcycle, same if you purchase a car, a dealership will offer
• So, a lot of times if you purchase a motorcycle, same if you purchase a car, a dealership will offer

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• investigations pursuant to the purchase investigations pursuant to the purchase of<00:46:42.000>
• .<00:56:15.040> Um, purchases.
• Um, purchases.
• And so that actually gives the maximum amount of flexibility to law enforcement and the minimum ability
• And so that actually gives the maximum amount of flexibility to law enforcement and the minimum ability

Bills: SF0101

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lead white is flexible and durable; it's the reason so many painted portraits have lasted centuries.
• Lead white is flexible and durable; it's the reason so many painted portraits have lasted centuries.
• <00:47:36.720> or<00:47:36.880> smelted keys are made of purchased or smelted keys
• are made of purchased or smelted brass<00:47:38.079> which<00:47:38.280> contains<00:47
• Members, we right now have the ability in this state to go to a tobacco store or Walmart or purchase

Bills: HF737, HF247, HF325, HF1330

Keywords: lead, cadmium, consumer products, safety regulation, retail restrictions, motor sports, nonoxygenated gasoline, fuel regulations, storage requirements, racing events, HF325, flavored nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, retail sales, consumer protection, misdemeanor, commerce, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F

Transcript Highlights:

• I suppose we could have purchase agreements, and actually Hopkinton does have purchase agreements with
• And I think through the LGC maybe there's fuel purchasing agreements, too.
• Yeah, I mean, I suppose we could have purchase agreements, and actually Hopkinton does have purchase
• And I think through the LGC maybe there's fuel purchasing agreements, too.
• And, you know, I suppose we could have purchase agreements, and actually Hopkinton does have purchase

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which limits the maximum credits per course eligible for the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program. Representative Ladd said the bill clarifies that eligible courses may not exceed four credits and was requested by the community college system. Representative Earth offered an amendment to make the bill effective on passage, which the committee adopted 18-0. The committee then approved HB 193 as amended by an 18-0 OTPA vote and placed it on the consent calendar. The committee next retained HB 295, concerning School Building Aid program funds, after Representative Spillsbury said the building aid bills were complex and needed more work. The motion to retain passed 18-0, with the chair explaining that retained bills can be revisited later and that related language could be moved among building aid bills. HB 354 was not acted on because the chair said the Department of Education and others had suggested possible changes that should be worked out first. HB 366, another school building aid bill, was also retained 18-0 for the same reasons as HB 295. The committee then considered HB 494, which funds the math learning communities program. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program, reducing the proposed increase by a net $50,000 and keeping funding at current levels for the biennium. After discussion about budget pressures and the program’s role in supporting math instruction and professional development, the amendment passed 18-0, and the bill as amended was approved 18-0 and placed on consent. Finally, the committee took up HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid. Representative Popovici-Muller moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing charter schools should not be treated differently from other public schools, while Representatives Luno and Damon opposed the motion, saying charter schools differ in governance and financial risk and should not receive limited state building aid. The motion failed 10-8, so HB 515 was sent to the regular calendar. The committee assigned Representative Damon to the minority report and Representative Popovici-Muller to the majority report, with a noon deadline the next day. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program. Representative Ladd described the program as a successful affordability measure that saves families money and supports college access. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program at current levels, reducing the proposed increase by $500,000 in each year of the biennium. Shannon Reed of the Community College System said the change could limit enrollment or the number of funded courses, though students could still take additional courses at their own expense. Representative Ladd explained the program’s tuition structure and said the funding would help meet demand; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 716.

Transcript Highlights:

• To get to this point, we've purchased the necessary land for the water tower and installed the 12-inch
• Um, we've, as I previously stated, probably $350,000 into water main extension and land purchase.
• extension 350,000 into, uh, water main extension and<00:24:46.000> land<00:24:46.240> purchase
• and land purchase. and land purchase. Thank<00:24:47.680> you. Thank you. Thank you.
• It's rooted in that basic physics understanding but allows for flexibility because we do not know exactly

Bills: HF4470, HF2418, HF3417, HF3365, HF3463

Keywords: HF4470, Melissa Hortman, memorial, statue, memorial garden, State Office Building, Capitol Mall Design Framework, capital investment, appropriation, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Department of Administration, public art, commemorative monument, landscaping, artist selection, family consultation, Minnesota legislature, state building site, capital appropriation, political subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• administering the presidential primary election, professional and technical contracts, and other purchased
• The state-funded grants are to purchase and/or lease authorized voting equipment and implement absentee
• These were for purchasing, for example, sanitary or disinfecting supplies for election officials and
• These were for purchasing, for example, sanitary or disinfecting supplies for election officials and
• because it is so incredibly not flexible because it is so old<01:05:16.680> um<01:05:17.240><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 262, Senator Simonaire, Income Tax Deduction Modification for Classroom Supplies Purchased
• <00:57:18.600> by<00:57:18.720> teachers supplies purchased by teachers supplies purchased
• uh there is additional flexibility uh there is additional flexibility provided<02:33:31.680>
• And so, this just gives a little more flexibility, particularly to those of us who've served 10, 20,
• , particularly to those of us flexibility, particularly to those of us who've<02:41:27.040> served

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine announcements, including welcoming a new group of pages and noting donations of donuts and chicken from local businesses, along with a citation planned for Mr. Herman’s Bakery, which is closing after 103 years. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 858, establishing a Department of Budget and Management Audit and Finance Compliance Unit. A senator moved to send the bill back to second reading to add an amendment, which was adopted without objection, and the bill was reprinted for third reading. The Finance Committee then reported several bills. Senate Bill 84, concerning collective bargaining for graduate assistants at UMCP and UMBC, was laid over after questions about whether graduate assistants are employees or students. Senate Bill 455, creating a transformational project financing program tied to tax increment financing districts, had two committee amendments adopted and was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, also received two committee amendments and was ordered up, but a later Howard County amendment was proposed and the bill was laid over. Senate Bill 777, directing workforce development support in hospital closures and related events, was adopted and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 831, addressing child labor penalties, private-sector labor relations, and state labor standards, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 932, requiring social media platforms to display users’ general geographic location, was laid over after questions. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 340, requiring at least $2 million annually for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office, with two amendments adopted and the bill sent to third reading. Senate Bill 489, creating a limited license pathway for physicians trained abroad and repealing the fifth pathway program, was adopted with two amendments and sent to third reading. Senate Bill 496, expanding Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment, prompted extended debate over the fiscal note and who would bear the costs; the sponsor argued the estimate was overstated and did not account for likely lower utilization or health-care savings, while an opponent pressed concerns about the state share and structural deficit. The discussion continued without a final vote in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think most people would be pleased that they had the flexibility with the current structure of the
• I think most people would be pleased that they had the flexibility with the current structure of the
• I think most people would be pleased that they had the flexibility with the current structure of the
• um pleased that they had the um pleased that they had the flexibility<00:29:41.880> with<00:29
• <01:37:14.199> all general liability that they purchase all general liability that they purchase

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from local farmers funding to purchase from local farmers are<00:09:02.480> now<00:09:02.720>
• At the same time, we must continue to advocate for flexibility in federal programs.
• At the same time, we must continue to advocate for flexibility in federal programs.
• Last year, 77% of our total produce purchase budget was spent here locally with farmers.
• <01:51:59.119> cash properties that were all purchased cash properties that were all purchased

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, I present AB 948, give school districts a flexibility and efficient option to complete facility
• We are placing increasing risk on our teachers and causing burnout, all while limiting the flexibility
• not be putting our thumb on the scale of any project by requiring that, in order to qualify for flexibility
• This bill will also provide greater flexibility to Cal OES by allowing them to implement their existing
• I've addressed concerns about the Judicial Council's authority to purchase electronic recording equipment

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file of bills. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules for AB 1219, followed by consideration of numerous measures on housing, veterans, education, elections, energy, wildfire prevention, public safety, and consumer affordability. Several bills drew bipartisan support and passed overwhelmingly, including AB 878 on safety accommodations for survivors of violence, AB 948 on school district facility maintenance, AB 81 and AB 88 on veterans’ mental health and student aid, AB 640 on school board fiscal training, AB 660 on housing permit timelines, AB 1048 on workers’ compensation billing disputes, AB 1119 on dual credentialing, AB 1172 on inhalable anti-seizure medication access, AB 1227 on wildfire prevention, AB 1285 and AB 696 on lithium-ion battery safety, AB 1417 on offshore wind transparency, AB 1530 on disaster recovery assistance, and AB 353 on affordable home internet. Some measures drew opposition or more divided votes, including AB 704 on sealing certain misdemeanor records, AB 1249 on early voting access, AB 1280 on thermal energy incentives, AB 1448 on offshore oil protections, AB 380 on price gouging, AB 402 on Cal Grant increases, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification, and AB 1084 on expedited gender-change and name-change court orders. The Assembly also granted reconsideration on AB 435, a child passenger safety bill, and passed it after debate on the five-step safety-seat standard. The floor debate featured recurring themes of affordability, housing, wildfire preparedness, election access, veterans’ services, and public safety. Supporters of the election bill AB 1249 argued it would simply add a Saturday early-voting option in non-VCA counties, while opponents raised concerns about verification and county staffing. AB 30, authorizing E15 gasoline in California, was presented as an urgency measure to lower fuel costs and passed unanimously on the urgency and the bill. AB 1466 on groundwater disputes was also taken up, with the author arguing it would reduce frivolous litigation and better represent all water users; the vote was 42 ayes and 17 noes. After completing the file, the Assembly recessed for lunch, later returned, and continued with additional file items, with many measures passing on strong bipartisan votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Am I correct that the pesticides that have an EPA-approved label are still available to be purchased
• > modify<02:07:18.320> those<02:07:18.639> rates the flexibility to modify those
• There's a 4473 background check every single person who purchases a firearm has to take if they purchase
• There's a 4473 background check every single person who purchases a firearm has to take if they purchase
• There's a 4473 background check every single person who purchases a firearm has to take if they purchase

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:06:26.319> it<01:06:26.559> at And so, the consumer purchases it at And so, the
• consumer purchases it at they're<01:06:27.599> forced<01:06:27.839> to<01:06:28.000>
• <04:32:54.960> and reinsurance that may be purchased and reinsurance that may be purchased
• But SB 297 does allow them the flexibility to make that decision.
• support that flexibility. support that flexibility.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this flexibility, this critical project could be further delayed, which would not serve the local
• <00:34:44.840> to conditions and provide us flexibility to conditions and provide us flexibility
• > critical Without this flexibility, this critical Without this flexibility, this critical project
• grateful for some additional flexibility grateful for some additional flexibility in<00:36:39.840
• Representative Skildum continued: For example, currently the downtown liquor tax applies if you purchase

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• these RVs are illegally rented to individuals experiencing homelessness after predatory vanlords purchased
• often overburdened by heavy caseloads, and it becomes incredibly important to be able to allow some flexibility
• offer to the committee in criminal cases in San Diego, which illustrate the need to allow for some flexibility
• That flexibility ensures the victim can continue receiving... ...a single continuance.
• That flexibility ensures the victim can continue receiving support from someone who understands their

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would also provide cities the flexibility to use flashing beacons and specific hours, in addition
• We try to provide flexibility for local jurisdictions to decide.
• And that’s more flexible, but we don’t want to get into that.
• possible to protect the safety and well-being of vulnerable road users, and by providing greater flexibility
• It is asking people who have purchased infrastructure, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to meet

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard a series of bills focused on transportation safety, climate resilience, wildlife connectivity, parking enforcement, and EV charging reliability. AB 605 would create a pilot program allowing certain hydrogen internal combustion cargo-handling equipment at ports; supporters said it could help ports stay competitive while reducing emissions, while South Coast AQMD raised concerns about possible nitrogen oxide emissions and limits on future regulation. The bill passed on an 11-0 vote to the Natural Resources Committee. AB 1132 would require Caltrans to incorporate community resilience indicators, including socioeconomic factors, into climate vulnerability assessments; supporters from Greenlining, AARP, and others said it would better protect seniors, people with disabilities, and transit users during heat waves and disasters, while some members questioned the cost during a tight budget year. It passed 9-0 to Appropriations, with some members not voting. AB 382 would lower school-zone speed limits to 20 mph and give local agencies more flexibility in how the limit is posted and enforced; supporters cited child pedestrian deaths and safety research, and the bill passed 11-0 to Appropriations. AB 902, as amended, would require transportation projects in wildlife connectivity areas to include wildlife passage features where feasible; supporters emphasized reduced collisions and habitat fragmentation, while the California Building Industry Association and COGs moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. It passed 9-1 to Local Government. AB 1014 would give Caltrans more discretion to lower speed limits on state highways based on local conditions rather than the 85th percentile rule; supporters said it would improve safety in rural and tourist areas, and the bill passed 13-0 to Appropriations. AB 1022 would end towing or booting vehicles solely for unpaid parking tickets, with supporters describing the practice as punitive and harmful to low-income drivers, while cities and parking groups argued it would weaken enforcement and create problems for out-of-state vehicles. The bill passed 9-3 to Appropriations. AB 1423 would require publicly funded EV chargers to meet reliability standards and allow enforcement of uptime requirements; supporters said taxpayers need functioning chargers, while charging-industry opponents objected to retroactive standards and possible conflicts with existing agreements. The bill passed 14-0 to Utilities and Energy. The committee also approved a consent calendar of five bills by voice vote and held roll calls open for additional members to add on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Working with plants and animals as a researcher, you have to be flexible because unpredictable things
• Working with plants and animals as a researcher, you have to be flexible because unpredictable things
• Working with plants and animals as a researcher, you have to be flexible because unpredictable things
• <00:50:55.599> because have to be flexible because have to be flexible because unpredictable
• We don't have the funding to purchase food.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all