Transcript Highlights:

• So we continue to have productive conversations with the House.
• But as we think about continuing to make this nation great, to make Florida the best... ...continuing
• Shame on us, I'll continue to say.
• And people that commit fraud, let's just be clear, they're going to continue to do that.
• You continue to move forward, and you continue to stand up for what's right because there is a power

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of member introductions recognizing interns, pages, and a retiring Senate employee. Leadership also announced that budget talks with the House were continuing and that senators should not plan to be in next week, with hopes of sharing more budget news soon. The chamber then moved to third reading and took up a major bill on citizen initiatives and constitutional amendments, with sponsors saying it was needed to address documented petition fraud and to protect the integrity of the process. That bill drew extensive debate. Supporters argued that recent investigations showed widespread fraud in petition gathering, that the measure would add reasonable guardrails, and that it would prevent taxpayer-funded government messaging from being used to influence ballot measures. Opponents said the bill would make it much harder for ordinary Floridians to place amendments on the ballot by adding costs, deadlines, registration requirements, fines, and felony exposure, and they warned it would chill grassroots participation and effectively favor wealthy or corporate-backed campaigns. After debate, the Senate passed the bill 28-10. The Senate then adopted several House amendments and concurred on a series of education and public-safety measures, including bills on stem cell therapy, student-athlete electrocardiograms, cardiac emergency planning in schools, school safety, Bright Futures and other education policy items, and educator preparation. Most of those measures passed unanimously or with overwhelming support, and the chamber also recognized additional interns and a long-serving education advocate before recessing and returning to continue with House messages.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you will continue to explain the A7...
• representative cnic if you will continue representative cnic if you will continue to<00:12:03.000
• And so for that, for my community to allow us to continue to keep having this conversation, to continue
• And so for that, for my community to allow us to continue to keep having this conversation, to continue
• The cycle cannot continue.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Statutory cap is $395 million. We've Statutory cap is $395 million.
• <01:22:32.239> energy legislation continues to focus energy legislation continues to focus
• We should continue to keep in their job.
• <01:25:59.440> access somebody doesn't have statutory access somebody doesn't have statutory
• The as the opponents continue to argue.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:22.560> at fulfill that statutory requirement at fulfill that statutory requirement
• And then just also to continue on >> Okay.
• Um, so I my continue on to page eight.
• Representative Anderson continued, "We want the fraud to stop.
• We'll get the bill out and we'll continue to have conversations.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Continue. The other question that I had, as we looked at the three... Continue.
• So if I can continue, Mr. Chairman.
• If we continued to allow that sand to go through the process, If we continued to allow that sand to go
• I'll continue to the rates.
• We would continue to use that for as long as we can.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met with a quorum and received updates from the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Commission, followed by presentations from Deloitte on two legislative studies required by House Bill 1020. Director Reese Haas reviewed major project and budget updates, including the Northwest Area Water Supply and Southwest Pipeline projects, Resources Trust Fund balances, carryover spending, project prioritization, bid conditions, regional water system coverage, and department process improvements. Members also discussed how the commission prioritizes projects, maintenance expectations, and the impact of limited municipal water supply funding. No formal committee action was taken during the DWR update; the commission’s municipal funding decisions were described as pending its April 8 meeting. Deloitte then presented the cost-share policy study, which found that under current policy and forecasted revenues, North Dakota faces an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall over 14 years, with a near-term gap of about $1.8 billion through 2031. The firm outlined seven recommended options, including tighter definitions and a 25% cost share for eligible replacement projects, caps and financing strategies for the Mouse River and Red River Valley projects, aligning cost share with commission priority guidance, delaying lower-priority projects, using available lines of credit, and adjusting reimbursement timing for revolving loan funds. Committee members questioned inflation assumptions, affordability, user fees, and the use of legacy fund earnings for bonding, but no decisions were made. In the governance and finance study, Deloitte said final recommendations are still being refined, with a final report due May 29. The study examined the Southwest Pipeline, NAWS, and Red River Valley systems using governance and finance criteria such as decision authority, transparency, affordability, risk, and access to funding. For Southwest, Deloitte outlined options ranging from improved state-authority coordination to transferring ownership to the Southwest Water Authority; for NAWS, options focused on strengthening the authority’s role and potentially transitioning operations and maintenance; and for Red River, options ranged from enhanced facilitation to formal state oversight or state ownership. Members asked follow-up questions about ownership transfer, capital repayment streams, and why NAWS was not considered for transfer, and Deloitte said NAWS’s limited organizational maturity made that option less viable in the near term.

Transcript Highlights:

• that has meant and continues to mean so much to the state of Florida as we continue to serve.
• We continue to fund the Rural and Family Lands Act, so we are continuing to purchase land and conserve
• The statutory changes are effective for only one year.
• Representative Redondo continued in debate.
• The need for licensed social workers continues to grow and care.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy. Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions. The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've actually been continued on the current administration, and back in 2017.
• Yes, we are, and we will continue to work with Senator Cloud in any way.
• It's, I have an interest in your life continuing so I can take out a policy on your life.
• Amendment number two removes statutory language by deleting lines 18 and 19.
• add members to the task force and to continue meeting until February 5th, 2027.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To date, meaningful information has been provided on both topics, and I expect this will continue.
• Obviously I would seek counsel to make sure that I'm in compliance with my statutory obligations.
• The reason I'm asking that question is a continuation of the conversation you were just having.
• But would you continue to agree to work with me and us on CDFIs?
• And so I commit to you that we will continue to invest in cities.

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I continued to work.
• opportunity for that as we continue opportunity for that as we continue forward<00:59:03.200>
• <00:59:07.960> that and um happy to continue that and um happy to continue that conversation
• they've been doing continuing they've been doing continuing resolutions<01:13:57.560> for
• <01:20:40.880> thank conversations continue thank conversations continue thank you<01:20:42.679

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I thought I'd start just with statutory framework here.
• So I thought I'd start just with statutory framework here.
• Instead of that, we have a continuous monitoring program. Next slide, please.
• It's something that L&I had continued to support and run.
• And we want to be able to continue to do that.

Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there is that continued positive momentum we're seeing in the marketplace.
• But beyond all, the statutory strict statue requirements, here's a bit about what we are continuing to
• I will continue. I don't know years has been tremendous. I will continue.
• So we certainly continue to strengthen the the infrastructure around it.
• You have the reinsurance company continues to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Each one of these bills continues our work to make Texas a safer place.
• A grant program will continue to exist with the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office in
• This is a continuation of that policy.
• It does a lot and it's just a continuing fight.
• May God continue to bless your life. Senator Miles: You're a very strong young lady.

Bills: HB 33, HB 45, HB 48, HB 1261, HB 1465, HB 1778, HB 2596, HB 5238, SB 2969

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• The Sunset Commission recommended that, with additions to the Coordinating Board's statutory duties,
• With the record growth of employment rates in Texas, the skilled labor shortage also continues to grow
• He pays his loans, is in compliance now, and will continue to be.
• It's just the judgment at that point if it's going to continue.
• They can waive Rice's policy and continue to use their own plans.

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wild rice has been a food source for Minnesotans for generations, and it should continue to feed our
• to feed our state for should continue to feed our state for generations<00:03:50.360> to<00:03
• It's a conversation that will continue.
• Uh so feel free to continue if you like. Uh so feel free to continue if you like.
• 53.240> exhaust Agriculture continues to exhaust Agriculture continues to exhaust available<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> and has it continued to increase? >> and has it continued to increase?
• pleas for help, Hawaii families continue pleas for help, Hawaii families continue to<02:01:21.280
• ><02:02:33.360> using<02:02:33.599> these continues to fund SAVIN using these continues
• to continue. Thank you. to continue. Thank you. >> Thank<02:11:26.079> you.
• <03:08:42.000> the really to kind of continue the really to kind of continue the conversation

Bills: HB676

Keywords: HB676, Hawaii correctional facilities, youth correctional facilities, adult correctional facilities, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Youth Services, inmate phone calls, prison phone calls, jail phone calls, free prison calls, free communication services, incarcerated persons, prison reform, reentry, family visitation, recidivism, video visitation, electronic messaging, commissions, ancillary fees

Summary: The committee heard three public safety bills. HB 2235 would appropriate $1.3 million for the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office to strengthen coordination on military and defense issues. Supporters, including the Hawaii National Guard and DBEDT’s military relations office, said the office helps Hawaiʻi understand federal contracting, USA Jobs, and military-related economic impacts. One member questioned why the state should fund a DoD-related office while Hawaiʻi remains under-reimbursed on impact aid; supporters responded that the office serves Hawaiʻi communities and helps prepare residents for federal jobs. The chair said she intended to recommend the bill pass with a HD1, a blank appropriation to be filled in the committee report, technical amendments, a defective effective date, and updated office title language. HB 2263 would expand Hawaiʻi family leave law to cover qualifying military exigencies. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii National Guard supported the measure, saying military families often face short-notice deployments, relocations, briefings, and urgent family arrangements that require time away from work, and that aligning state law with federal standards would provide clarity and consistency. The chair said she would recommend passage with a HD1, a defective effective date, and technical amendments. HB 2291 would clarify that certain National Guard Youth and Educational Programs employees are excluded from collective bargaining, rename the program, and codify its Hawaiian name. The Hawaii National Guard said it was a housekeeping bill with no appropriation, but requested an amendment to align the bill with updated authorities and program references; the chair asked for proposed language before the later decision-making. She said she would recommend passage with a defective date and the requested amendment if provided, and then recessed the hearing until 11:30 a.m. for decision-making on all three bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:41.360> requirements, statutory requirements, statutory requirements, He<00:30:42.960><
• Our committee will carry that forward and continue that message.
• Now, continue explanation, please. >> Thank you. Thank you.
• Now, continue Okay, Senator. Now, continue explanation,<02:07:26.400> please.
• driver's license, and uh it it continues driver's license, and uh it it continues to<02:56:36.120

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Reginald Anderson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The journal and committee reports were dispensed with by voice vote. Early in the meeting, senators also introduced guests, including Dr. Adrian Gilliam Pierre as doctor of the day and several school groups and community visitors in the galleries. A major portion of the session was devoted to recognizing student athletes and coaches through commendation resolutions. The Senate honored the Northside High School Gators boys basketball team for winning its first Class 2A state championship, the Morton High School Panthers boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Class 4A title, East Rankin Academy teams for multiple championships, Simpson County Academy’s boys cross country team and Lily Overby, Brookhaven Academy’s fast-pitch softball team, and several other schools and programs. The chamber also recognized Mississippi artist Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp) for his music contributions, and later introduced the Meridian High School Choir, Brookhaven Academy fifth graders, and David Hoke, who has delivered Bibles to all 50 state legislatures. The Senate then took up nominations and approved three by advise-and-consent: Kent Gerard Nico to the Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority, Marcus Jones Martin to the State Tax Appeals Board, and Keith Allen Williams Jr. to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. After that, Senator Kirby moved to suspend the rules and take up a large block of commending resolutions, which the Senate agreed to consider together. The block included numerous resolutions honoring schools, athletes, educators, and community figures, and the Senate agreed to proceed to final passage by roll call with no objection noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we continue to have productive conversations with the House.
• But as we think about continuing to make this nation great, to make Florida the best ... ...continuing
• Shame on us, I'll continue to say.
• And people that commit fraud, let's just be clear, they're going to continue to do that.
• So you continue to move forward, and you continue to stand up for what's right because there is a power

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, pages, a retiring sergeant-at-arms employee, and advocates visiting for a Prader-Willi Syndrome awareness resolution. Leaders also noted ongoing budget talks with the House and said senators should not plan to be in next week while negotiations continue. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for House Bill 12.5, a citizen-initiative elections bill. Sponsors said it was intended to address petition fraud and protect the integrity of the constitutional amendment process, citing investigations, arrests, and fraudulent petition activity tied to recent initiatives. Opponents argued the bill would make it much harder and more expensive for citizens to place amendments on the ballot, chill volunteer participation, and effectively favor wealthy or corporate interests. After extensive debate, the bill passed 28-10. The Senate then moved through a series of education bills, including measures on Bright Futures, Gold Seal, Florida ABLE, dual enrollment, educator preparation, and broader education policy, all of which passed unanimously. After a recess, the chamber took up House messages and concurred in amendments to bills on stem cell therapy, student athlete ECGs, cardiac emergency response plans, and school safety. Those measures also passed with broad support, with the school safety bill drawing some questions about the Guardian program and child care facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to express my strong support for Senate File 1701, which provides continued funding for the
• I urge you to continue this investment in our law enforcement officers, our communities, and our shared
• We look forward to continuing conversation on this important matter.
• Chair, I'll have Miss Primo continue then. Mr. Primo, Mr.
• It will allow MNDOT to ensure the system continues to provide interoperable communications.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:49.880> with<00:10:50.040> 100,000 trend that has continued with 100,000 trend
• that has continued with 100,000 less<00:10:51.120> farmland<00:10:51.640> acres<00:10:
• The conversation is going to continue.
• <00:56:13.680> reference<00:56:14.000> about<00:56:14.200> delegating statutory
• reference about delegating statutory reference about delegating duties<00:56:14.920> to<00:56:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:50.920> cities Bill dealing with statutory cities Bill dealing with statutory cities
• sooner um we hope to continue sooner um we hope to continue conversations<01:00:13.559> uh
• Thanks so much. continue in those conversations as well continue in those conversations as well um<01
• those voters so we'd like to continue those voters so we'd like to continue those<01:02:02.480><
• bills on that and I'd love to continue bills on that and I'd love to continue working<01:13:53.880

Keywords: 1183, house