Transcript Highlights:

• This is a raid here. All right, $10 million. Oh, here's another $10 million. This is a raid here.
• I mean, don't you have other raids in M? Here it shows the lapse right here on Cannon Mountain.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2 provisions affecting the New Hampshire Retirement System, focusing on Group 2/Tier B retirement changes in pages 25 through 39 of the bill. NHRS Executive Director Jan Goodwin and deputy chief counsel Mark Kavanaugh explained that the 2025 bill is largely similar to prior versions and to HB 727, with the main difference being that the 2025 version does not include the earlier increase in the maximum benefit. They also said the fiscal note for HB 2 is based on earlier actuarial work and that an updated valuation was expected later in the week. A major topic was whether the bill accidentally removed an anti-spiking or special-duty compensation limit. NHRS said the omission appears to be a scrivener’s error caused by moving language between Group 1 and Group 2 definitions, and they planned to flag it in the fiscal note. Members also reviewed the bill’s intent to restore Tier B members to pre-2011 benefit rules, including changes to earnable compensation, average final compensation, and the comp-over-base rule. Some members questioned whether restoring those older rules was appropriate, arguing the 2011 changes were meant to curb pension spiking and that undoing them could be problematic. The committee also discussed the bill’s cost and funding assumptions. NHRS said the 2025 bill would reduce unfunded actuarial liability by about $98.2 million and would have a more favorable effect than the 2023 version, while employer contribution impacts would remain relatively small. Members noted the bill assumes annual appropriations of $27.5 million for 10 years, but House Bill 1 currently provides only $5 million in the first year, and NHRS had not yet analyzed the effect of that shortfall. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on clarifying the bill’s language, intent, and fiscal impact.

Bills: HB3419, HB4153, HB3430, HB3791, HB3277, HB4119, HB4408, HB3905, HB3968, HB3835, HB3386, HB2650, HB3742, HB3588, HB3748, HB4303, HB4311, HB3028, HB4428, HB4429, HB4132, HB1889, HB3265, HB1739, HB4434, HB3313, HB3852, HB4263, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3420, HB2116, HB2206, HB3625, HB2939, HB3721, HB1823, HB2425, HB4440, HJR1087, HB4003, HJR1077, HB1770, HB1675, HB3627, HB3891, HJR1067, HB3462, HJR1053, HJR1054, HJR1044, HB3472, HB1225, HJR1019, HB4145, HJR1081, HB1746, HJR1069, HJR1050, HB1638, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3127, HB4488, HB2955, HB3781, HB3783, HB3802, HB2471, HB2937, SCR16, HB2960, HB3466, HB3262, HB3269, HB3152, HB4140, HB4142, HB3148, HB3378

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, driver license, reading proficiency, minors, education requirements, alternative testing, attendance, remedial reading, public school, oath of enrollment, court financial obligations, cost hearing, payment plan, community service, court compliance program, debt relief

Bills: HB3419, HB4153, HB3430, HB3791, HB3277, HB4119, HB4408, HB3905, HB3968, HB3835, HB3386, HB2650, HB3742, HB3588, HB3748, HB4303, HB4311, HB3028, HB4428, HB4429, HB4132, HB1889, HB3265, HB1739, HB4434, HB3313, HB3852, HB4263, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3420, HB2116, HB2206, HB3625, HB2939, HB3721, HB1823, HB2425, HB4440, HJR1087, HB4003, HJR1077, HB1770, HB1675, HB3627, HB3891, HJR1067, HB3462, HJR1053, HJR1054, HJR1044, HB3472, HB1225, HJR1019, HB4145, HJR1081, HB1746, HJR1069, HJR1050, HB1638, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3127, HB4488, HB2955, HB3781, HB3783, HB3802, HB2471, HB2937, SCR16, HB2960, HB3466, HB3262, HB3269, HB3152, HB4140, HB4142, HB3148, HB3378

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, driver license, reading proficiency, minors, education requirements, alternative testing, attendance, remedial reading, public school, oath of enrollment, court financial obligations, cost hearing, payment plan, community service, court compliance program, debt relief

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor calendar with several introductions and recognitions, including guests from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Trucking Day participants, Mid America Christian University, and the day’s doctor and nurse honorees. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 16, recognizing March as National Women’s History Month. Members debated and passed House Bill 2937, which extends constitutional carry to allow qualified individuals to carry firearms on boats. Questions focused on alcohol use on lakes, public safety, and whether law enforcement agencies had requested or opposed the bill. The House also passed House Bill 2960, limiting lawsuits against firearm manufacturers when a purchaser modifies a firearm; House Bill 3466, removing the Corporation Commission’s unused petty cash fund from statute; House Bill 3262, increasing the warrant-service fee from $50 to $150 at the request of the Oklahoma County Sheriff; and House Bill 3269, allowing electronic arrest warrants to mirror existing electronic search-warrant procedures. Additional bills passed included House Bill 3152, authorizing Corporation Commission officers to transport certain detained truckers to jail and book them; House Bill 414, making theft of a firearm a Class 2 felony regardless of value; House Bill 4142, expanding criminal statutes at the request of the Oklahoma City Police Bomb Squad; House Bill 3148, modernizing VIN inspection procedures and fee handling; and House Bill 3378, creating a revolving board for OCAST’s grant-awarding body after all members rolled off at once and delayed grants. House Bill 3378 also had its emergency clause adopted. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan margins, and the House adjourned after announcements and committee notices.

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1916, HB2264, HB1078, HB1687, HB1701, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2088, HB2091, HB2107, HB2109, HB2110, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2152, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2228, HB2229, HB2230, HB2235, HB2238, HB2242, HB2245, HB2249, HB2253, HB2254, HB2269, HB2272, HB2283, HB2304, HB2317, HB2340, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2445, HB2452, HB2472, HB2492, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB2664, HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2107, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2242, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2317, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2111, HB2156, HB2188, HB2199, HB2206, HB2296, HB2360, HB2436, HB2471, HB2478, HB2510, HB2525, HB2532, HB2543, HB2605, HB2624, HJM4012, HB1759

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Bills: HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1002, HB1065, HB1155, HB1916, HB2264, HB1078, HB1687, HB1701, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2088, HB2091, HB2107, HB2109, HB2110, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2152, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2228, HB2229, HB2230, HB2235, HB2238, HB2242, HB2245, HB2249, HB2253, HB2254, HB2269, HB2272, HB2283, HB2304, HB2317, HB2340, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2445, HB2452, HB2472, HB2492, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB2664, HB1160, HB1289, HB1339, HB1798, HB1065, HB1717, HB1795, HB1859, HB2107, HB2113, HB2124, HB2125, HB2133, HB2134, HB2140, HB2151, HB2155, HB2165, HB2185, HB2191, HB2205, HB2211, HB2219, HB2242, HB2245, HB2253, HB2283, HB2317, HB2343, HB2385, HB2406, HB2417, HB2426, HB2501, HB2531, HB2574, HB2606, HB1170, HB1544, HB1834, HB2111, HB2156, HB2188, HB2199, HB2206, HB2296, HB2360, HB2436, HB2471, HB2478, HB2510, HB2525, HB2532, HB2543, HB2605, HB2624, HJM4012, HB1759

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• doing that outreach so they're not more and more fearful or more vulnerable, because also in the workplace

Summary: The select committee on Community Economic Mobility and Investment heard testimony on how California can support inclusive economic development through regional collaboration, workforce training, higher education, and community-led partnerships. Chair Joaquina Arambula framed the hearing around the need to break down silos, address social drivers of health through economic opportunity, and help underinvested rural and low-income communities access resources and implement existing regional plans such as California Jobs First. Witnesses from workforce, education, nonprofit, and economic development organizations described local models in the Central Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and rural Northern California. Adam Peck of the California Workforce Association said local workforce boards are designed to connect employers, labor, colleges, and community groups, and argued that state and federal workforce funding has eroded while unemployment remains high in the Valley. Barbara Foster of Fresno State and Dr. Carol Goldsmith of Madera Community College emphasized braided funding, K-16 partnerships, and programs tied to employer demand, including truck driving, nursing, welding, agriculture innovation, and digital literacy. Arnie Sowell of NextGen Policy highlighted apprenticeship expansion, youth and justice-involved employment programs, and the need to scale the CME model statewide. The second panel focused on place-based examples of collaboration. Sierra Health Foundation’s Center said CME has helped grantees pursue more than $400 million in public grants and contracts and build stronger regional capacity. Siskiyou Economic Development Council described rural business innovation and forest economy transition work. Fresno EDC detailed subsidized employment, Good Jobs Challenge training, and partnerships with employers and social services that have placed thousands into jobs. Edge Collaborative described community-led projects in Stockton, including Little Manila Rising, Beam Circular’s bioeconomy campus, and Restore the Delta’s restoration work, while Líderes Campesinas stressed the importance of sustained funding for farmworker-led initiatives, legal clinics, and regional coalitions. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• California has that nobody else has, and let me just talk about worker safety, nighttime lighting, workplace

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Agriculture informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with members and witnesses emphasizing the sector’s economic importance and the pressures it faces from water scarcity, climate extremes, labor shortages, rising input and energy costs, pests, and regulatory burdens. Chairs and members also expressed disappointment that prior climate-related funding decisions did not include agriculture and said the hearing was intended to identify practical solutions and future legislative priorities. CDFA and DWR officials described California agriculture as a roughly $61 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, vineyard and orchard removals, and the effects of SGMA, drought, floods, and subsidence. DWR said climate change will intensify hydrologic variability and that groundwater sustainability, recharge, flood capture, and infrastructure modernization are critical. Members asked about lessons from the 2023 floods, readiness for El Niño, and where limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars should go; officials pointed to better forecasting, recharge projects, conveyance, basin characterization, and technical assistance. CDFA highlighted pest response, especially glassy-winged sharpshooter, and a regulatory alignment study identifying food safety and water quality as major compliance burdens. The second panel, on water, climate, and resource sustainability, largely reinforced those themes. PPIC and UC Merced researchers said SGMA-driven groundwater reductions will be the biggest long-term constraint, potentially requiring hundreds of thousands of acres to come out of production and causing major GDP and job losses unless recharge, trading, infrastructure, and crop-transition strategies are expanded. They recommended more flexible recharge rules, better accounting, subsidence mitigation, and support for SGMA-ready crops and land repurposing. An energy consumer representative warned that electricity and natural gas costs are rising sharply and that state programs supporting agricultural energy and biomass solutions have been reduced or eliminated, while a farmworker foundation representative emphasized health care access, food security, immigration-related fear, and workforce development for farmworkers. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing concluded with members signaling interest in future legislation, funding, and follow-up discussions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can't afford to gamble with the constitutional bedrock that guarantees fair pay, safe workplaces.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia. Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books. A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Workplace conduct or sexual harassment, all kinds of seminars that we are mandated to go through to take

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, something like a warehouse club card, a gym membership, or even certain workplace

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 319, which would tighten and standardize voter identification rules at polling places. Senator Presley and Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the bill replaces the current “generally recognized” photo ID standard with a specific list of acceptable IDs, removes the affidavit-only option, and allows voters without a photo ID to cast a conditional paper ballot at the registrar of voters office or during early voting if they later provide approved documentation within two days after the election. Supporters argued the bill improves consistency, election integrity, and poll-worker guidance while still preserving access through alternative documents and free state IDs; opponents warned it could create confusion and burden seniors, students, homeless voters, and others without easy access to the required documents. After debate, the committee reported SB 319 favorably by a 7-2 vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 202, which adds one day of compensated meeting time for parish boards of election supervisors in certain elections, and Senate Bill 25, which revises the compensation schedule for registrars of voters and related staff. SB 25 was amended to remove outdated step references and make conforming technical changes, and supporters said the pay structure has not been updated since 2007 despite increased duties and workload. The committee also adopted and reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, creating a legislative study committee on water quality in the Chafalalaya Basin, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, creating a task force on illegal dumping, both with technical amendments. In addition, the committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are prepared during session, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, which creates a work-based learning coordination task force to improve alignment among education, workforce, and employer partners. SCR 33 was amended to change the appointing authority for two members. The committee also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and House Resolution 196, which creates a study committee on the impact of fallen trees on residential property and insurance issues. Several of these measures were supported by agency representatives or outside groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments where needed before reporting the bills and resolutions favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• remember the alliances forged between Jewish and Latino labor organizers who fought for dignity in the workplace

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and several ceremonial presentations. Members welcomed Jack and Jill of America’s Far West Region and a large education bus trip from Senate District 15. The body also adopted SCR 151 designating May 2026 as ACL Injury Awareness Month, SR 105 declaring May as National Tennis Month, SCR 175 recognizing Behavioral Health Awareness Month, SCR 176 designating May as Small Business Month, and SCR 178 recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month. These resolutions drew broad support, with many senators speaking to the health, civic, economic, and cultural themes in the measures, as well as concerns about anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and solidarity across communities. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointees unanimously: Siva Gunda to the California Energy Commission, Tony Sertich as Executive Director of the California Housing and Finance Agency, and Craig Snellings to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, the chamber approved a motion to suspend Joint Rule 62(a) so the Committee on Local Government could hear AB 1768, after debate over the procedure and a roll call vote. On legislation, the Senate passed a series of bills on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including SB 922 on local cost recovery for street damage from public service operations, SB 932 on litigation transparency, SB 1311 on updates to consumer affairs boards and licensing rules, SB 1143 on access to forensic interview recordings in child abuse cases, SB 1307 on clearing forged real estate documents, SB 1177 on high-speed rail reporting, SB 971 on community networks for older adults, SB 1400 on Alameda Health System governance, SB 1228 on existing outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas, SB 997 on lien authority for a groundwater sustainability agency, SB 1115 on public cemetery district governance, SB 1088 on advance care planning forms, SB 1242 on family participation in CARE Court, SB 1364 on parental rights in rape-related custody cases, SB 993 on protecting mental health professionals’ identifying information, SB 1094 on prescription drug biosimilar use, SB 1117 on ADU fee calculations, SB 1244 on broker compensation disclosures for public agency health plans, SB 1315 on automated driving system software update reporting, and SB 1398 on recognizing Green Globes as an equivalent state building certification. Earlier, a motion by Senator Strickland to withdraw SB 1035 from committee failed on a 22-22 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• remember the alliances forged between Jewish and Latino labor organizers who fought for dignity in the workplace

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When we open up Facebook or Instagram or have a casual conversation in the workplace or at a social gathering

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In many settings—workplaces, athletic training, and even the military—brief moments of mental rest are

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 27 members present at the start, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the corrected journal, and then moved through committee reports, messages from the House, and first- and second-reading referrals. Several resolutions and memorials were introduced, including SCR 125 on legislative compensation and SR 121 on transportation rules, along with multiple bills referred to committees or advanced for printing and second reading. The chamber also recessed briefly for caucus and later reconvened with a quorum of 33 senators present. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills, often by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. Among the measures debated were SB 1347, a transparency bill requiring more reporting from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association on federal housing and homelessness funds, which passed after supporters argued it would improve oversight and opponents warned of duplicative reporting. SB 1369 rewrote Idaho’s civil venue statute to make it more readable and allow filing where the cause of action occurred; SB 1358 adjusted career ladder rules so administrators returning to teaching could count administrative experience; and SB 1379 raised the Project CHOICE vehicle registration fee to help recruit and retain Idaho State Police troopers, drawing debate over public safety, taxpayer costs, and impacts on local law enforcement. The Senate also passed HB 635 requiring the Professional Standards Commission to report suspected criminal conduct to law enforcement, HB 532 standardizing DMV identity requirements, HB 520 standardizing hearing notices under the Administrative Procedure Act, HB 541 clarifying the definition of a child for electronic enticement offenses, HB 581 allowing the Legislature to formally notify the Supreme Court when court rules appear to conflict with statute, HB 599 changing distribution of public school digital content funds to a needs-based process, HB 544 extending military leave from 120 to 160 hours, HB 642 correcting death benefits for surviving families of fallen public safety officers and firefighters, HB 560 creating an option for jury-eligible residents to serve as county election workers, HB 697 separating election-crime offenses into distinct code sections, HB 698 closing a voting-rights loophole for felons convicted in other states, HB 503 transferring the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to the Department of Water Resources, and HB 676 revising geothermal water application rules. Most of these bills passed with little opposition, and titles were approved for transmission back to the House. The Senate also introduced new bills on public utilities and elections, and later began debate on HB 737 to merge the Office of Species Conservation with the Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, though that discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• family, without coercion implied or mandated from any entity or person, including all schools and workplaces

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 and March 10 minutes, then introduced RS 33592C1, a proposed state pilot program to study psychedelic substances for PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The sponsor said the bill would allow research on ibogaine, MDMA, and psilocybin, with no state funding requested. The committee then advanced Senate Bill 1255, which would add tribal health care facilities and tribal police officers to Idaho’s involuntary commitment process so mental health crises on reservations can be handled more quickly; tribal representatives said the change would help with a small number of cases each year and had been developed with the Department of Health and Welfare. The committee spent most of the meeting on Senate Bill 1257, a child protection bill that would clarify foster-care visitation rules and permanency decisions. The bill would define visitation to include in-person, video, phone, and written contact, limit in-person visits after substantiated serious abuse unless a court finds them in the child’s best interest, and allow courts to consider a parent’s likely long-term incarceration when deciding permanency. Supporters included the sponsor, the Department of Health and Welfare, foster parents, and advocates who described children being retraumatized by forced visits and delayed permanency. Opponents raised due process and parental-rights concerns, arguing the bill could give the department too much authority and could lead to termination decisions based on incarceration alone. A motion to hold the bill failed 4-12, and the committee then voted 13-3 to send Senate Bill 1257 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also resumed testimony on House Bill 808, the expanded Medical Freedom Act. Opponents from county governments, hospitals, cities, and business groups warned that the bill could conflict with federal health rules, weaken immunization requirements in schools and child care, disrupt the state immunization registry, and interfere with employer vaccination policies and frontline emergency decisions. Supporters argued the bill protects bodily autonomy, parental choice, and informed consent, and said parents should be able to opt out of vaccine-related systems and requirements. No final action on House Bill 808 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, the workers' comp system is really designed to minimize the long-term impacts of workplace injuries

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• were reinstated to Georgetown, but then resigned from Georgetown, basically saying it was a toxic workplace

Summary: The committee on Higher Education Appropriations heard and favorably reported two bills: SB 1570, which revives the former Project Leo program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices, and CS/SB 1376, which creates a grant program to support genetic counseling education in response to a statewide shortage of genetic counselors. Both bills drew supportive comments, with the genetic counseling bill also receiving public support from a university representative. The committee then took up a large slate of confirmations. It first approved a block of reappointments to various university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and Broward College. It then heard from numerous new appointees and some requested reappointments, many of whom emphasized workforce training, nursing, military and veteran support, dual enrollment, and local economic development as priorities for their institutions. Several nominees highlighted their personal ties to the schools and communities they would serve, including appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, UWF, FIU, the College of the Florida Keys, Valencia College, and Chipola College. Committee members repeatedly asked about nursing NCLEX pass rates, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. One reappointment, Thomas Zachary Smith to the UWF board, was pulled from the block for separate questioning about his past public comments and his role in Project 2025; he said he would serve in his personal capacity and treat all students equally. The committee also separately heard from a Florida Poly reappointment, I. Shapiro, who was questioned about prior remarks regarding race and Supreme Court nominations, and from a New College reappointment, Mark Bowerlaine, who described campus improvements and enrollment growth. The meeting ended amid ongoing confirmation processing and separate votes on the remaining nominees.

Transcript Highlights:

• were reinstated to Georgetown, but then resigned from Georgetown, basically saying it was a toxic workplace

Bills: S1570, S1376

Keywords: missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance

Summary: The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably. The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee. A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• were reinstated to Georgetown, but then resigned from Georgetown, basically saying it was a toxic workplace

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will help reduce workplace accidents and long-term liabilities.

Keywords: 996, all