Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary of State's office has been involved in this as well.
• The Secretary of State's office has been terrific to work with.
• The Secretary of State's office has... Proceed.
• it does, and we left the filing officer for the...
• On the filing officer may require an amendment to be filed.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2156, a campaign finance and reporting bill tied to the Secretary of State’s new software system. Members and staff walked through the bill section by section, explaining that much of the text is existing law being reorganized into a new chapter, with technical updates to make reporting easier and more consistent in the new electronic “checkbook” format. The bill also adds or clarifies several categories and definitions, including political donations and volunteer appreciation, and changes the reporting threshold from $200 to $250 to align with a separate inflation-adjustment bill. Other discussed changes included using the deposit date as the contribution receipt date, removing contributor addresses from public disclosure, adding non-statewide political parties to disclosure requirements, and adding political committees to the foreign-national contribution prohibition. The Secretary of State’s office testified that the new software is being developed with a vendor already used in other states, and that it will automatically track contributions, expenditures, balances, deadlines, and reminders, while preserving current public/nonpublic disclosure rules. Members asked about public access, enforcement, maintenance costs, training, and whether the system would allow both checkbook-style entry and aggregation; staff said both options would be available and that the system would flag discrepancies and carry amendments forward through later reports. The committee also discussed late-filing and amendment fees, keeping some existing deadlines such as the 48-hour supplemental statement, and making late fees more visible to the public. The committee adopted the proposed amendments by voice vote and then passed the bill as amended on a 13-0 roll call vote. Members expressed appreciation for the work of the bill sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office, and the chair indicated the bill would likely go to caucus and then the floor before moving to conference with the Senate if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this office does. That's one small piece of what they do in the big picture.
• I should have started off with the Homeland Security office. ...and kind of what they do.
• We can't take peace officers and turn them into intelligence officers quickly, but we can take intelligence
• officers and tier one operators and turn them into peace officers rather quickly, because the one thing
• When they encounter a police officer, the police officer needs to know how to gather pocket trash and

Bills: SB36, SB2202, SB 36

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioning its own peace officers is more cost-efficient and ensures consistency.
• The hospital district does not have its own commissioned officers.
• Officers must hold a permanent peace officer license under Texas law.
• as peace officers.
• as law enforcement officers, who are off-duty officers employed by other agencies.

Bills: HB334, HB583, HB605, HB1327, HB1646, HB2115, HB2379

Keywords: family leave, leave pool, county employee, sick leave, vacation leave, family care, pandemic, guardianship, fencing, reservoirs, local government, regulation, land use, conservation capacity, property regulation, fence regulation, reservoir safety, county authority, fencing regulations, counties

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature gets to decide who its presiding officers are going to be.
• The legislature gets to decide who its presiding officers are going to be.
• The legislature gets to decide who its presiding officers are going to be.
• presiding officer.
• <00:08:44.720> as didn't take the oath of office as didn't take the oath of office as prescribed

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The transcript centers on the Minnesota House organizing itself at the start of session, with House Republicans asserting that 67 members were present, enough to elect a Speaker and begin operating, while 66 Democrats were absent. The speaker and other Republican leaders argued that the House has authority over its own quorum rules, internal rules, and presiding officers, and that the Secretary of State does not have constitutional authority to control House organization or adjourn the chamber. They said the Secretary of State’s adjournment was improper and indicated the dispute would likely be resolved by the Minnesota Supreme Court if challenged. The Speaker said she was honored to serve, emphasized working for Minnesotans, and said committees would begin meeting later in the week. Republicans framed their agenda around public safety, fraud prevention, fiscal restraint, and affordability, and repeatedly called on Democrats to return to the chamber and “get to work.” They also said they were open to continued negotiations, but only if Democrats were reasonable and present. Questions from reporters focused on the legal basis for proceeding after the Secretary of State adjourned the session, the likelihood of court review, and whether Republicans would follow any Supreme Court ruling. The Speaker said they would comply with court decisions but were confident in their position. She also said the House would meet again at noon the next day and that the status of members who did not take the oath in the chamber would be reviewed if they appeared.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:37.760> uh the B-roll that's from other officers uh the B-roll that's from other officers
• <00:03:34.319> involved<00:03:34.640> shooting our officer involved shooting our officer
• <00:03:41.360> involved requires in the BCA's officer involved requires in the BCA's officer
• The officer is responding to the call. The officer is responding to the call.
• <02:43:01.680> and thank you on behalf of our office and thank you on behalf of our office

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A four-legged officer is a partner with this two-legged officer, and that dog goes home with that officer
• in her office.
• office.
• from licensed officers to certified officers to match how law enforcement officers in Florida are credentialed
• We've spent a lot of time in my office and your office on the phone talking about this.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0. The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on the report from the Office of Election, Crimes and Security, Based on the report from the Office
• We want the sponsors to pay the fines and penalties because what the elections office, the Office of
• office as a platform.
• It's talking about the Office of Election Crimes, which wasn't that office created after the prior amendment
• So this will in no way whatsoever apply to a family medicine office, a pediatrician's office, or any

Summary: The Florida Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness for sexual assault survivors, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a memorial proclamation for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special-order bills, with senators also briefly discussing the session’s pace and thanking staff and colleagues for their work. The first major bill, on driving and boating offenses, was amended and passed 37-0. As amended, it increases penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide/vessel homicide offenses, and adds notice requirements and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. Senators also passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers 37-0, requiring Medicaid managed care plans to offer more after-hours and holiday access and ensuring more primary care appointment availability outside regular business hours. The Senate then passed a major condominium and cooperative associations bill, also 37-0, after extensive debate and multiple amendments. The measure extends deadlines for structural integrity reserve studies, adds flexibility for reserve funding and budgeting, tightens rules for managers and inspectors, limits certain requirements to buildings of three or more habitable stories, and extends the rescission period for condo purchases. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s sponsors for years of work responding to post-Surfside safety and affordability concerns. The longest and most contentious item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendment petition procedures. Sponsors said the bill responds to fraud and abuse in the citizen initiative process by tightening circulator rules, requiring faster submission of signed petitions, adding voter notification, increasing penalties, and shifting costs to sponsors. Opponents argued it would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizens to qualify initiatives. The chamber adopted a series of amendments, including changes to the petition-circulator threshold, volunteer protections, submission timing, invalid-signature investigation thresholds, and notice/cure provisions, while debate continued over whether the overall package would protect election integrity or suppress citizen-led amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• be filed with and determined by the Office of Elections.
• be filed with and determined by the Office of Elections.
• My name is William Vento from the Public Defender Office.
• <00:15:45.199> Hawai Woodward for the office Hawai Woodward for the office Hawai Affairs<00
• <00:17:23.160> public uh Haley Ching for the office public uh Haley Ching for the office public

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• at the discretion of the Office of Motor Vehicles.
• at the discretion of the Office of Motor Vehicles.
• of the office. ...standing in provision, debts may be referred to the Office of the Description of the
• That's what the officer motor vehicle.
• Hi, Robin Temple with the Office of Motor Vehicles.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, thank you, Chair, for the Attorney General's office.
• for the Attorney General's office. for the Attorney General's office.
• Mona Warrior, the Executive Director of the Office of Consumer Protection.
• I mean, we can put your office directly in here: engage with the Office of Consumer Protection, but I
• with the Office of Consumer engage with the Office of Consumer Protection,<00:34:02.800> but<

Bills: SCR118, SCR173

Keywords: climate change, insurance affordability, working group, disaster recovery, fossil fuel companies, insurance stability, Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, ticket scalping, task force, consumer protection, event accessibility, local economy, 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection heard two resolutions. SCR 118 SD1 would urge the Insurance Division and the Attorney General to convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division deferred to written testimony, while the Attorney General opposed the measure because of an ongoing lawsuit, asking that references to legal recovery and the AG’s role in convening the group be removed. Members questioned how the resolution might relate to the state’s climate damages litigation and whether it could inform damages calculations. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including removing the Attorney General as co-convener and changing certain membership references to board chairs; the motion passed unanimously with one excused member. The committee also heard SCR 173 SD1, which would create a task force on event ticket scalping. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the concept but asked to be added as a task force member and said the draft left its role unclear. Supporters, including the National Independent Venue Association and D-BAT, described high resale prices, fraudulent or speculative tickets, and harm to consumers and local businesses. StubHub and the Ticket Policy Forum supported the task force but urged broader scope to include the primary ticket market and ticket sellers, and StubHub also sought inclusion on the task force. Members discussed whether the task force should focus on the secondary market or the broader ticketing ecosystem, and whether the Office of Consumer Protection should be part of the task force or only consulted. The vice chair recommended passage with amendments adding the Office of Consumer Protection as a member and clarifying the consultation language, and the committee adopted that recommendation unanimously with one excused member.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is detrimental to our office. This office started in 2010.
• Our office changed that.
• We administer through our office.
• For officers, it's just a pain in the butt.
• He walked into my office, and I asked, "Can I help you?"

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment was provided to our office by the Secretary of State's Office in consultation with advocates
• by the Secretary of State's Office. ...the House author, and it was provided to our office by the Secretary
• It goes to the Secretary of State's Office.
• The bill creates the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the Office of the Governor, led by a
• .the Office of the Governor, which will be administering the Texas Nuclear Energy Office and the actual

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislators and constitutional offices legislators and constitutional offices TR<00:10:22.040>
• also then um oversees the joint offices also then um oversees the joint offices that<00:26:08.679
• <00:26:44.120> provides services that the office provides services that the office provides
• <00:28:54.640> of worry about that but uh so office of worry about that but uh so office of
• end of the day controlled by the office end of the day controlled by the office off<00:51:57.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on January 16, 2025, for an organizational and informational session. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Jim Nash reviewed committee expectations, including that nonpartisan staff are to be used for factual information rather than political arguments. He also noted the committee rules were a blend of prior chairs’ rules and would be posted without a vote. Helen Roberts of House Fiscal gave a high-level overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and budget structure. She explained that the State Government Finance Committee oversees funding for major administrative agencies, the legislature, constitutional offices, and several boards, councils, and commissions. She emphasized that the committee’s general fund base for fiscal years 2026-27 is about $1.31 billion, less than 2% of the state general fund, and that the largest pieces are the Department of Revenue, the legislature, and pension aids. She also described how all-funds presentations differ from general fund views, highlighting internal service funds such as Minnesota IT Services, Department of Administration services, and other chargeback or reimbursement arrangements. Members asked questions about House and Senate budgets, debt service related to the Capitol Area building project and move costs, and how Minnesota IT Services is funded through fee-for-service chargebacks. Colby Sullivan of House Research then summarized a memo in the packet that outlines the entities within the committee’s jurisdiction and the constitutional and statutory provisions governing them. He pointed members to the memo as a reference and noted that the committee also has jurisdiction over the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the legislative auditor, the legislative reference library, the reviser of statutes, the Secretary of State’s budget and certain duties, and three gambling-related agencies, though gambling policy itself is generally handled by another committee. He offered to help members with bill drafting and amendments and to provide a linked electronic version of the memo. The Office of the Legislative Auditor then began an overview of its work. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall explained that the office is nonpartisan, serves all 201 legislators, and provides oversight through financial audits, program evaluations, and special reviews focused on state funds. She distinguished the Legislative Auditor from the State Auditor, noting that the State Auditor is an elected constitutional officer who focuses on county and local government funds. Randall said the office would also present a deep dive into its November performance audit of the Minnesota State Lottery. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• office. Stand up and run for office. office. Stand up and run for office.
• run for office." run for office."
• should be in office. should be in office.
• So I left and we went to her office. office?" office?"
• office.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, approval of the February 12, 2026 journal, and reports that several bills were correctly printed or engrossed. Committee reports then moved Senate Bills 7 and 31 from Health and Human Services, Senate Bills 53 and 54 from Local Government and Housing, and Senate Bill 43 from State, Veterans, and Military Affairs to the Committee of the Whole, with some measures recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also announced substitute prime sponsors for Senate Bills 260008 and 2631 following Senator Michaelson Jenet’s resignation. The Senate then recessed to hold a memorial for former Senator Faith Winter and later voted to proceed out of order for memorials. Senate Joint Memorial 001, honoring Winter, was read at length and adopted. The memorial described her work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, rural health care, and bipartisan legislation, and it was ordered sent to her family members. The Senate also suspended Rule 31A by a two-thirds vote so current and former House members could address the chamber from the well. Several members and family representatives offered remarks remembering Winter as a mentor, organizer, and coalition-builder. Speakers highlighted her advocacy for paid family leave, transportation funding, cleaner air, women’s leadership, and workplace accountability, as well as her personal warmth and support for colleagues and family. No additional legislative votes or bill actions were taken beyond the memorial adoption and procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• , having received the decorated officer, having received the com<00:10:17.839> commemorate<00:
• Petty Officer Cullison was a beacon of light to all who knew him and a leader to everyone.
• :12:28.240> Collinsson, Officer First Class Dakota Collinsson, Officer First Class Dakota Collinsson
• > first<00:12:38.079> class We honor petty officer first class We honor petty officer first
• President, I'd like to say that the Petty Officer First Class Dakota Collison's family is here.

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

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on February 23, 2026, with an invocation by Reverend David Drake of the Church of Resurrection in Timonium, introduced by the senator from District 11. The chamber also recognized Denise Henderson Hector for 50 years as a licensed mortician and director at Recent Sons Mortuary in Annapolis, honoring her as a trailblazer and community leader during Black History Month. The Senate then welcomed several student pages, a guest from District 25, and Dr. Sarah Merritt, the doctor of the day. The Senate devoted a lengthy portion of the session to honoring fallen service members. Members presented tributes to Staff Sergeant Jared Allen Fenry, Specialist Jacob Mullen, Petty Officer First Class Dakota Brown Cullison, and Private First Class Devon Moore, describing their military service, community involvement, and family lives. The chamber then observed taps and a moment of silence, and members noted that the families present were deeply appreciated. The remarks were journalized for the record. After the memorial presentations, the Senate moved to routine business. It considered the introduction of Senate Bill 984 on correctional services and private immigration detention facilities, referred to the Rules Committee, and a bond initiative for Elton Flood Mitigation Management, referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. House Bill 146 on on-site wastewater systems, inspection and pumping requirements, and implementation dates was also read and referred to the appropriate standing committee. The Senate left the third reading calendar for the next day, announced caucus meetings for both parties on February 24, and adjourned until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, yes, we do have a requirement that they live in the area of that office.
• Next up: Kevin Jacobs, Chief of Staff of the Office of Insurance Regulation.
• It kind of assumes you have 28 offices to put those people in.
• It sounds like you're hopeful that in 90 days you'll have that office open.
• Recognized: Yes, I'm very hopeful that in 90 days we will have an office open.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would go to PERC's hearing officers.
• And we ask that you increase hearing officer pay by 17%.
• When a hearing officer leaves... ...incremental increases over time.
• When a hearing officer leaves, we have slower case resolution.
• Next up, we have the Office of Insurance Regulation.

Summary: The committee first took up confirmation of five water management district appointees: Ted Everett and Jerome Pate to the Northwest Florida Water Management District, Michael Romano to the Big Cypress Basin Board of the South Florida Water Management District, and Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Senator McClain moved confirmation, the roll was called, and the committee recommended all appointees favorably. Members then received the Governor’s Florida First budget presentations for environmental agencies. The environmental package totaled about $5.8 billion and emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, resilience, land conservation, state parks, hazardous waste cleanup, wildlife management, wildfire response, and citrus support. DEP highlighted more than $1.4 billion for water resources, including $810 million for Everglades restoration, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state parks, and $221 million for contamination cleanup. FWC, Agriculture, and Citrus funding priorities were also outlined. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a reduction at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and beach renourishment funding for storm damage. The committee also heard the General Government portion of the budget, which totaled about $2.9 billion and covered DBPR, Lottery, Financial Services, Management Services, Revenue, PERC, and the Gaming Control Commission. DBPR requested funds for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, fleet replacement, and IT retention. FGCC sought new enforcement squads and an IT licensing/enforcement system. The Lottery proposed marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding. DMS emphasized building modernization, fleet telematics, 911 and radio upgrades, cybersecurity, a local government cybersecurity grant program, and data interoperability. PERC described a sharp increase in labor cases and elections after SB 256 and requested staffing, election administration, and hearing officer pay increases. DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation. Revenue requested operational and IT funding and support for fiscally constrained counties. Questions focused on DBPR’s condo and HOA initiatives, cybersecurity grant reductions, and the My Safe Florida Home program’s abandoned grants and matching requirements. No additional votes were taken, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Renamed Committee to Hear State Auditor's Office Performance Audits, previously known as the I-900 subcommittee
• Committee is to hear performance audits done by the state auditor as an independent constitutional office
• The office operates independently of the legislature.
• That's from the state auditor's office.
• I'm the Assistant Director of Performance Audit at the state auditor's office.

Summary: The committee meeting began with a brief explanation of the renamed Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee subcommittee, now called the Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits, and a presentation from the State Auditor’s Office on its current biennium performance audit work plan. The auditor described how topics are selected from a large pool of potential audits and highlighted several ongoing or planned audits, including the Liquor and Cannabis Board, oversight of authorized entities serving students with disabilities, the Quality Home Care Initiative, Medicaid managed care versus fee-for-service costs, the Housing Commission tenant ownership follow-up, DSHS vendor payment patterns, implementation of the Since Time Memorial curriculum, and the Washington State ferry system. Members asked about coordination with JLARC to avoid duplication, and the auditor said the offices exchange work plans, monthly updates, and quarterly coordination meetings. The committee then heard the State Auditor’s performance audit on how charter schools identify and support at-risk students. Auditors reviewed four charter schools—Catalyst Public Schools, Innovation High School, Pinnacles Prep, and Rainier Prep—and focused on English language learners, homeless students, and special education students. The audit found the schools met nearly all legal requirements reviewed, with only one area where two schools partially met a language-access requirement. The schools also used several promising practices, including small-group instruction, culturally responsive environments, and multi-tiered systems of support, though the auditors recommended better documentation of procedures to improve consistency. Families interviewed generally reported positive experiences, while noting resource constraints. Committee members asked about how the four schools were selected, whether the audit compared charter populations to home districts, and how MTSS requirements applied to the schools reviewed. The State Auditor’s Office said the sample was chosen for geographic diversity, student population characteristics, and representation from both authorizers, and that K-2 MTSS requirements were not evaluated because they applied to only one school. Representatives from the Charter School Commission and charter school advocates responded positively, emphasizing technical assistance, collaboration, and sharing best practices across schools. Two public testifiers also supported the report and said it highlighted effective practices that could be expanded across charter and traditional public schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is state procurement office here? >> sorry. Is state procurement office here?
• state procurement office, comments from statewide<00:32:37.440> office<00:32:37.600> on
• <00:49:02.079> I office, they don't have any money. I office, they don't have any money.
• <01:06:37.920> of Woodward on behalf of the Office of Woodward on behalf of the Office of
• PD's office really quick. PD's office really quick.

Bills: HB1877, HB2006, HB2167, HB2224, HB1626, HB1690, HB2012

Keywords: LGBTQ+ rights, commission membership, representation, youth involvement, Hawaii legislation, child well-being, financial support, expectant mothers, Hawaii Rx kids program, economic stability, youth homelessness, financial assistance, housing instability, emergency services, transitioning youth, Medicaid, pharmaceutical benefits, human services, healthcare access, public funds

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition. The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals. The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anyone from the House or the President's office? Sure.
• , specific office, that Thank you. specific office that does the development of nuclear power in the
• We're going to open up an office.
• The head of the Office of Energy is a non-voting member.
• and just have the office say that this is the office of nuclear development.

Summary: The meeting focused on finalizing recommendations from the Delaware Nuclear Energy Task Force, with most of the discussion centered on how the state should organize itself to evaluate and potentially pursue nuclear power. Public commenters strongly supported nuclear energy, emphasizing energy reliability, economic competitiveness, data center demand, and the need for Delaware to act quickly. Several speakers argued that Delaware is falling behind neighboring states and should not delay if it wants to attract developers and preserve access to federal tax incentives. Members then worked through revisions to the recommendations, especially the section on state actions moving forward. There was broad agreement that Delaware needs a clearly empowered leadership structure, but disagreement over the best form: a cabinet-level energy agency, an expanded existing agency such as DENREC, a dedicated coordinator, an expanded Sustainable Energy Utility, or a separate quasi-independent authority. Some members favored a nimble, one-off entity with bonding and financing authority; others cautioned against creating a new body outside state government and stressed the need for coordination with existing agencies, public oversight, and cost discipline. The group also discussed adding responsibilities such as site identification, public engagement, coordination with PJM and federal agencies, and financing tools, while removing or folding in items that seemed duplicative or too broad. The committee also revised earlier modules to broaden the focus from small modular reactors to nuclear power more generally, while keeping the task force’s original SMR work in view. Members agreed to keep recommendations on state and local regulatory readiness, financial mechanisms, permitting coordination, and public engagement, and to add a recommendation for Delaware to participate as an observer in the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative through NASEO and NARUC. The committee approved the revised Module Four recommendations by vote, with one abstention from Tom Noyes. Minutes from the prior meeting were also approved with minor corrections.