Transcript Highlights:

• I have been part of school advisory committees, led district multicultural events, and participated in
• Engaging with the community around the name change was led by our students.

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• During 2020, I also led the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, helping the state navigate the
• And during 2020, I also led the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, helping the state navigate

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections. The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.

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• by the 87th legislative session to assume the role. of non-federal sponsor for portions of the Corps led
• Lake Houston area and was directly in. involved in the dialogue with TACA, with the industry, that led

Bills: HB 1089, HB 1163, HB 1177, HB 1238, HB1318, HB1400, HB1407, HB1532, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: coastal protection, environmental management, Gulf Coast, storm risk management, funding, Texas General Land Office, healthcare, insurance reform, patient access, insurance regulation, affordable care, health insurance, consumer rights, coverage transparency, claims process, insurance regulations, aggregate production, environmental impact, financial responsibility, reclamation

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Pages, High Springs sponsored by Senator
• This has led to an increase in turnover rates and case managers at high levels of vacant positions.

Keywords: 998, house, all

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• that you know, so far you've treated us well, and so I appreciate that, and the work that you have led
• And that was what led us to ask some questions about who was filing where.

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• academic, it's about how to change your thinking, how to identify some of the errors that you made. that led
• you to the conviction history that led you to prison, and we do have a binding annual evaluation and

Keywords: 1184, house, all

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• The emergency powers that led to this bill were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Created music and art that changed the world, led movements that reshaped democracy, and continue to

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• Bradbury also led the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice, and he clerked at both the
• And unfortunately, that has led to deaths as a result of that.

Keywords: transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.

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• Postal inspectors, and this is what led to the... inspectors, and this is what led to the creation of

Bills: SB76, SB35, SB116, SB119, SB118, SB129, SB32, SB31, SB115, SB75, HB27, HB40

Keywords: jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, SB116, machine gun conversion devices, switches, pistol conversion device, auto sear, firearm accessories, machine gun, automatic weapon, semiautomatic pistol, gun control

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• Would you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Truenow. Thank you so much.
• Would you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Senator Truenow?

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first received an update from FDOT on the Sun Trail shared-use nonmotorized trail program. FDOT said the program, created in 2015 and expanded by 2023 legislation, now includes connections to the Florida Wildlife Corridor and received a one-time $200 million appropriation plus increased annual funding. The department reported programming about $180 million of that funding, completing 42 construction projects totaling nearly 95 miles in 21 counties, and installing trail counters and QR-code surveys to measure usage and economic impact. Members expressed support for the program and asked no substantive questions. The committee then heard a presentation on FDOT’s locally administered state transportation funding programs, including SCOP, SCOPM, SCRAP, SIGP, and TRIP. FDOT explained these programs support local roadway resurfacing, bridge repair, drainage, paving unpaved roads, and safety or capacity improvements, with varying state match levels depending on the program and eligibility. FDOT said its adopted five-year work program includes more than $1.4 billion for local transportation improvement projects. A member asked whether toll revenues from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties fund these programs; FDOT said it would research the funding source and follow up. The committee’s main discussion was a panel on advanced air mobility (AAM), including FDOT and industry representatives from Supernal, Joby, Atlantic Aviation, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, and Eve Air Mobility. FDOT described its AAM planning work, advisory committee, local government guidebook, and upcoming training, while panelists emphasized Florida’s leadership, the likely use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure first, and the expectation that private investment will fund much of the early vertiport buildout. Members raised concerns about community acceptance, privacy, zoning, airspace congestion, security, and lessons from scooters and drones. Panelists repeatedly stressed a “crawl, walk, run” rollout, local government coordination, multimodal connectivity, and public outreach. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the panel.

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• And we want to follow through on the issues that led us to seek this public service in the first place
• In the end, it led to Dennis Bonin having to retire from this chamber. But I moved past that.

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• You had an incredible season, led by your captains, who have shown tremendous leadership.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted an order setting a joint convention of the two branches for Thursday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m. to receive a communication from Governor Maura Healey. The chamber then briefly recessed and returned to recognize guests, including the North Attleboro High School football team, which was welcomed for winning the MIAA Division III State Championship after a 35-0 victory over Mansfield. Senator Feeney and Representative Scanlon praised the team’s 10-2 season, the coaching staff, school officials, and the broader community for the accomplishment. The Senate then considered and adopted a motion that, upon adjournment, it do so in memory of Mrs. Margaret C. Pegg Rooney of South Boston. The remarks honored her family, community involvement, faith, volunteer work, and long service at the State House Information Technology Department. A moment of silence was requested and observed in her memory. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and set the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The chamber adjourned in memory of Mrs. Rooney.

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• please rise as you are able for the invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to be led

Bills: HB3281, HB3320, HB3081, HB3127, HB3128, HB3498, HB2035, HB3765, HB4324, HB3678, HB4170, HB3495, HB3040, HB3062, HB4140, HB4106, HB4109, HB4104, HB3581, HB3620, HB3942, HB3279, HB3378, HB3383, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3420, HB3130, HB3700, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB3315, HB2950, HB3242, HB3041, HB4428, HB4429, HB1064, HB3265, HB3721, HB3028, HB3313, HB3588, HB3020, HB3724, HB3392, HB3466, HB4060, HJR1074, HB3501, HJR1070, HB3794, HB3796, HB3928, HB2955, HB4453, HB4460, HB4128, HB3659, HB3270, HB3145

Keywords: administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, sunset laws, statutory entities, regulatory compliance, emergency provisions, board re-creation, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, medical marijuana, employment rights, safety-sensitive positions, workplace policies, public assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Please rise as you're able for the invocation and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to be led

Bills: HB3840, HB3431, HB4422, HB4117, HB4300, HB4298, HB2984, HB3344, HB2979, HB2980, HB3662, HB4107, HB3082, HB2997, HB3083, HB3055, HB2951, HB3469, HB3173, HB3287, HB2947, HB3784, HB3901, HB4275, HR1031, HB4359, HB4115, HB3467, HB2978, HB3026, HB3032

Keywords: foreign ownership, land acquisition, military installation, critical infrastructure, affidavit requirements, state law, penalties, Attorney General, foreign ownership of land, foreign adversary, foreign government adversary, foreign government enterprise, foreign government entity, foreign terrorist organization, specially designated national, SDN, FTO, critical minerals, land ownership, real property

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• The pledge of allegiance will be led by Representative Stewart.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, led the pledge, and established a quorum with 58 members present and seven excused. The journal for Thursday, January 29, 2026 was approved as corrected. During announcements, Representative Luck offered a lighthearted Colorado trivia comment tied to the state’s 150th birthday and encouraged members and listeners with a brief message of appreciation. Committee reports were then received. The Committee on Education reported House Bill 1016 favorably to Appropriations, and House Bills 1027 and 1050, both as amended, favorably to the Committee of the Whole. The Committee on State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs reported House Bill 1022, as amended, favorably to Appropriations. No floor votes on legislation occurred in this segment. The House agreed to lay over the balance of the calendar until Monday, February 2, 2026, and then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. that day.

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• This research has led to new treatments and prescription drugs that have significantly improved the lives

Keywords: public health, nominations, NIH, FDA, drug affordability, transparency, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare accessibility

Summary: The meeting focused on vital health-related nominations, primarily emphasizing the roles of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH Director and Dr. Monty McCary for FDA Commissioner. During the discussion, various senators expressed their support and concerns regarding these nominations. Senator Sanders voiced opposition to both candidates, highlighting issues related to drug affordability and public trust in health agencies. He emphasized the need for leaders committed to transparency and addressing the epidemic of high prescription drug prices, advocating for action against pharmaceutical industry greed. Overall, the conversation underscored the critical crossroads in public health leadership amidst ongoing challenges such as trust restoration and healthcare accessibility.

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• The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by KD Floyd.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

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• It doesn't care if it's Republican or Democrat; that mentality led Republican Senator Zack Duckworth

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Minnesota’s civility caucus, a bipartisan effort led by Republican Sen. Zack Duckworth and DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild. Katie Pratt, director of the state Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution, described the caucus as a small time commitment that brings senators together for lunch, speakers, and relationship-building exercises designed to help them see one another as people and improve communication across party lines. Pratt and Duckworth said the caucus is intended to build trust and empathy rather than produce immediate bipartisan policy deals. The idea is that stronger personal relationships can create a better foundation for future policymaking, especially in a polarized environment. Duckworth said the caucus can help legislators who may be new to divided government or who need to rebuild relationships after a difficult end to the previous session. Duckworth said joining the caucus reflects a belief that civility and courage are both important in legislative work, even if constituents sometimes expect lawmakers to be combative. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the segment.

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• The pledge of allegiance to the US, uh, and Texas flag will be led by the Honorable John McQueeney of

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• So, counties that have led the way really in establishing these kinds of policies to get phones out of
• protocol for registering volunteers, including formerly incarcerated individuals and organizations led
• transportation committee environment led transportation committee environment led paint<02:23:44.319
• I think this amendment led to a unanimous vote here and, uh, so, Mr.
• think this amendment this amendment led think this amendment this amendment led to<02:43:39.200>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.