Transcript Highlights:

• Committee reports.
• committee rise and report. committee rise and report.
• the education committee report. the education committee report.
• In the Appropriations Committee, uh, we put an amendment on that, uh, essentially puts a one-year sunset
• The education committee report is adopted to the appropriations committee report. >> Appropriations Committee

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we considering part of this committee? I thought it was pretty good. Okay.
• This is the only county in the state of Alabama like this that is a local bill.
• It is the most unique county in the state of Alabama.
• Alabama and stayed with the Union.
• But there will be another local legislation committee meeting a week from today.

Bills: HB590

Keywords: lodging tax, Winston County, road improvements, fire departments, local elections, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Education Pre-K through 12 will now come to order.
• When we take a look at Alabama, I want to point out Auburn High School.
• They're leaving Florida to go to Georgia or Alabama.
• And so that’s why we’re having this discussion in this committee.
• And so that's why we're having this discussion in this committee.

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White, on current issues in high school sports. Damon said the association received more than 309 allegations this year, including 113 recruiting complaints, but only two coaches were suspended for recruiting violations, and those were self-reported. He focused on rising sportsmanship problems, violent incidents, and ejections, saying the association is working with coaches and athletic administrators on prevention and positive-behavior campaigns. He also discussed mental health pressures on student athletes, the effects of frequent transfers and school choice on team stability and community pride, and the need for more qualified coaches on campus who understand interscholastic rules and student support responsibilities. Senators asked about the transfer system, violent conduct, and whether the association would propose changes; Damon said he would support guardrails that protect school choice while limiting midseason athletic transfers. The committee then took up a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, often amounting to very low hourly pay despite year-round duties, and said Florida’s system has not kept pace with increased responsibilities, inflation, or neighboring states. He also criticized restrictions on booster-club support, minimal coaching certification requirements, and turnover among coaches, and urged changes that would allow coaches to negotiate fairer compensation and receive external funding. Hickman and Ward emphasized the long hours, family strain, and mentoring role of coaches, while the superintendents said districts face finite budgets and must balance coach pay against teacher, bus driver, and other staffing needs; they also warned that booster-funded pay could create inequities between wealthy and less affluent communities. Senators discussed whether booster-club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should vary by performance, and whether any new funding should be categorical. Public comment followed from Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, both of whom stressed the broader educational and safety impact of coaches and asked lawmakers to support the next generation of coaches. After the presentations, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, by a single roll-call vote, recommended all appointees favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• one and three years, and how do the standards and the coursework within the program align to our Alabama
• <00:11:23.680> Are<00:11:23.839> they<00:11:24.000> teaching, to our Alabama
• Are they teaching, to our Alabama code?
• of Alabama. of Alabama.
• I remember when teachers took tests at one time in the state of Alabama.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:06.880> to were one of the first LCC committees to were one of the first LCC committees
• like testify about the Alabama like testify about the Alabama experience<01:03:26.400> as
• lot of talk about Alabama. Yep. lot of talk about Alabama. Yep.
• uh and talked to the commerce committees uh and talked to the commerce committees and<01:12:56.159
• that, you know, created this committee that, you know, created this committee weren't<01:15:02.400

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , Committee, my good friend, Representative<02:33:27.920> Hartsburgger.
• Gentleman is Commerce Committee.
• of the Energy and Commerce Committee. of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
• Committee and now onto the House floor.
• Committee, which oversees Medicaid. Committee, which oversees Medicaid.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 28, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um being and also chair this committee.
• Chair and committee members, we're happy to keep working with the committee on this language. Yes.
• Chair and committee members.
• Chair and committee members. you, Mr. Chair and committee members.
• This bill was before committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to welcome everybody to our first Education Policy Committee.
• And so we um there are some things we may not have time to do in committee.
• And so we um there are some things we may not have time to do in committee.
• Are there any questions of the committee? >> Yeah. Okay.
• Right now, Alabama already has a loan program.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, committee members, and thank you for the opportunity to provide an overview of the funding
• Good<00:01:21.759> morning,<00:01:22.080> committee<00:01:22.479> members,<00:01
• So, in Alabama, what they saw is sort of if you build it, they will come.
• So, in Alabama, what they saw is sort of if you build it, they will come.
• So, in Alabama, what they saw is sort of if you build it, they will come.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and first heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials on career and technical education funding. KDE explained that House Bill 499 created a CTE funding formula using 60% weighted full-time equivalent enrollment and 40% incentives, but House Bill 6’s budget language excluded area technology centers (ATCs) from that supplemental funding. KDE requested approval of an additional budget request of $14,789,352 in each fiscal year 2027 and 2028 to include ATCs in the formula and hold local districts harmless. Officials said ATCs serve students from 117 of Kentucky’s 171 districts and argued the change would reduce funding disparities and better reflect the return on investment from CTE programs, citing growth in dual credit and work-based learning participation. Members asked whether the issue would need to be revisited each budget cycle. KDE responded that the problem could be fixed by removing the notwithstanding language from the budget bill, which they said would allow ATCs to be included under the existing statute. Representative Klein supported the request, saying the current clause could lead to stagnation and that the committee should help the program continue to grow. No vote was taken on the CTE item during the portion of the meeting provided. The committee then heard a presentation from PreK for All on expanding preschool access in Kentucky. Advocates said the state’s preschool program has been funded since 1990 and currently serves about 14,200 children at roughly $84 million per year, but that many working families still fall into a coverage gap. They proposed expanding eligibility to 250% of the federal poverty line, which they said would add about 9,600 children at a cost of $40 million in year two, after a planning year. The proposal also included regulatory flexibility for classrooms and partnerships with private child care providers and nonprofits, with speakers emphasizing child care deserts in some counties and citing research that early learning improves kindergarten readiness and later outcomes. No action or vote was taken on the preschool proposal in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee appointed to notify Governor that the legislature is in session. >> Mr.
• Committee appointed to escort Governor to joint session of the legislature. >> Mr.
• Now therefore, be it resolved by the legislature of Alabama, both houses... ...has left a void in the
• Now therefore, be it resolved by the legislature of Alabama, both houses... ...spirit, and consistent
• ,<00:05:32.400> both<00:05:32.639> houses Legislature of Alabama, both houses thereof

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened and quickly adopted several organizational resolutions: Senate Resolution 1 notifying the House that the Senate was in session, Senate Joint Resolution 2 appointing a committee to notify the Governor, and Senate Joint Resolution 3 appointing a committee to escort the Governor to the joint session. The chamber also recognized Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and later adopted a resolution honoring the life of Dorothy Lee “Dot” Hatcher, mother of Senator Kirk Hatcher, after it was read at length. Senators offered personal remarks of condolence and support to Senator Hatcher and his family. The Senate then agreed, without objection, to allow bill introductions throughout the day until 4:00 p.m. It adopted Senate Joint Resolution 5 by Senators Jones and Sessions, which recognizes Pineywoods cattle as an official heritage cattle breed of Alabama. The resolution was taken up immediately and passed by voice vote. Additional floor remarks welcomed new Senator Matt Woods, thanked family members in attendance, and recognized Trip Gudger and the new chief of staff, Connie Row. The chamber also noted that the journal would remain open until 4:00 p.m. for first readings and then recess until the next day, with the session adjourned by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolution the clerk will read the resolution HR 277 by Ashby recognizing February 18 2025 as Alabama
• Members, today as Alabama Cushata Tribe their day at the state capitol as the oldest native tribe with
• I'm honored today to welcome a number of prominent members of the Alabama Kshatriya tribe that are up
• The first reading referral to committee, the clerk will read the resolutions.
• As of the 89th legislature referred to the committee on house administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, like, for instance, if you look at Birmingham, there's Central Alabama Water Board.
• So, like, for instance, if you look at Birmingham, there's Central Alabama Water Board.
• And in Birmingham, Alabama, the mayor can't be on one of the authorities. So, it's true.
• Anything else for the committee?
• Anything else for the committee?

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HR 277 by Ashby recognizing February 18, 2025 as Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas Day at State Capitol
• Members, today is Alabama Coushatta Tribe, uh, their day at the state Capitol, as the oldest native tribe
• with a reservation in our Lone Star State, the Alabama Coushatta Tribe has deep roots and takes great
• I'm honored today to welcome a number of prominent members of the Alabama Coushatta tribe that are up
• The following resolutions on first reading referral to committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Joint Prison Oversight Committee.
• And so we've done what we can with an Alabama solution.
• we've done what we can with an Alabama we've done what we can with an Alabama solution.<00:11:13.200
• >> Absent any questions from the committee.
• >> Absent any questions from the committee.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee should oppose SB 63.
• This has also already been through both a policy committee and a money committee on the other side.
• Chair, committee members. Dr.
• Members of the committee, I'd be happy to take any questions that you or the members of the committee
• The committee will come back to order. The committee will come back to order.

Bills: AB52, AB76, AB163, AB388, AB483

Keywords: health insurance, claims process, insurance regulation, admin penalties, healthcare access, cannabis, cannabis establishment, medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, advertising regulations, packaging requirements, unlicensed cannabis activities, state prosecution, confidentiality, Cannabis Compliance Board, disciplinary proceedings, mental health, counseling, interstate practice, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice will not come to order.
• I'm sorry, I watched The Alabama Solution.
• Thank you, Chair and committee members.
• I want to apologize on behalf of the committee for that.
• Okay, is there any other business before the committee today?

Bills: S0054, S0156, S0296, S0298

Keywords: cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues. The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups. Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of select committees. We have none, Mr. Speaker. Report of standing committees.
• Has worked all over Mississippi and Alabama. Good to see you, Jeff. [applause] Welcome, gentlemen.
• Has worked all over<00:10:14.079> Mississippi<00:10:14.480> and<00:10:14.720> Alabama
• <00:10:16.079> Good<00:10:16.240> to over Mississippi and Alabama.
• Good to over Mississippi and Alabama. Good to see<00:10:16.480> you,<00:10:16.720> Jeff.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 13 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a guest-led prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum and dispensed with reading the journal. There were no select committee reports, and standing committee reports were noted as being on the calendar. The chamber also welcomed visitors, including Florence Middle School student council members, school administrators and teachers, and longtime sports writer Jeff Bird. On the calendar, the House considered motions to reconsider and tabled House Bills 1441 and 1442. The rules calendar then took up House Resolutions 4 through 14 in a block, and the House gave them final passage. Immediate release was requested and granted for those resolutions. During announcements, a member changed a prior vote on House Bill 1314 from nay to yea. Members also offered memorials for Jerry Montgomery and Dr. Mary Washington of Humphreys County. The Speaker thanked members for a productive week, and the House adopted a motion to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our meeting, the Local Legislation Committee, is probably one of the most unique committees in the realm
• of more than maybe two dozen standing committees.
• We committees. We do not meet weekly.
• So, Gina, very glad to have you now as a new part of this committee.
• So anyway, glad to have you part of our committee as well.

Bills: HB180

Keywords: education, county superintendent, appointed, elected officials, Conecuh County, local control, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice will come to order.
• I'm sorry, I watched the Alabama solution.
• getting down in Alabama mistreating those people.
• Thank you, Chair and committee members.
• Thank you, Chair and committee members.

Summary: The committee received a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-2027 public safety budget, which totals $8.2 billion for the public safety silo and includes funding for the Departments of Law Enforcement, Juvenile Justice, and Corrections, along with courts and legal affairs. The Governor’s Office highlighted recurring reductions and vacancy eliminations, while agency heads outlined their major requests: FDLE sought funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert-system upgrades, alcohol testing modernization, officer wellness, criminal intelligence, and immigration-related intelligence work; DJJ requested money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential services, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requested major increases for officer pay, additional staff, facility construction and maintenance, communications upgrades, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members questioned FDLE about immigration enforcement and public records burdens, and DOC about staffing, capacity, mental health services, contraband, housing, and whether prison beds were being used for immigration detainees. Public testimony also urged better prison conditions and basic necessities for incarcerated people. The committee then took up and reported favorably CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would strengthen penalties and clarify that a person may not resist an officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties. An amendment conforming the bill to House language was adopted, and the bill passed with Senator Smith voting no. The committee also adopted an amendment and reported favorably CS/SB 54, which concerns use of substances affecting cognitive function and limits certain medical-record disclosures to information relevant to investigations of violent offenders; Senator Smith voted no on that measure as well. Next, the committee considered Senator Berman’s bills on domestic and dating violence. CS/SB 296 would direct a study of a secure web-based alert platform for victims, including a discreet phone-number/code system and geolocation support, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to dating-violence victims. The bill drew emotional support testimony from survivors and advocates describing the dangers victims face when trying to leave abusive situations, and it was reported favorably. Its companion, CS/SB 298, would extend public-records protections in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating-violence victims; it was also reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• represent their fellow citizens in this legislative session. citizens in this latest session of the Alabama
• The next one is JD Floyd from the University of South Alabama. Cameron from Alabama.
• The Speaker's reception is tonight from 4:30 to 5:30 in the Alabama State Capitol in the historic Speaker's
• House Resolution Number Three, setting a joint session for the State of the State and appointing the committee

Keywords: 1136, house, all