Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Senate of the 33rd Legislature of the State of Hawaii please come to order?
• of the Senate of the State of Hawaii to the best of my ability.
• my duties as a member of the Senate of the State of Hawaii to the best of my ability.
• state of Hawaii of the Senate of the state of Hawaii of the state<00:25:01.799> of<00:25:02.000
• of our politics of our melee of our land of our politics of our relationship<01:30:29.920> to<

Keywords: Order of the Day: PENDING, 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, on behalf of myself as chair of the Committee on Health and Chair Martin of the Committee on Human
• So you can go in and actually look up, you know, put in codes or procedures and look up prices.
• of the range of services provided.
• Signed with a QR code in every waiting room. I spent hours in there. I had a lot of time.
• of of price transparency and the status of of price transparency across<00:43:51.119> our<00:

Bills: HB1853, HB1591, HB1961, HB1854, HB1965, HB1962, HB1959, HB2505, HB2576, HB1801, HB1804, HB1864, HB2319, HB2314, HB2115

Keywords: HB1853, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, memory care, memory clinic, Hanai Memory Network, Executive Office on Aging, aging services, kupuna, caregiver support, long-term care, elder care, geriatrics, public health, dementia screening, care coordination, referral network, neighbor islands, rural health

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2047, relating to pharmacy benefit managers. The Insurance Division said the bill would require new enforcement resources and estimated an appropriation of about $1.5 million and five positions. Kaiser Permanente asked for an amendment to exclude HMOs from the definition of third-party PBMs, saying the bill should not interfere with integrated care models. PCMA and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association supported narrowing amendments, with pharmacists objecting to section 3 and warning the bill as amended could create major operational burdens and a significant general fund cost. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the chair moved on to the next measure after questions. The committee then took up SB 2080, which would allow Hawaii to join the psychology interjurisdictional compact. Supporters, including DCR, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, the Grassroot Institute, and others, said the compact would expand access to psychology services, especially for people in rural areas or those needing continuity of care while traveling. Opponents, including the Board of Psychology and a Shamanad University psychology professor, raised concerns about client safety, crisis-response procedures, enforcement costs, FBI background checks, and possible loss of state control over training and specialization standards. The board said Hawaii’s current 1,900-hour internship/postdoc requirement is higher than the compact’s standard and that the state is still implementing a separate provisional licensing law that may address some access issues. The discussion focused on whether the compact would meaningfully reduce shortages and whether Hawaii should instead pursue changes within its existing licensing system. Finally, the committee heard SB 2277 on hospital price transparency. The Office of Consumer Protection initially noted the bill could require significant staffing, but later testimony from SHIP suggested the measure could be handled more simply by working with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and publicly posting violations. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing hospitals already must comply with federal CMS transparency rules and that adding state requirements would increase costs and legal exposure, especially if violations were treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices. Steve Fenberg testified in support, saying the bill would simply codify existing federal requirements in state law and that he was open to amendments removing state enforcement and the unfair trade practice language. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the state. of Texas.
• It also is a home of Midwestern State University, part of the Texas Tech System.
• all Americans. well-being of Texas.
• We as the Texas House want to thank the local the Texas Forest Service and Texas Department of Emergency
• relating to the adoption of certain plumbing codes by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners refer

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As one of the oldest leadership programs in the state of Texas, it has a rich history of training that
• Located just northeast of Dallas, the City of Garland is the 13th largest city in Texas and one of the
• Senate Bill 614 updates the Court of Criminal Procedure.
• Senate Bill 614 updates the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow the commission to refer not only active
• Association of Broadcasters, Texas Press Association, Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, Public

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, adopted the prior day’s journal, received House messages, and adopted several resolutions and recognitions, including Senate Resolution 496 honoring Leadership Garland and resolutions 503 and 504. The chamber also recognized guests, including a North Dakota senator and the Doctor of the Day, and received gubernatorial nominations for the Texas Economic Development Corporation Board and the Nueces River Authority Board. The Senate then took up and passed a series of bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Measures approved included SB 614 on Texas Forensic Science Commission referrals to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs; SB 250 on municipal annexation across railroad rights-of-way; SB 1660 on toxicological evidence retention and destruction procedures; SB 2586 requiring property owners associations to file governing documents with the Texas Real Estate Commission; SB 1588 increasing penalties for certain failures to report child sexual abuse; HB 912 on compensation for distributed renewable generation outside ERCOT; SB 1957 setting eligibility standards for civilian oversight boards; HB 2525 clarifying a charitable property tax exemption; SB 1525 limiting repeated prior authorization for neurodegenerative disease drugs; SB 865 requiring CPR/AED training and cardiac emergency response planning in schools; SB 1212 elevating human trafficking penalties; SB 2690 on solicitations for Secretary of State documents; SB 1802 on landlord repair duties for ramps, elevators, and handrails; SB 905 on licensing rules for speech-language pathologists and audiologists; SB 2929 allowing removal of disruptive spectators at school athletic events; SB 2675 creating a narrow McAllen-specific parkland conveyance exception; SB 872 increasing punishment for burglary of a vehicle involving firearm theft; and SB 1113 clarifying sales rules for certain converter-license holders. Several bills drew extended debate. SB 2487, dealing with crisis and mental health services for homelessness, was amended to make the county model permissive rather than mandatory and to remove state funding/assistance requirements before passing 28-3. SB 2138, barring higher education funds from contracting with firms that boycott fossil fuels through ESG policies, also passed after questions about fiscal effects and First Amendment concerns. SB 2615, restricting remote work at public institutions of higher education, advanced 22-9. The Senate also began consideration of SB 3016, which would expand enforcement tools against local governments that fail to comply with state law, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the Texas House of Representatives.
• state of Texas.
• of Texas for the Committee of Public Health.
• Of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council requiring an occupational license granting a criminal
• of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the Committee on Corrections.

Transcript Highlights:

• The University of Hawaii with comments. >> Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committee.
• be granted in cases of special need. be granted in cases of special need.
• of addresses um of includes disclosure of addresses um of candidates<00:18:25.600> and<00:18:
• director of the Department of Health and no technical members.
• > health<00:26:32.320> and director of the department of health and director of the department

Bills: HB1805, HB2110, HB2180, HB2184, HB2219, HB2469

Keywords: child welfare, advocacy, oversight, independent office, foster care, child advocate, child safety, nepotism, ethics, government transparency, accountability, legislative standards, electronic voting, legislative transparency, Hawaii House, voting system, appropriation, lawmaker safety, political violence, confidentiality

Summary: The House Committee on Legislative Management heard testimony on several measures. HB 1805, relating to child welfare, drew support from the University of Hawaii and concerns from the Attorney General about the bill’s definition of state agency and possible separation-of-powers and supremacy clause issues. During decision-making, the committee opted to move the child advocate function to the Attorney General’s office, accepted the Attorney General’s suggested scope and jurisdiction amendments, set the salary at 90% of the Department of Health deputy director’s salary, and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2110, relating to nepotism, received support from the Hawaii State Ethics Commission, which said the bill would apply the rule consistently and noted the existing good-cause exception process. The committee later deferred the bill, saying existing House rules on nepotism were already strict and that the proposal would be duplicative in statute. HB 2180, relating to voting boards, had no oral testimony in the room during the hearing, but the committee later amended it into a blank appropriations vehicle for the House of Representatives and passed it with amendments. HB 2184, relating to lawmaker safety, drew concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the bill would require redaction of address information and could create implementation issues, and the Attorney General noted missing language regarding appointed officials and an internal cross-reference issue. The committee adopted amendments to address those concerns and passed the bill with amendments. HB 2219, relating to disclosure of privileged communications to the Ombudsman, was clarified by the Ombudsman’s office as not requiring disclosure of privileged material, only preserving privilege if such material is voluntarily provided; the bill passed with amendments. HB 2469, relating to a regular session review working group, received testimony from the State Procurement Office, the Legislative Reference Bureau, and others in support and opposition, and the committee passed it with amendments after changing references and funding language.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is president of the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians.
• > Society<00:13:57.760> of president of the Hawaii Society of president of the Hawaii Society
• Can we give them a round of applause? Can we give them a round of applause?
• please stand for a round of applause? please stand for a round of applause?
• Top of page 15. Report number 180-26. Top of page 15.

Bills: HB2391, HB2294, HB2374, HB1997, HB2147, HB2185, HB1641, HB2195, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB1937, HB2586, HB2575, HB2030, HB2115, HB2233, HB1801, HB1546, HB2132, HB2102, HB2356, HB2457, HB2292, HB2554, HB676, HB1528, HB2061, HB2094, HB2095, HB2181, HB2369, HB2578, HB2493, HB1642, HB1991, HB1652, HB2104, HB2593, HB1553, HB1823, HB1918, HB1860, HB2604, HB2605, HB2001, HB2437, HB1947, HB2384, HB2473, HB2140, HB1458, HB2603, HB2411, HB1611, HB2138, HB2141, HB2284, HB1568, HB1924, HB1928, HB2570

Keywords: tax holiday, school supplies, general excise tax, Hawaii, consumer savings, education, land transfer, public schools, Department of Education, property conveyance, Act 307, Kauai, Maui, shade trees, fruit trees, educational program, climate change, tree canopy, environmental education, native plants

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, currently under state law, in, uh, section Article 17.03, uh, B2 Code of Criminal Procedure, uh,
• Drafting Committee of the State Bar of Texas in consultation with the Texas Secretary of State.
• I'm also with TBLF and sit on the Texas Business Organization's Codes Committee of the State Bar of Texas
• While a certain form of online impersonation is criminalized under the Texas Penal Code, there is currently
• So I have this under Texas Penal Code 33.07 online impersonation is criminalized when performed without

Transcript Highlights:

• >> and that's part of that scope of work >> and that's part of that scope of work that
• third bienium of our of our budget third bienium of our of our budget request<00:16:10.639> when
• designing of the scope of work. designing of the scope of work. >> Okay. >> Okay.
• Back in my younger days, uh, when I was new out of law school, I did do some criminal work.
• law school, I did do some out of law school, I did do some criminal<00:47:37.440> work.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:02 Statewide Emergency Response System Monthly Update- 00:02:23 Shock Probation: Administrative Office of the Courts-00:34:28 Shock Probation: Department of Corrections Oversight-01:04:04 Adjournment-01:12:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow. Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground. Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, we're seeing a number of new emerging markets, particularly in the panhandles of Texas, that
• <00:45:48.560> Texas particularly in the panhandles of Texas particularly in the panhandles
• of Texas that<00:45:49.200> are<00:45:49.280> emerging<00:45:50.240> as<00:45:50.640
• But amongst the emerging markets, especially the panhandles of Texas, Los Angeles, Minnesota, we do see
• But amongst the emerging markets, especially the panhandles of Texas, Los Angeles, Minnesota, we do see

Keywords: Meeting Start - 00:00 Roll Call – 00:15 Approval of Minutes of the July 15, 2025, Meeting 00:55 Helping Power Kentucky’s Growth – 01:25 Powering and Deploying AI – 41:00 Fueling America’s Intelligence – 56:12 Adjournment – 01:10:37, 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcB7qPmqPWc, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Attendance roll call: 00:10 Consideration of HB 575: 01:51 Consideration of HB 586: 27:52, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWEqSfGwSNw, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Attendance roll call: 00:05 Consideration of HB 44: 02:32 Consideration of HB 53: 24:30, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJbR9HbmDBo, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Attendance roll call: 00:15 Consideration of HB 316: 01:32 Consideration of HB 99: 17:05, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• of Criminal Procedure, or Election Code to the first 30 days of a disaster.
• This has to do with the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
• Senate Bill 1210 relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals
• Senate Bill 1210 relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of major rules for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority moved for adoption. You have questions.
• Healthcare authority rule packet of major. No, it's not.
• But like I've said on multiple other times, that we all campaign on the fact of trying to help cut back
• some of that bureaucracy.
• appreciate your patience with me as a newbie and answering questions when I had them and just kind of

Bills: SJR50, SJR52, SJR53

Keywords: Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs, provider regulations, benefits administration, rule approval

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope it's the last one of the year. Thank you for being here.
• SJR 52 is approving another set of major rules for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
• and we're having a good time, and I want to say something from my heart that I appreciate each one of
• know it's challenging, but like I've said on multiple other times that we all campaign on the fact of
• trying to help cut back some of that bureaucracy, and you're on the ground floor this year.

Bills: SJR50, SJR52, SJR53

Keywords: Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs, provider regulations, benefits administration, rule approval

Summary: The Administrative Rules Committee met to consider three joint resolutions approving major rules. Chairman Kendricks presented SJR 50 and SJR 52, both related to Oklahoma Health Care Authority rules, and SJR 53, which was clarified to concern the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Members asked why the Health Care Authority rules were split into two separate resolutions, and were told they could have been combined but were being handled separately. Each resolution was moved for adoption, there was little to no debate, and the committee voted to approve them. SJR 50 passed 10-0, SJR 52 passed 11-0, and SJR 53 also passed unanimously. After the votes, members exchanged brief remarks thanking one another for their work during the year and noting the committee’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy. A member asked whether suggestions should be raised at that time, and was told that was not the appropriate time. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Reverend Sers, if you don't mind, please open us up in a word of prayer. Yeah, let us pray.
• God, we thank you for this time of meeting and Lord, we thank you for this day that you've We thank you
• This basically expands the insurance plan and coverage for gentlemen that are at higher risk of prostate
• Um, I do want to say that there's been a lot of discussion, even prior to session, with the medical association
• I want to loop the Department of Insurance into that conversation, and what I'm going to do is encourage

Bills: SB190, HB515, SB190

Keywords: SB190, prostate cancer, prostate screening, PSA test, digital rectal exam, preventive screening, health insurance mandate, cost-sharing, copay, deductible, coinsurance, high-risk men, African American men, family history, genetic marker, men over 50, men over 40, health benefit plan, insurance coverage, mandated benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, members, Senate Bill 1666 would require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to include
• This bill is about the offense of human smuggling in the Texas Penal Code.
• The purpose of this legislation is to create a provision in Chapter 18B of the Code of Criminal Procedure
• authorized peace officer under Code of Criminal Procedure 18B-001.
• is passed to help deter such criminal activity in the state of Texas.

Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is any of your will any of the force.
• So thank you very much both of you for all of your work.
• of you for all of your work. of you for all of your work.
• It's a reflection of me. you. It's a reflection of me.
• last closing days of of session and not last closing days of of session and not having<01:10:34.560

Bills: HF4810, HF4597, HF1082, HF3230

Keywords: public safety, radio communications, infrastructure funding, county funding, interoperability, ARMER network, local jurisdictions, HF4597, Minnesota public safety, 911, emergency dispatch, emergency communications, public safety appropriation, Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, PSAP, dispatch interoperability, real-time coordination, emergency response coordination, cross-jurisdictional response, 911 center awareness platform

Transcript Highlights:

• suggested by the clerks of the court to be better aligned with their budgeting procedures.
• I'm the president-elect of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, representing over 1,000
• criminal defense lawyers across the state of Florida.
• But also in my role as the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers president-elect, I've been
• Victims of domestic violence deserve a criminal justice system that acts swiftly and decisively.

Bills: S0436, S0532, S0600, S0644, S0682, S0928, S1072, S1332, S1632, S1634

Keywords: foreclosure, court clerks, budget management, judicial sales, Florida statutes, bail bonds, pretrial release, forfeiture, criminal justice, bond conditions, surety, attorney fees, litigation costs, court jurisdiction, equitable awards, financial resources, domestic violence, protective injunctions, electronic monitoring, enhanced penalties

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to consider several criminal justice and court-related bills, along with the committee’s proposed $7.9 billion budget. The committee first heard and approved CS/SB 600 on bail bonds, as amended to adjust solicitation, cash bond return, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures; CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses and was amended to correct a drafting issue; CS/SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction for dangerous crimes; SB 1332 on career offender registration, adding in-person reporting, more detailed registration requirements, and stronger penalties for noncompliance; and CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, a domestic violence measure adopted via a substitute amendment that adds stricter penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures. All of those bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing rising anti-Semitic incidents and the need for statewide review, and opponents raising concerns about free speech, the definition of anti-Semitism, and possible conflation of criticism of Israel with hate speech. Senators also discussed the bill’s scope and the IHRA definition before it was reported favorably. In addition, CS/SB 532 on clerks of court was amended to clarify foreclosure sale procedures and funding predictability for clerks, then reported favorably. CS/SB 644 on attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs was also approved after amendments that aligned family-law fee provisions and codified standards for fee awards in dissolution and paternity cases; the sponsor said the bill was intended to curb vexatious litigation and improve consistency across districts. After the bill actions, the chair summarized the criminal and civil justice budget, describing it as a disciplined proposal that addresses corrections deficits and future inmate growth while funding core public safety needs. The committee then heard substantial public testimony on prison conditions, staffing, pay, heat, infrastructure, and the possibility of reducing prison populations or adding air conditioning in facilities. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill SB 1634 would be temporarily postponed to the following week, and the record was supplemented with the names of many people who had registered to speak for or against those bills. The meeting concluded after members were invited to record votes and the committee adjourned.