Transcript Highlights:

• That could be handy this time of the session. Yeah, that was very thoughtful, Senator Gruders.
• And since then, we've grown together. ...in my second session.
• I'm proud to say that that expansion was already signed into law this session.
• I'm proud to say that that expansion was already signed into law this session.
• This has been a work in progress for the entirety of the session.

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then took up a motion to reconsider the prior day’s failed vote on CS for SB 1080 (local government land regulation), which was adopted without objection, and moved into the special order calendar. A series of bills were debated and mostly passed, often after substituting House companions. Measures approved included funding for expedited DNA testing grants, additional aggravating factors in capital cases, fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, commuter rail indemnification, migrant vessel disposition, specialty license plates, an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign, relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter school changes, sexual offender registration updates, utility worker assault/battery penalties, juvenile justice revisions, student mental health outcome reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School changes, school readiness resources for children with disabilities, sexual images/child exploitation penalties, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county tax collector/property appraiser employees. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and brownfields. Debate centered on public safety, health care access, education, recovery housing, and government administration. Some of the most substantive discussion came on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered and defeated after extended debate over election-related communications and the proper scope of existing ethics laws. The certified recovery residences bill also drew extensive support and testimony about addiction recovery and housing stability. Most bills passed on strong bipartisan votes, with a few receiving notable opposition, including the charter schools bill, the aggravating factors bill, and the Office of Faith and Community bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I just wanted to note that that's IR regular. Thank you, Representative Jordan.
• thank you representative Jordan regular thank you representative Jordan any<00:02:53.159> further
• Schultz has been sitting at home and wondering why in the world are we finishing sessions so quickly
• Schultz has been sitting at home and wondering why in the world are we finishing sessions so quickly
• Schultz has been sitting at home and wondering why in the world are we finishing sessions so quickly

Bills: HF550

Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I see it's in response to a bill from last session, yeah.
• sessions for the correction of the checklist for said election.
• sessions for the correction of the checklist for said election.
• sessions for the correction of the checklist for said election.
• <02:46:39.240> again um uh end today's working session again um uh end today's working session

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regular uh refrain that we hear. regular uh refrain that we hear.
• I think this bill really is in line with what the General Assembly did at the last session when they
• I think this bill really is in line with what the General Assembly did at the last session when they
• I think this bill really is in line with what the General Assembly did at the last session when they
• Chairman, I keep promoting you during this session. >> Mr.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It sets a standard for the whole session. Sir, if you'll introduce yourself for the record.
• So, uh, to cap off this aligning our dual credit programs with session sir if you'll introduce yourself
• session sir if you'll introduce yourself for<00:03:31.080> the<00:03:31.480> record<00
• Last session, we did pass Senate Bill 164, which addressed the education component.
• basis I apologize of this on a regular basis I apologize up<00:09:50.320> front<00:09:51.000>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 46, which would allow lottery winners of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. After brief discussion and a motion with a second, the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the House floor. Members then heard House Bill 54, a workforce and education measure aimed at aligning dual credit and project-based learning with licensed construction trades and other high-demand careers. The sponsor and witness said the bill is intended to help students meet both education and on-the-job training requirements, address labor shortages, and speed entry into the trades. Several members raised concerns about possible abuse of internships, the need for input from unions and other trade groups, and the amount of authority left to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to write regulations. The sponsor said the bill does not replace current hands-on training requirements and expressed willingness to continue discussions. The committee passed the bill, with some members explaining their votes as conditional or in hopes of further amendments. The committee also approved House Bill 261, which would let retired CPAs provide certain uncompensated services, such as nonprofit work, while retaining their CPA designation, and would create a retirement-based CPE waiver for those limited services. A question from Representative Donworth focused on how retired CPAs would disclose their status to nonprofits; the board representative said retired status is noted in board records, but there is currently no separate requirement governing use of the CPA designation. The bill passed. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 262, which would remove restrictions on small CPA firm names after an owner dies or retires. The sponsor said Kentucky is an outlier because current law requires the remaining owner to change the firm name. The bill passed unanimously. After that, the chair turned the gavel over to the vice chair and began presenting House Bill 306, which would change engineering education requirements for licensure, especially to help Eastern Kentucky University fire protection engineering technology graduates qualify for licensure in Kentucky rather than leaving the state. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the bill would not change the rest of the PE licensure pathway, only the education component, and said most other states already allow this route. Members noted that engineers may have concerns and encouraged continued discussions before the bill advances further.

Transcript Highlights:

• that'll present to us some great things that you've done in our state and your proposal for this session
• Maybe this is the session to do it.
• to do it maybe maybe this is the session to do it maybe not<00:42:16.720> but<00:42:16.839>
• It's 10% of our funds of our Legacy funds on a regular basis.
• We have a session at 12. I'd like to thank, and I'm going to use first names as well.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One from each chamber to kind of follow the bill and help it move through session.
• We had a good session the last time, and we're hoping In support of this.
• Well, five-year plan means two sessions. Last session was that first session.
• In the city of Bismarck, we utilize this process on a regular basis.
• We don't like to bring you a mess during legislative session.

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1 appropriates for the expenses of the 2026 legislative session and appropriations for the
• So, Sections 1 and 2 are appropriations for the expenses as of the 2026 regular session.
• For example, next year's session preparations, interim legislative expenses.
• For example, I can recall a time where the amount allocated for pre-session expense was inadequate, and
• I think that We need a plan, and I hope that we could have a plan before next session.

Bills: HB1

Transcript Highlights:

• SESSION. >> Ben Albritton: MOTION ADOPTED WITHOUT OBJECTION.
• AFTER 15 SESSIONS I HAVE OBSERVED SESSIONS ARE NEVER PREDICTABLE. AND MOST TIMES NOT CIVIL.
• IT IS BIGGER THAN ANY ONE ISSUE OR ANY ONE SESSION.
• IN FACT, THIS IS WHAT WE DO EVERY SESSION IN TALLAHASSEE.
• I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH EACH OF YOU THIS SESSION.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not the last week of session. So it's good to see everybody.
• Last session, y'all passed HB 12. We are aggressively doing that.
• Last session, y'all passed HB 1205, which was to ensure the integrity of the initiative petition process
• We're in regular contact with them.
• I know there had been an opportunity on the citizen petitions, that bill of 12 of just this past session

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we were trying to do a thoughtful analysis around the impact of the '87th session, SB 4, SB 8,
• 3269, which in its previous iterations passed the Public Health Committee unanimously in the 87th regular
• session and the 88th regular session, creates the Rita Littlefield Chronic Kidney Disease Centralized
• I, I was gonna ask you if this is the first bill you've laid out this session. No. All right.
• name is Sarah Lindley Bailey, and I testified for the right to try in the Senate and the House last session

Bills: HB46

Keywords: local government spending cap, expenditure limit, political subdivision, property tax, ad valorem tax, budget cap, taxpayer protection, spending restraint, inflation adjustment, population growth, voter approval, supermajority vote, county budget, municipal budget, school district finance, junior college district, hospital district, special district, attorney general enforcement, local fiscal limits

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we were trying to do a thoughtful analysis around the impact of the 87th Session, SB4, SB8, the
• 3269, which in its previous iterations passed the Public Health Committee unanimously in the 87th regular
• session, and the The 88th regular session creates the Rita Littlefield Chronic Kidney Disease Centralized
• I was going to ask you if this is Is this the first bill you've laid out this session? Almost.
• Try in the Senate and the House last session.

Bills: HB514, HB1652, HB2117, HB2298, HB3269, HB46, HB46

Keywords: maternal health, maternal care, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, doula, birth worker, midwife, obstetric care, women's health, rural health, health workforce, workforce development, trauma-informed care, public outreach campaign, health equity, minority health, underserved communities, Texas Department of State Health Services, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, state policy on water infrastructure funding, a really big conversation this session.
• I filed this bill, uh, a version of this bill, probably 6, probably 4 sessions ago, um, and because we
• You know, setting the cap might make some of these utilities be more regular in their upgrades and not
• And so whatever that life cycle might be, it needs to be updated on a regular basis to make sure the
• Um, this whole water session has failed to recognize the distinction between investor-owned utilities

Bills: HB 29, HB 685, HB 1633, HB 1689, HB 1690, HB 1918, HB 2010, HB 2500, HB 2608, HB 2626

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, in the 86th session, Chairman Leach passed a great bill, HB19.
• the population that you normally have in an urban area where you have a lot of mental hospitals and regular
• And this bill was actually on the agenda last session.
• Yes, it passed out of this committee unanimously last session and died on the... Calendar.
• patience to vote for a mental health bill because you will probably see me frequently during this session

Bills: HB 1239, HB1990, HB1748, HB1749, HB2578, HB2986, HB1970, HB3163, HB2733, HB1922, HB 113, HB 1088, HB1938, HB3004, HB2637, HB2960, HB113

Keywords: public health, access to healthcare, insurance reforms, medical expenses, healthcare providers, mental health, protective custody, preliminary examination, detention period, emergency circumstances, emergency detention, legal framework, detention, healthcare, liability, landowners, nonagricultural land, trespassing, public safety, interpreters

Transcript Highlights:

• These were inadvertently taken out in a bill in a previous session.
• These were inadvertently taken out in a bill in a previous session.
• in a pre in a previous session. in a pre in a previous session.
• And then, just constructively, I know we had talked about it at prior work sessions.
• So, in terms of to me, that was an incredible subcommittee session.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I want to open up the executive session on HB 1523.
• <01:14:36.000> Um, the regular calendar. Um, the regular calendar.
• up the executive session on HB uh 1,143. up the executive session on HB uh 1,143.
• > HB<01:28:45.760> 1553 executive session on HB 1553 executive session on HB 1553 and<01
• <02:15:32.560> Five business in the executive session.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I reviewed the meeting notes from Yale's prior session, I wanted to add my own experience about
• And this is why we have parents representing parents coming here every legislative session to ask for
• And this is why we have parents representing parents coming here every legislative session to ask for
• But as far as what happens at those sessions, just like a mediation session, they are protected.
• Then we're going to go back to our regular schedule.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and reviewed a memorandum compiling member suggestions for possible legislation. The memo grouped ideas into topics including creation of a family court, expanded education for parents, attorneys, and judges, expedited hearings for parenting-time violations, limiting law enforcement involvement in custody disputes, creating parenting time expediters, and adopting more uniform court procedures. Members also discussed whether to form subcommittees, but the task force decided to continue working as a full committee rather than create subcommittees at this time. The committee then heard testimony from Dr. John Perez, a mental health professional, who described his personal custody experience and his professional work with families he believes have been affected by parental alienation. He argued for stronger education, faster court response times, and better tools to address intentional interference with parenting time. Members questioned him about his case history, the concept of parental alienation, and whether specialized family courts or judges with family-law training could help. Dr. Perez said a dedicated family court and faster hearings would likely have helped his situation. The task force spent substantial time discussing the possible creation of a family court. Judge Hovey supported the idea of a specialized family court or at least a study of one, saying family cases are distinct from ordinary adversarial litigation and that judges with family-law experience could better handle them. Several members agreed that a family court could improve consistency, expertise, and speed, but others cautioned that the task force’s current directive is focused on enforcement of existing orders rather than broader custody policy, and noted that voters had previously rejected equal shared parenting proposals. The group also discussed expedited procedures for parenting-time disputes, with Judge Hovey suggesting a 30-day hearing timeline may be workable. On education, members generally supported requiring parents to complete a parenting education course and adding educational materials explaining court process, child support, and what judges can and cannot do. Mr. McLean suggested a short instructional video for litigants and more family-law education for judges and attorneys, while Ms. Moldenhauer said education could be incorporated into scheduling orders or mediation orders. Members also discussed the Parents Forever course, including whether it should be mandatory in all counties and whether cost is a barrier; no vote was taken on any of these proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• But those are going to be aligned with the regular election cycle.
• Hopefully, that goes live by the end of session.
• The problem is they ran that bill the very last part of not last session but the session before last.
• Sometime during the session, we'll be off of that, and then there will be a parallel running.
• Hope you have a great session this year.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate action on set appointments to be taken prior to the adjournment of the 2026 regular session and
• Appointments to be held in executive session. Respectfully submitted, Don Gaetz, Chair.
• Ethics and Elections submits its reports with our recommendations, and a copy is available in the Session
• Better than the 105-day session we endured last session.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:57:44.000> members 30,000 for the um three regular members 30,000 for the um three regular
• Regular inspections help roadways.
• <03:32:00.080> In<03:32:00.479> executive<03:32:00.960> session, executive session
• In executive session, executive session.
• :46:16.479> police SB376-FN 2022 session assigned police SB376-FN 2022 session assigned police

Keywords: 1191, senate, all