Transcript Highlights:

• of fentanyl for sale rather than both possession and transportation. ...or possessed in a motor vehicle
• of fentanyl for sale rather than both possession and transportation.
• And so because whether you possess... ...36 of this section.
• And the statute also reads that this section does not prevent prosecution under any other law if the
• It is time for a criminal code to catch up and fully affirm the fundamental right to life.

Bills: HB2043 , HB2046 , HB2126 , HB2131 , HB2132 , HB2133 , HB2223 , HB2265 , HB2411 , HB2666

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Elections

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform, venue, employee conflict, superior court, legal proceedings, workplace disputes, weapons, explosives, trafficking, firearm regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition section and section one is then repeated later in the Air Quality Act.
• Insert a period, and then for section H, we turn that we turn Number 8 into section H.
• So, Madam Chair and Senator, we have in section, I think it's section three.
• Yes, section three and the bottom seven.
• The Air Quality Control Act, which this section amends, puts in a new section that defines local board

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1, and by law. ...Section 1, as amended by Laws 2005, Chapter 29, Section 1, and by Laws 2025
• 107, Section 3, and Laws 1988, Chapter 108, Section 3, is amended; Section 31-9-1.4, NMSA 1978, being
• , Chapter 8, Section 3, and Section 33-11-3 in NMSA 1978, being Laws 1988, Chapter 78, Section 3, as
• 253, Section 1, and Laws 1975, Chapter 149, Section 1, as amended. firearms, repealing Sections 30-7
• Fentanyl as evidence of abuse of a child, amending and updating sections of the Children's Code to provide

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• But the grandparents didn't have transportation.
• But the grandparents didn't have transportation.
• Then we talk about manifest educational hardship in section two.
• is manifest hardship separate than this section?
• ><c> than</c><01:23:00.159><c> this</c><01:23:00.400><c> section?

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 69, which would require local school boards to publicly vote on whether to accept or reject charitable gifts or donations, prompted by a case in which a church offered to pay off school lunch debt but the offer was refused and families were sued instead. Senator Keith Murphy said the bill is intended to force transparency and public accountability in similar situations, while acknowledging that boards may still reject gifts with strings attached or for ethical reasons. Members raised questions about anonymity, privacy, and whether school boards already have authority to address meal debt before litigation. Murphy said the bill was aimed at cases where money is refused and families are sued, and he said he would accept amendments to make the vote requirement apply to both accepted and rejected gifts. The hearing on the bill was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 206, which requires public schools to adopt policies limiting student cell phone use during the school day. Trisha Milo, presenting for Senator Rashardi, said the bill is meant to improve focus, reduce distraction and cyberbullying, and create more consistent policies across districts, while still allowing exceptions for medical, disability, language support, and instructional needs. Committee members questioned whether districts would retain flexibility, whether the bill should apply to charter schools and other devices, and whether the annual policy-update requirement and enforcement language were too prescriptive. Milo said districts would still have flexibility in how they write their policies and that she would seek clarification from the senator on several drafting questions. Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association testified in support of the general concept of a cell phone policy, saying many districts already have some form of policy, though not all do, and that existing sample policies are outdated. She said the annual update requirement would likely be burdensome and that the enforcement language seemed intended to ensure administrative involvement rather than teacher discipline, but she suggested the wording may need revision. Members also discussed whether very small districts or districts without schools should be covered and whether the bill should better distinguish between classroom enforcement and student discipline. The chair closed the hearing on Senate Bill 206 after no further testimony, and the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:37.480><c> one</c> A8 amendment uh is replacing section one A8 amendment uh is replacing section
• </c> then some statutory cleanup sections. then some statutory cleanup sections.
• </c><01:11:04.040><c> aid</c> people transportation aid people transportation aid um<01:11:05.480><c>
• Before we go any further, I just want to remind everybody about our code of conduct.
• </c><01:16:30.280><c> of</c> to remind everybody about our code of to remind everybody about our code

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• But now we see new things like, for example, transportation, non-emergency medical transportation, we're
• You press a button, it generates a six-digit code, right?
• Transportation is a big fraud area for our Medicare earlier.
• I think what we're seeing here with the medical transportation, non-emergency medical transportation,
• Do you get to cross section to the criminal database?

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation
• We often refer to those as SARS, and if you look at the Labor Code, Section 6315, it tells us that those
• Labor Code Section 5909 requires us to act on a petition for reconsideration of a decision issued by
• Under former Section 5909, the 60 days began to run when the petition was filed.
• Effective July 1, 2024, Section 5909 was amended so that the 60 days begin Section 5909 was amended so

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget and trailer bill presentations focused on labor and public employment programs. The first item covered EDD Next modernization, where EDD described progress on customer service improvements, fraud prevention, language access, and the Integrated Claims Management System. The LAO urged stronger legislative oversight as the project enters its most difficult phase, and members questioned the revised schedule, total cost, change orders, stress testing, SB 1090 implementation, and how race and ethnicity data will be protected. EDD said the overall project cost remains about $1.2 billion, that the work is being phased with disability insurance and paid family leave first, and that fraud has been greatly reduced since pandemic-era programs ended. Members also asked for follow-up information on SB 590 outreach and equity impacts. The committee then reviewed the California Workforce Development Board’s request to reduce staffing as one-time grant workloads wind down, along with trailer bill language to streamline reporting requirements. The board and Department of Finance said the staffing reductions reflect the end of surge funding and that the proposal would consolidate roughly 10 to 12 reports into one annual report, with additional reporting only if new funds are appropriated for certain programs. Senator Durazo questioned the policy direction of reducing workforce staffing, while the administration said the positions were tied to temporary grant programs and that current staffing is sufficient for ongoing duties. Members also asked about the board’s role in AI-related workforce planning and the rationale for using state funds for the High Road Construction Careers Program. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund reforms and related staffing request at DIR. The administration and LAO described rapid growth in applications, backlog, and liabilities, saying the program’s eligibility has expanded beyond its original intent and that liabilities could reach about $30 billion by 2030 without reform. The trailer bill would tighten eligibility, apply the changes to open cases, and use the QME process and contemporaneous evidence to document preexisting disabilities. Members raised concerns about fairness to pending claimants, evaluator capacity, and the relationship to other SIBTF legislation, while the LAO said the proposal largely aligns with its prior recommendations. DIR also presented a request to eliminate vacant positions under a statewide vacancy sweep, which drew criticism from members who argued the cuts could weaken enforcement and backlog reduction efforts; the committee asked DIR to return with more detail on impacts and on its use of temporary-help authority. The final items addressed a request for additional Cal/OSHA investigative staff and a trailer bill to make permanent the revised Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board petition timeline. DIR said the BOI staffing would help investigate fatalities and serious injuries more quickly, while members emphasized the importance of family contact and timely investigations. For the WCAB item, the chair explained that the 2024 change to Labor Code section 5909, which starts the 60-day decision clock when a case is transmitted rather than when a petition is filed, has reduced pending cases and should be made permanent; the remaining backlog was reported at 460 cases, down from 637 before the change.

Transcript Highlights:

• in section 30 and then section<00:25:57.720><c> 32,</c><00:25:58.360><c> we</c><00:25:58.480><c> are
• >> There's some line items in section 11 of the funds appropriated in section one of this act.
• in section one of the funds appropriated in section one of<01:41:34.040><c> this</c><01:41:34.560><c
• </c> Coding is voting no. Coding is voting no. Present.<01:53:29.600><c> McCon.</c> Present. McCon.
• </c><01:54:26.840><c> Enforcement</c> Commercial Transportation Enforcement Commercial Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Section 8 um this creates a new section Section 8 um this creates a new section of<00:15:58.319>
• Yeah, I'll take Section 8.
• John's going to take Section 3, but, um, on the E/M code, it is limited to two per day per physician,
• Yeah, I'll take Section 8.
• John's going to take Section 3, but, um, on the E/M code, it is limited to two per day per physician,

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and took up House Bill 785, as amended by a committee substitute that combined language from HB 785 and HB 787. The bill was described as addressing Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) audits, provider contract notice and amendment procedures, mental health parity compliance, and related transparency requirements. Supporters said the measure would tighten notice to providers, limit repeated contract amendments and rate reductions, require more standardized audit procedures, and add reporting on Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances. It also includes a provision requiring coverage of at least two evaluation-and-management billable services per physician per recipient per date of service, and a section addressing narcotic/opioid treatment program licensing and reimbursement language. Testimony in support came from Representative Kim Moore, John Inman of BrightView Health, Michelle Sandborne of the Children’s Alliance, and Kelly Cormic of RYSE. They argued that MCOs often use audits and recoupments in ways that are burdensome, opaque, and financially damaging to providers, especially smaller and rural ones. They cited examples of multiple audit requests in short timeframes, large record requests with short deadlines, delayed or absent feedback, and recoupments taken before appeals are resolved. They also said parity laws are not being consistently enforced and that the bill would give the Department of Insurance authority to suspend or revoke an MCO certificate of authority for willful or repeated parity violations. Committee members generally expressed support for provider protections and transparency, while asking for clarification on the narcotic treatment and E/M billing provisions. Tom Stevens of the Kentucky Association of Health Plans testified in opposition, saying the bill is complex to implement and should be handled through the broader Medicaid oversight work of House Bill 9, the MOAB. He said the issues raised were better suited for that bipartisan stakeholder process and noted the committee substitute had not yet been fully reviewed by his group. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and then moved to a vote on the bill; the roll call began, with several members recorded as voting yes, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we got rid of any of the artificial buckets that we have within that procurement code.
• authority up to $2 million that we can give out for a grant without having to implement procurement code
• The committee modified 28-1179, which is the helmet statute within the OHV section.
• Next up is the Arizona Department of Transportation.
• There are three classes of OHVs as determined by the administrative code.

Committee: Joint Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• start with House Agenda Item Number One, House Bill 372, an act to amend Title 10 of the Delaware Code
• He's stating instances where it doesn't, the TELA portion of it doesn't, or requires them to then transport
• Officers are never asked to transport.
• We will move on to agenda item two: SB 324, an act to amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code relating to
• House Bill 414, an act to amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code relating to the possession of destructive

Bills: HB372 , HB414

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met and heard three bills. HB 372 would reorganize Justice of the Peace Court resources by shifting the number of judges and court locations among counties, consolidating overnight operations into a single 24-hour court in Kent County, and adjusting staffing to address workload and efficiency concerns. Chief Judge Alan Davis said the change responds to increased civil filings, automated enforcement, and staffing shortages, and that a Sussex County pilot closing a 24-hour facility had worked without major issues. Some members raised concerns about impacts on Sussex and Kent County, bail processing, and local response times, while public comment included one supporter. The committee voted to release HB 372. The committee then considered SB 324, which amends Delaware’s permit-to-purchase law to allow constable agencies, including those serving institutions like Delaware Tech, to purchase handguns for newly hired constables without duplicative background checks. Sponsor Representative Cook said the bill aligns constable procurement with existing law-enforcement exemptions while preserving gun-safety requirements. Public testimony included support from Delaware Tech and comments urging broader fixes to the permit-to-purchase law, including exemptions for retired officers with federal 218 credentials and clarification on firearms returned from manufacturers, gunsmiths, or police departments. The committee voted to release SB 324. Finally, the committee heard HB 414, which clarifies that the Superior Court’s exclusive jurisdiction over certain destructive-weapon offenses applies only to adults, while juvenile cases would still begin in Family Court. Sponsor Representative Romer said the bill preserves the Family Court’s role in handling youth cases and allows referral to Superior Court when appropriate. The Department of Justice said it still believes Superior Court is the proper venue for these serious charges, while the Office of Defense Services supported keeping youth cases in Family Court first, arguing that rehabilitation and juvenile-specific dispositions are more appropriate. After public comment, the committee voted to release HB 414, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• What happens with transportation?
• So the parents are transporting them, and high school kids drive themselves, which is terrifying.
• I'm also interested in—you mentioned transportation is not provided.
• We provide all those things other than transportation.
• We have two new SIP codes that we have adopted.

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Summary: The committee first received an overview of Washington’s Alternative Learning Experience (ALE) programs from OSPI. Staff explained that ALE is a course-level funding designation for instruction that occurs partly or wholly away from the traditional school setting, and that it can take the form of online, site-based, or remote courses. OSPI said ALE is still basic education, with the same student rights and district responsibilities as other public school programs, and that the agency provides technical assistance, annual reporting review, and program reviews. Members asked for more detailed statewide data on demographics, outcomes, and post-graduation tracking, which OSPI said it would follow up on. Representatives from several ALE programs then described their models and student populations. Washington Virtual Academies, Columbia Virtual Academy, Pearl, and River Home Link each said they serve students through different combinations of online, remote, or site-based learning, with families choosing these programs for reasons such as medical needs, athletics, travel, homeschooling preferences, religious or political concerns, bullying, or the need for more individualized instruction. The presenters emphasized that they provide certificated teachers, special education and multilingual services, assessments, clubs, field trips, and other supports, while also noting funding and capacity limits. Senators asked about for-profit versus district-run structures, transportation, meals, early learning, CTE access, vaccination requirements, and how students socialize and transition to high school. Several presenters said they would provide follow-up information on demographics, language access, and funding details. The committee then shifted to an update on artificial intelligence in schools. OSPI described its AI guidance, which centers on human input, AI output, and human evaluation, and said it has issued practical documents for classroom use and ethics, revised standards to emphasize critical thinking, digital literacy, media literacy, and data literacy, and supported statewide professional development. OSPI also highlighted an AI innovation summit, educator training courses, and new AI-related course codes and equivalency frameworks. District presenters from Quincy and Peninsula described local AI integration efforts, including board policies, classroom guidance, teacher professional learning, custom support tools, and career-connected programs such as drone certification. They stressed that AI should be introduced in a human-centered way and asked for state support for innovation, equity, workforce partnerships, and clear governance standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes the Minority Chair of Transportation, the gentleman from Centre, Representative
• On that question, the Chair recognizes the Majority Chair of Transportation. Speaker.
• Madam Speaker, from this section, it is clear that the Sunshine Act was established as the standard of
• Madam Speaker, from this section, it is clear that the Sunshine Act was established as the standard of
• It would clearly violate Article 1, Section 17 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which prohibits passing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:45:07.240><c> all</c> well okay okay after section all well okay okay after section all so<00
• </c> after section after section one<00:45:53.160><c> so</c><00:45:53.319><c> if</c><00:45:53.400><c>
• </c><00:46:43.839><c> one</c> followup yeah so all after section one followup yeah so all after section
• </c><01:19:39.080><c> on</c> think I'm confused by the section on think I'm confused by the section on
• </c> claim Provisions in the insurance code claim Provisions in the insurance code more<01:41:31.280>

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:17:34.239><c> Um,</c> outlined in the bill in section two.
• Um, outlined in the bill in section two.
• There are medical codes.
• There are medical codes.
• Um I've consulted well my my codes.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• That is actually part of our state plan and is located in Section 8.5.
• I'm on this section. Hi. Anybody's input for today? I'm on this section.
• Is there a way to provide transportation?
• I also require commercial transportation insurance, which is very expensive.
• We're facing now because I feel like now we're doing more transportation.

Summary: The hearing focused first on how wildfires and other disasters affect child care providers, families, and early education infrastructure. State officials from the Department of Social Services and Department of Education described disaster response and preparedness efforts, including shelter coordination, licensing outreach, emergency waivers, distribution of supplies, and the statewide child care disaster plan. Testimony from providers and advocates emphasized major gaps in recovery funding, insurance coverage, rebuilding support, mental health services, and coordination with local rebuild plans. Several witnesses urged more dedicated disaster-recovery funding for child care facilities and suggested statutory changes, including allowing greater flexibility for rebuilding costs and requiring early childhood programs to be included in local disaster planning. The second panel addressed immigration enforcement and its impact on child care. Advocates from the Children's Partnership, Every Child California, and CHIRLA said enforcement activity is causing families to keep children home, disrupting continuity of care, reducing enrollment, and creating fear and trauma for children and providers. They argued that immigrant and mixed-status families need clearer protections, privacy safeguards, legal support, trauma-informed guidance, and safe-haven policies for child care settings. Speakers also stressed that the child care workforce is heavily immigrant and that recent state laws such as AB 49 and AB 495 will require funding, training, and technical assistance to implement effectively. Public commenters, including child care providers, described personal experiences with fire damage, displacement, permit delays, lost income, and the emotional toll of serving families during crises. Others described how immigration enforcement has made parents afraid to attend events, drop off children, or remain connected to providers. Committee members repeatedly noted that child care is often overlooked in emergencies and asked state officials how child care systems are being integrated into disaster planning and how local and state agencies can better coordinate. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other use cases include medical transport, cargo and logistics, and disaster response, and emergency
• technology. ...expedite and accelerate the development of this new transportation technology.
• You know, it's medical transport, right? It is, in some cases, cargo and logistics.
• You know, it's medical transport, right? It is, in some cases, cargo and logistics.
• I'll be up today because I want to continue working with you on Section 6.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee considered a full agenda of transportation, utility, aviation, and energy bills. HB 4045, amending the Jacksonville Aviation Authority charter, passed without questions or debate. HB 1075, which would require municipal utilities to allow outside property owners to connect when capacity exists and fees are paid, drew testimony from local government and municipal advocates who warned about conflicts with existing agreements, long infrastructure payback periods, and the risk of subsidizing nonresidents; despite concerns from Rep. Smith and others about municipal boundaries and cost, the bill passed, with Smith voting no. HB 519, as amended, authorizes golf cart crossings at signalized intersections on designated golf cart roads; it passed unanimously after lighthearted debate about golf carts and pedestrian crossings. The committee then took up HB 919, which creates a state definition for major commercial service airports and preempts airport naming authority, including renaming Palm Beach International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA, county, and trademark-related conditions. Palm Beach County supported the bill and an amendment clarifying implementation and trademark language, while Rep. Eskamani and others raised concerns about preemption and the timing of honoring a sitting president; the bill passed with several no votes, including Eskamani, Skidmore, and the ranking member. HB 1093, the Advanced Air Mobility and Infrastructure Act, would support eVTOL/vertiport development through tax exemptions, infrastructure funding flexibility, and statewide siting standards while preserving local zoning; supporters framed it as an economic-development and workforce bill, while Rep. Cheney raised taxpayer concerns. An amendment narrowing liability protections for vertiports co-located with public airports was adopted, and the bill passed with Cheney voting no. Finally, HB 1461 established a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, assigning oversight roles to the PSC, DOH, and DEP. Supporters argued the bill would improve energy reliability, affordability, and Florida’s leadership in clean, advanced energy, while an opponent from Deploy US urged strong consumer protections and cautioned against overbroad deregulation. Rep. Eskamani emphasized preserving PSC prudency review for ratepayer protection, and the sponsor said the bill was refined through committee discussion. After an amendment fixing technical issues and clarifying that one section applied to all nuclear, the bill passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe he's still chairing transportation, but Senator Wahab is here.
• I believe he's still chairing transportation, but Senator Wahab is here.
• Public Contract Code Section 9204 specifically requires public agencies to timely review contractor claims
• Because the bill directly borrows its operative language from federal Section 1983 and incorporates Section
• But it was Section 1983. That was where the fight was.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you order the code red?
• By Governmental Oversight and Accountability and Transportation.
• Folks, Senate Bill 488 updates Florida's transportation laws.
• , Section 10, as well as Section 9.
• But every bit of that... ...as well as Section 9.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Cody Popple of the FSU Police Department for his actions during the April campus shooting. The Speaker also outlined the final week of session, noting the chamber had passed 253 House bills and 149 Senate bills to date, with budget negotiations still unresolved and the 2026-27 budget not expected to be completed that week. The special order report was adopted, setting the day’s calendar and debate times. The chamber then took up several Senate bills, mostly technical or open-government sunset review measures, and passed them with little or no opposition: SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on Florida statutes; SB 7006, SB 7014, SB 7002, SB 7012, SB 7024, SB 7016, SB 7026, SB 7008, SB 7000, and SB 7004 on public-records or meeting exemptions; and SB 7022 on public records related to exams. Members asked questions on a few of these bills, especially the exam-records bill and the military and gaming-related exemptions, but the measures generally advanced without amendment. Votes ranged from unanimous to modest opposition, with SB 7026 passing 106-3 and SB 7022 passing 101-8. The most substantial debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the emergency preparedness and response trust fund in the Executive Office of the Governor. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment to let the fund expire, arguing the money had been misused and that the Legislature should retain control over spending; several members supported her position, while others said the fund is needed for rapid disaster response. A strike-all amendment from Rep. Griffiths was adopted instead, adding accountability provisions and expanding the fund to cover man-made emergencies as well as natural disasters. The bill then passed 82-25. The House also passed CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, CS/SB 474 on military affairs, and SB 488 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues, with SB 488 still under amendment debate when the transcript ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Transportation and engineers.
• </c> It repeals these sections as obsolete. It repeals these sections as obsolete.
• , Insurer, as those terms are defined in Alabama Code Section 27-45A-3 and 27-45A-3 respectively, an
• And I'm sure we can pull that code section, but it's the same thing we've been using on the committee
• </c> precedent to uh section C1. precedent to uh section C1.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.