Transcript Highlights:

• We both recognize the importance of our nation's small businesses and innovation in promoting national
• National Association of Development Companies, National Retail Federation, Small Business Investor Alliance
• , Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders,
• International Franchise Association, National Restaurant Association, Georgia Public Policy Foundation
• Black Chambers, Incorporated, and the National Small Business Association, without objection.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• OKAY WE MOVE THEM NATION IS CONFIRMED. IS THERE A SECOND. SECOND BY SENATOR COLLINS.
• THIS INCLUDES BUCKING NATIONAL TRENDS OF TUITION INCREASES, ADDRESSING WORKFORCE DEMANDS, AND THE RAPID
• WE DEFINITELY HAVE SEEN FOREIGN ACTORS CERTAINLY YOU KNOW IN THREAT TRIED TO HACK INTO OUR SYSTEMS ON
• WORKING FOR DOD OR CONTRACTOR THAT FOCUSES ON A LOT OF THESE INDUSTRIES WITHIN THE DOD AND OUR NATIONAL
• NEED AND CYBER SECURITY HAS COME UP A FEW TIME IN CYBER SECURITY FOR NATIONAL NEEDS AND TO TOPICS THE

Transcript Highlights:

• , and you're essentially 35,000 acre track could be foreign owned, and you're essentially giving them
• This is an internationally and nationally recognized term.
• It has also seemed to be more This is an internationally and nationally recognized term.
• Florida has been a national leader in financial innovation and technology.
• As the digital economy grows, states across the nation are exploring new tools to make payments faster

Summary: The Committee on Rules heard a long agenda of growth-management, elections, education, housing, and professional-licensing bills. The first major item was SB 354 on “Blue Ribbon Projects,” a framework for very large planned developments on at least 15,000 contiguous acres with 60% reserved area. After adopting a strike-all amendment, senators debated whether the bill adequately protected conservation land, local government authority, neighboring property, concurrency, and multi-county projects. Supporters argued it would create more orderly, master-planned growth and preserve large areas of land; opponents said the reserve areas were too weakly protected and the bill preempted local control. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably on a party-line style roll call, with Chair Pasadomo and Vice Chair Jones voting no. The committee then approved SB 620 on candidate qualifying, which requires candidates to disclose any foreign citizenship and, through amendments, adds a 2026 congressional qualifying framework tied to apportionment and redistricting, including revised petition rules and deadlines. Members discussed disclosure, redistricting, and candidate vetting, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/CS/CS/SB 1452, a Department of Financial Services bill, was also amended and approved; the amendments addressed My Safe Florida Home, unclaimed property, firefighter hiring, workforce housing code accommodations, and related financial-services issues. CS/CS/SB 1620, the school board members’ bill of rights, was narrowed by substitute amendment to focus on access to records, fiscal transparency, NDAs, and related rights, and it passed after supportive testimony from school board and superintendent representatives. The committee also passed CS/HB 245, which replaces the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material,” after debate over whether the terminology change could affect the seriousness of the crime or existing case law. SB 1548, a Live Local/affordable housing update, was reported favorably with little debate. Finally, the committee approved the veterinary medicine bill creating veterinary professional associates, after amending it to require immediate supervision by a licensed veterinarian. Throughout the meeting, many public commenters and senators weighed in on the balance between development and conservation, local control, and the scope of state regulation, with several bills drawing both strong support and strong opposition before final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• under God, indivisible, with nation under God, indivisible, with nation under God, indivisible, with
• Bank of boards of First National Bank of boards of First National Bank of Florence, the US Space and
• . leadership to our state and the nation. leadership to our state and the nation.
• Whereas the advancing national interest. Whereas the advancing national interest.
• One but also the nation and the world. One but also the nation and the world.

Bills: SJR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 241 , SB 406 , SB 414 , SB 464 , SB 568 , SB 578 , SB 609 , SB 660 , SB 689 , SB 693 , SB 785 , SB 857 , SB 879 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 955 , SB 985 , SB 993 , SB 996 , SB 1008 , SB 1035 , SB 1036 , SB 1059 , SB 1098 , SB 1120 , SB 1122 , SB 1147 , SB 1188 , SB 1197 , SB 1209 , SB 1227 , SB 1245 , SB 1267 , SB 1307 , SB 1321 , SB 1332 , SB 1386 , SB 1396 , SB 1453 , SB 1484 , SB 1494 , SB 1536 , SB 1537 , SB 1596 , SB 1610 , SB 1664 , SB 1741 , SB 1814 , SB 1822 , SB 1841 , SB 1948 , SB 2065 , SB 2155 , SB 2188 , SB 2230 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SJR 36 , SJR 12 , SJR 81 , SJR 50 , SCR 22 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 406 , SB 689 , SB 765 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 888 , SB 687 , SB 847 , SB 1248 , SB 504 , SB 857 , SB 305 , SB 296 , SB 284 , SB 241 , SB 304 , SB 1023 , SB 204 , SB 609 , SB 670 , SB 850 , SB 854 , SB 413 , SB 1346 , SB 1033 , SB 1220 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1539 , SB 447 , SB 1119 , SB 1505 , SB 1215 , SB 1302 , SB 583 , SB 673 , SB 681 , SB 1172 , SB 955 , SB 957 , SB 1120 , SB 541 , SB 266 , SB 1415 , SB 53 , SB 1352 , SB 785 , SB 1450 , SB 1502 , SB 1566 , SB 414 , SB 1062 , SB 711 , SB 746 , SB 1404 , SB 1448 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1355 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1596 , SB 1403 , SB 667 , SB 1059 , SB 1567 , SB 310 , SB 311 , SB 505 , SB 1209 , SB 1210 , SB 1470 , SB 264 , SB 1029 , SB 1358 , SB 1364 , SB 1569 , SB 1376 , SB 1228 , SB 519 , SB 1350 , SB 462 , SB 827 , SB 1585 , SB 1396 , SB 1484 , SB 1273 , SB 1741 , SB 927 , SB 1227 , SB 1229 , SB 1353 , SB 1464 , SB 1709 , SB 1729 , SB 1733 , SB 1744 , SB 1772 , SB 1841 , SB 2188 , SB 1147 , SB 879 , SB 1008 , SB 1536 , SB 2016 , SB 1453 , SB 1173 , SB 1163 , SB 996 , SB 27 , SB 568 , SB 1370 , SB 1321 , SB 1101 , SB 860 , SB 993 , SB 693 , SB 1610 , SB 1537 , SB 1332 , SB 1307 , SB 963 , SB 493 , SB 922 , SB 984 , SB 619 , SB 1098 , SB 1122 , SB 455 , SB 522 , SB 1057 , SB 1239 , SB 1254 , SB 1255 , SB 1259 , SB 1341 , SB 1664 , SB 1877 , SB 464 , SB 1277 , SB 32 , SB 732 , SB 660 , SB 731 , SB 921 , SB 268 , SB 1822 , SB 1188 , SB 1589 , SB 397 , SB 2230 , SB 1058 , SB 1036 , SB 1267 , SB 2112 , SB 1930 , SB 532 , SB 1035 , SB 2155 , SB 508 , SB 29 , SB 292 , SB 291 , SB 901 , SB 1333 , SB 1436 , SB 1494 , SB 964 , SB 779 , SB 1378 , SB 2312 , SB 1719 , SB 1386 , SB 287 , SB 2143 , SB 1245 , SB 261 , SB 1247 , SB 1948 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SB 1882 , SB 1197 , SB 1814 , SB 618 , SB 38 , SB 393 , SB 2065 , SB 1371 , SB 1394 , SB 1365 , SB 2243 , SB 2226 , SB 2039 , SB 1919 , SB 1895 , SB 1598 , SB 1493 , SB 1810 , SB 1791 , SB 1706 , SB 1644 , SB 1238 , SB 783 , SB 458 , SB 22 , SB 651 , SB 897 , SB 1809 , SB 1080 , SB 745 , SB 826 , SB 989 , SB 1320 , SB 1437 , SB 2320 , SB 2289 , SB 1171 , SB 664 , SB 1637 , SB 27 , SB 29 , SB 857 , SB 879 , SB 922 , SB 1098 , SB 1453 , SB 1536 , SB 1741 , SB 2188 , SB 2230 , SB 406 , SB 689 , SJR 12 , SR 358 , SR 361 , SR 362 , SR 368 , SJR 74 , SJR 76 , SB 2408 , SB 2409 , SB 2461 , SB 2462 , SB 2463 , SB 2464 , SB 2465 , SB 2466 , SB 2467 , SB 2468 , SB 2469 , SB 2470 , SB 2471 , SB 2472 , SB 2473 , SB 2474 , SB 2475 , SB 2476 , SB 2477 , SB 2478 , SB 2479 , SB 2480 , SB 2481 , SB 2482 , SB 2483 , SB 2484 , SB 2485 , SB 2486 , SB 2487 , SB 2488 , SB 2489 , SB 2490 , SB 2491 , SB 2492 , SB 2493 , SB 2494 , SB 2495 , SB 2496 , SB 2497 , SB 2498 , SB 2499 , SB 2500 , SB 2501 , SB 2502 , SB 2503 , SB 2504 , SB 2505 , SB 2506 , SB 2507 , SB 2508 , SB 2509 , SB 2510 , SB 2511 , SB 2512 , SB 2513 , SB 2514 , SB 2515 , SB 2516 , SB 2517 , SB 2518 , SB 2519 , SB 2520 , SB 2521 , SB 2522 , SB 2523 , SB 2524 , SB 2525 , SB 2526 , SB 2527 , SB 2528 , SB 2529 , SB 2530 , SB 2531 , SB 2532 , SB 2533 , SB 2534 , SB 2535 , SB 2536 , SB 2537 , SB 2538 , SB 2539 , SB 2540 , SB 2541 , SB 2542 , SB 2543 , SB 2544 , SB 2545 , SB 2546 , SB 2547 , SB 2548 , SB 2549 , SB 2550 , SB 2551 , SB 2552 , SB 2553 , SB 2554 , SB 2555 , SB 2556 , SB 2557 , SB 2558 , SB 2560 , SB 2561 , SB 2562 , SB 2563 , SB 2565 , SB 2566 , SB 2567 , SB 2568 , SB 2569 , SB 2570 , SB 2571 , SB 2572 , SB 2573 , SB 2574 , SB 2575 , SB 2576 , SB 2577 , SB 2578 , SB 2579 , SB 2580 , SB 2581 , SB 2582 , SB 2583 , SB 2584 , SB 2585 , SB 2586 , SB 2587 , SB 2588 , SB 2589 , SB 2590 , SB 2591 , SB 2592 , SB 2593 , SB 2594 , SB 2595 , SB 2596 , SB 2597 , SB 2598 , SB 2599 , SB 2600 , SB 2601 , SB 2602 , SB 2603 , SB 2604 , SB 2605 , SB 2606 , SB 2607 , SB 2608 , SB 2609 , SB 2610 , SB 2611 , SB 2612 , SB 2613 , SB 2614 , SB 2615 , SB 2616 , SB 2617 , SB 2618 , SB 2619 , SB 2620 , SB 2621 , SB 2622 , SB 2625 , SB 2626 , SB 2627 , SB 2628 , SB 2629 , SB 2630 , SB 2631 , SB 2632 , SB 2633 , SB 2634 , SB 2635 , SB 2636 , SB 2637 , SB 2638 , SB 2639 , SB 2640 , SB 2641 , SB 2642 , SB 2643 , SB 2644 , SB 2645 , SB 2646 , SB 2647 , SB 2648 , SB 2649 , SB 2650 , SB 2651 , SB 2652 , SB 2653 , SB 2654 , SB 2655 , SB 2656 , SB 2657 , SB 2658 , SB 2659 , SB 2660 , SB 2661 , SB 2662 , SB 2663 , SB 2664 , SB 2665 , SB 2666 , SB 2667 , SB 2668 , SB 2669 , SB 2670 , SB 2671 , SB 2672 , SB 2673 , SB 2674 , SB 2675 , SB 2676 , SB 2677 , SB 2678 , SB 2679 , SB 2680 , SB 2681 , SB 2682 , SB 2683 , SB 2684 , SB 2685 , SB 2686 , SB 2687 , SB 2688 , SB 2689 , SB 2690 , SB 2691 , SB 2692 , SB 2693 , SB 2694 , SB 2695 , SB 2696 , SB 2697 , SB 2698 , SB 2699 , SB 2700 , SB 2701 , SB 2702 , SB 2703 , SB 2704 , SB 2705 , SB 2706 , SB 2707 , SB 2708 , SB 2709 , SB 2710 , SB 2711 , SB 2712 , SB 2713 , SB 2714 , SB 2715 , SB 2716 , SB 2717 , SB 2718 , SB 2719 , SB 2720 , SB 2721 , SB 2723 , SB 2724 , SB 2725 , SB 2726 , SB 2727 , SB 2728 , SB 2729 , SB 2730 , SB 2731 , SB 2732 , SB 2733 , SB 2734 , SB 2735 , SB 2736 , SB 2737 , SB 2738 , SB 2739 , SB 2740 , SB 2741 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2744 , SB 2745 , SB 2746 , SB 2747 , SB 2748 , SB 2749 , SB 2750 , SB 2751 , SB 2752 , SB 2753 , SB 2754 , SB 2755 , SB 2756 , SB 2757 , SB 2758 , SB 2759 , SB 2760 , SB 2761 , SB 2762 , SB 2763 , SB 2764 , SB 2765 , SB 2766 , SB 2767 , SB 2768 , SB 2769 , SB 2770 , SB 2771 , SB 2772 , SB 2773 , SB 2774 , SB 2775 , SB 2776 , SB 2777 , SB 2778 , SB 2779 , SB 2780 , SB 2781 , SB 2782 , SB 2783 , SB 2784 , SB 2785 , SB 2786 , SB 2787 , SB 2788 , SB 2789 , SB 2790 , SB 2791 , SB 2792 , SB 2793 , SB 2794 , SB 2795 , SB 2796 , SB 2797 , SB 2798 , SB 2799 , SB 2800 , SB 2967 , SB 3034 , HJR 1 , HJR 4 , HB 9 , HB 13 , HB 22 , HB 135 , HB 143 , HB 195 , HB 908 , HB 1392 , SB 861 , SB 1013 , SJR 74 , SJR 76 , SB 2408 , SB 2409 , SB 2461 , SB 2462 , SB 2463 , SB 2464 , SB 2465 , SB 2466 , SB 2467 , SB 2468 , SB 2469 , SB 2470 , SB 2471 , SB 2472 , SB 2473 , SB 2474 , SB 2475 , SB 2476 , SB 2477 , SB 2478 , SB 2479 , SB 2480 , SB 2481 , SB 2482 , SB 2483 , SB 2484 , SB 2485 , SB 2486 , SB 2487 , SB 2488 , SB 2489 , SB 2490 , SB 2491 , SB 2492 , SB 2493 , SB 2494 , SB 2495 , SB 2496 , SB 2497 , SB 2498 , SB 2499 , SB 2500 , SB 2501 , SB 2502 , SB 2503 , SB 2504 , SB 2505 , SB 2506 , SB 2507 , SB 2508 , SB 2509 , SB 2510 , SB 2511 , SB 2512 , SB 2513 , SB 2514 , SB 2515 , SB 2516 , SB 2517 , SB 2518 , SB 2519 , SB 2520 , SB 2521 , SB 2522 , SB 2523 , SB 2524 , SB 2525 , SB 2526 , SB 2527 , SB 2528 , SB 2529 , SB 2530 , SB 2531 , SB 2532 , SB 2533 , SB 2534 , SB 2535 , SB 2536 , SB 2537 , SB 2538 , SB 2539 , SB 2540 , SB 2541 , SB 2542 , SB 2543 , SB 2544 , SB 2545 , SB 2546 , SB 2547 , SB 2548 , SB 2549 , SB 2550 , SB 2551 , SB 2552 , SB 2553 , SB 2554 , SB 2555 , SB 2556 , SB 2557 , SB 2558 , SB 2560 , SB 2561 , SB 2562 , SB 2563 , SB 2565 , SB 2566 , SB 2567 , SB 2568 , SB 2569 , SB 2570 , SB 2571 , SB 2572 , SB 2573 , SB 2574 , SB 2575 , SB 2576 , SB 2577 , SB 2578 , SB 2579 , SB 2580 , SB 2581 , SB 2582 , SB 2583 , SB 2584 , SB 2585 , SB 2586 , SB 2587 , SB 2588 , SB 2589 , SB 2590 , SB 2591 , SB 2592 , SB 2593 , SB 2594 , SB 2595 , SB 2596 , SB 2597 , SB 2598 , SB 2599 , SB 2600 , SB 2601 , SB 2602 , SB 2603 , SB 2604 , SB 2605 , SB 2606 , SB 2607 , SB 2608 , SB 2609 , SB 2610 , SB 2611 , SB 2612 , SB 2613 , SB 2614 , SB 2615 , SB 2616 , SB 2617 , SB 2618 , SB 2619 , SB 2620 , SB 2621 , SB 2622 , SB 2625 , SB 2626 , SB 2627 , SB 2628 , SB 2629 , SB 2630 , SB 2631 , SB 2632 , SB 2633 , SB 2634 , SB 2635 , SB 2636 , SB 2637 , SB 2638 , SB 2639 , SB 2640 , SB 2641 , SB 2642 , SB 2643 , SB 2644 , SB 2645 , SB 2646 , SB 2647 , SB 2648 , SB 2649 , SB 2650 , SB 2651 , SB 2652 , SB 2653 , SB 2654 , SB 2655 , SB 2656 , SB 2657 , SB 2658 , SB 2659 , SB 2660 , SB 2661 , SB 2662 , SB 2663 , SB 2664 , SB 2665 , SB 2666 , SB 2667 , SB 2668 , SB 2669 , SB 2670 , SB 2671 , SB 2672 , SB 2673 , SB 2674 , SB 2675 , SB 2676 , SB 2677 , SB 2678 , SB 2679 , SB 2680 , SB 2681 , SB 2682 , SB 2683 , SB 2684 , SB 2685 , SB 2686 , SB 2687 , SB 2688 , SB 2689 , SB 2690 , SB 2691 , SB 2692 , SB 2693 , SB 2694 , SB 2695 , SB 2696 , SB 2697 , SB 2698 , SB 2699 , SB 2700 , SB 2701 , SB 2702 , SB 2703 , SB 2704 , SB 2705 , SB 2706 , SB 2707 , SB 2708 , SB 2709 , SB 2710 , SB 2711 , SB 2712 , SB 2713 , SB 2714 , SB 2715 , SB 2716 , SB 2717 , SB 2718 , SB 2719 , SB 2720 , SB 2721 , SB 2723 , SB 2724 , SB 2725 , SB 2726 , SB 2727 , SB 2728 , SB 2729 , SB 2730 , SB 2731 , SB 2732 , SB 2733 , SB 2734 , SB 2735 , SB 2736 , SB 2737 , SB 2738 , SB 2739 , SB 2740 , SB 2741 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2744 , SB 2745 , SB 2746 , SB 2747 , SB 2748 , SB 2749 , SB 2750 , SB 2751 , SB 2752 , SB 2753 , SB 2754 , SB 2755 , SB 2756 , SB 2757 , SB 2758 , SB 2759 , SB 2760 , SB 2761 , SB 2762 , SB 2763 , SB 2764 , SB 2765 , SB 2766 , SB 2767 , SB 2768 , SB 2769 , SB 2770 , SB 2771 , SB 2772 , SB 2773 , SB 2774 , SB 2775 , SB 2776 , SB 2777 , SB 2778 , SB 2779 , SB 2780 , SB 2781 , SB 2782 , SB 2783 , SB 2784 , SB 2785 , SB 2786 , SB 2787 , SB 2788 , SB 2789 , SB 2790 , SB 2791 , SB 2792 , SB 2793 , SB 2794 , SB 2795 , SB 2796 , SB 2797 , SB 2798 , SB 2799 , SB 2800 , SB 2967 , SB 3034 , HJR 1 , HJR 4 , HB 9 , HB 13 , HB 22 , HB 135 , HB 143 , HB 195 , HB 908 , HB 1392 , SB 861 , SB 1013

Transcript Highlights:

• Then the foreign languages were gone just before I got into middle school. good um I'm Sarah Wen and
• </c><01:21:09.080><c> languages</c> activities then the foreign languages activities then the foreign
• languages or art uh classes of foreign languages or art uh classes or<02:03:26.679><c> the</c><02:03
• </c> and one day I hope to sing the national and one day I hope to sing the national anthem<02:37:09.120
• He will graduate college next year and is a proud member of the New Hampshire National Guard.

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective. Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator. Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• instructors to produce this, what other service to the institution, the region, the state, or the nation
• it's clear that, like, we are terminating some programs that maybe might cause consternation, like a foreign
• it's clear that, like, we are terminating some programs that maybe might cause consternation, like a foreign
• would be charged with determining the research doctoral degrees, as defined and reported by the National
• As defined and reported by the National Center for Education Statistics and the Carnegie classification

Committee: Joint Higher Education Funding Review Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• the name of Jesus to thank you and to praise you for the way that you have shed your grace on our nation
• Members and guests, please join me in our pledge to this great nation.
• allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
• SB 1308, foreign adversary fraud office. HB 1415, insurance adjuster. HB 1437, public records.
• Army National Guard.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a series of guest introductions, including the day’s Doctor of the Day and many school board members and students visiting for Arizona School Board Association Advocacy Day. Members repeatedly highlighted concerns about school facilities funding and welcomed local education leaders from across the state. The chamber then moved through attendance, committee assignments, and a large number of Senate and House bill readings and referrals. A major portion of the day was spent in Committee of the Whole considering numerous bills and amendments. Among the most notable was SCR 1054, a memorial resolution honoring former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, which was unanimously adopted after remarks praising his public service and consumer-protection work. The House also considered HB 2728 on Department of Economic Security continuation and policy changes; after divided-question debate and a recorded division vote, the amended bill received a do-pass recommendation by 32-25. Other bills receiving do-pass recommendations in committee included measures on school safety center funding and governance (HB 2142), school board training (HB 2379), HOA disclosure reforms (HB 2397), credit freezes for foster youth (HB 2321), and several health and human services and judiciary measures. The House then took up third-reading votes on several bills. HB 2053, appropriating money to the Department of Water Resources, passed 32-24; HB 2175, on sentencing, failed 25-31; HB 2327, on records confidentiality, passed 54-2; HB 2416, appropriating money to the Department of Public Safety, passed 33-23 after debate over immigration enforcement funding; HB 2492, relating to urban growth boundaries and initiative/referendum effects, failed 27-29; and HB 2805, making school board races partisan, passed 31-25 despite strong opposition from members who argued school boards should remain nonpartisan. The transcript ends with the House continuing through additional business and votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment is intended to accommodate active-duty military service members, active Foreign Service
• putative spouse or the respondent if they're on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, the Foreign
• Service of the State Department, or on active duty in the Army National Guard or Air National Guard
• Texas is the only state in the nation that has three presidential libraries to honor and recognize the
• There's been a change of leadership on a national basis with a re-emphasis on nuclear technology.

Bills: SB801 , SB867 , SB2717 , SB2919 , HJR7 , HB4 , HB14 , HB27 , HB42 , HB46 , HB 100 , HB 111 , HB 112 , HB 121 , HB 126 , HB146 , HB186 , HB223 , HB229 , HB322 , HB367 , HB500 , HB521 , HB640 , HB705 , HB783 , HB 1052 , HB 1056 , HB 1105 , HB 1106 , HB 1178 , HB 1211 , HB 1234 , HB 1306 , HB1403 , HB1449 , HB1506 , HB1661 , HB1690 , HB1871 , HB1960 , HB2017 , HB2078 , HB2128 , HB2240 , HB2243 , HB2348 , HB2407 , HB2512 , HB2820 , HB2844 , HB2853 , HB2854 , HB2885 , HB3000 , HB3005 , HB3053 , HB3057 , HB3181 , HB3333 , HB3372 , HB3425 , HB3441 , HB3516 , HB3749 , HB3783 , HB3812 , HB3848 , HB3923 , HB3963 , HB4070 , HB4134 , HB4157 , HB4158 , HB4211 , HB4449 , HB4623 , HB4638 , HB4687 , HB4690 , HB4748 , HB4749 , HB4795 , HB4848 , HB5093 , HB5115 , HB5129 , HB5138 , HB5294 , HB5616 , HB5629 , HB5646 , HB5661 , HB5672 , HB5674 , HB5699 , HCR40 , SJR5 , SJR27 , SJR59 , SB4 , SB6 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB12 , SB22 , SB23 , SB25 , SB27 , SB34 , SB36 , SB37 , SB38 , SB40 , SB57 , SB140 , SB261 , SB293 , SB441 , SB447 , SB467 , SB512 , SB650 , SB777 , SB785 , SB924 , SB1188 , SB1281 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1448 , SB1566 , SB1579 , SB1621 , SB1723 , SB1838 , SB1862 , SB2167 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB2878 , SB3059 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB17 , SB21 , SB260 , SB379 , SB509 , SB1198 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , SB2601 , SB2778 , HB300 , HB2011 , HB2525 , HB5246 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HJR7 , HB5115 , HB3053 , HB1403 , HB223 , HB748 , HB5652 , HB3395 , HB180 , HB 1306 , HB322 , HB 126 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB1629 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB4690 , HB4464 , HB3623 , HB2520 , HB2213 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB3619 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB3812 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB346 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5674 , HB3185 , HB2348 , HB1871 , HB 1135 , HB 101 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5658 , HB4144 , HB3642 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4630 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB2820 , HB1506 , HB 1234 , HB640 , HB521 , HB229 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB3749 , HB 1106 , HB4 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4995 , HB5138 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB2243 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB3686 , HB500 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB 1056 , HB42 , HB3000 , HB 100 , HB2240 , HB718 , HB27 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB2853 , HB5129 , HB5093 , HB4765 , HB4748 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB4211 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB4687 , HB705 , HB 1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HB 1105 , HB 121 , HB3372 , HB367 , HB783 , HB3336 , HB3441 , HB4449 , HB5616 , HB2407 , HB2854 , HB3425 , HB5294 , HB 1178 , HB4623 , HB14 , HB3963 , HB 1211 , HB5646 , HB5629 , HB3783 , HB4236 , HB46 , HB4638 , HB 1052 , HB4070 , HB5509 , HB5435 , HB4134 , HB3923 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB2517 , HB2488 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB3073 , HB2655 , HB2399 , HB541 , HB4099 , HB 111 , HB1532 , HB3483 , HB2963 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB713 , HB632 , HB426 , HB4730 , HB 127 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB5655 , HB3385 , HB2757 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB20 , HB 123 , HB549 , HB5606 , HB2217 , HB2594 , HB796 , HB150 , HB 1057 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR76 , HCR81 , HCR46 , HCR111 , HCR83 , HCR84 , HJR7 , HB4 , HB14 , HB27 , HB42 , HB46 , HB 100 , HB 126 , HB150 , HB322 , HB367 , HB500 , HB640 , HB705 , HB783 , HB 1105 , HB 1178 , HB 1211 , HB 1234 , HB1506 , HB1690 , HB1871 , HB2078 , HB2128 , HB2240 , HB2243 , HB2407 , HB2512 , HB2853 , HB2854 , HB3000 , HB3057 , HB3181 , HB3372 , HB3425 , HB3441 , HB3749 , HB3783 , HB3812 , HB3923 , HB3963 , HB4070 , HB4134 , HB4157 , HB4211 , HB4449 , HB4623 , HB4638 , HB4687 , HB4748 , HB4795 , HB5093 , HB5129 , HB5616 , HB5629 , HB5699 , HB229 , HB521 , HB 1056 , HB 1106 , HB5138 , SR583 , SCR52 , HB223 , HB229 , HB521 , HB 1056 , HB 1106 , HB1403 , HB3053 , HB5115 , HB5138

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do not believe that my rights or my nationality, my primary nationality, is affected by redistricting
• Because it's supposed to go, as California goes to the nation. We've lost that.
• This isn't a foreign concept. This isn't a lack of transparency.
• This isn't a foreign concept. This isn't a lack of transparency.
• And as they say, as California goes, the nation goes.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on August 19, 2025, to consider ACA 8, SB 280, and an informational hearing on AB 604. The meeting began with several failed motions to adjourn, to read public comments into the record, and to recess so members could review the roughly 16,000 public comments submitted through the committee portal. The chair emphasized the hearing’s expedited format, transparency measures, and rules limiting witness testimony, and noted a letter from Speaker Rivas authorizing Assemblymember Berman to present ACA 8. ACA 8, described by supporters as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would place before voters a temporary congressional redistricting plan tied to AB 604 and triggered only if another state, especially Texas, adopts a partisan mid-decade redistricting. Supporters, including Assemblymember Berman, labor groups, CTA, Planned Parenthood affiliates, SEIU, and other allied organizations, argued the measure was a response to partisan gerrymandering elsewhere and a defense of democracy, with voters having the final say in a November 4, 2025 special election. Opponents, including current and former redistricting commissioners, good-government groups, business and taxpayer organizations, and many members of the public, argued the proposal undermines California’s independent redistricting model, was rushed without adequate public review, could cost roughly $200 million or more, and would invite litigation and partisan manipulation. The committee also debated a proposed amendment that would bar legislators who voted for ACA 8 from later running for Congress in districts adopted under the measure. After extended procedural disputes, the committee voted to lay the amendment on the table. The hearing then continued with extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly divided between strong support and strong opposition, but the transcript provided does not show a final committee vote on ACA 8 or SB 280 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• This really is a national issue. However, if we don't do something,...
• We spend a lot of time talking to our fellow state chambers across a nation and I'm telling you, child
• This really is a national issue. However, if we don't do something, Just a Missouri issue.
• This really is a national issue.
• Chairman, members of the committee, Matt Thompson here on behalf of BJC Health Care and the National

Committee: House Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• against one another for the cheapest product and now the fastest-growing part of the industry are foreign
• we never opposed that bill because we wanted to ensure the policy was correct is the first in the nation
• Okay, and then, so I'm nervous about how this fits into the, not just our nation, but the rest of the
• Do they follow the national rules? They follow international rules?
• And we already have First in the Nation EPR for textiles coming down the pipeline.

Committee: House Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:

• Our team of 225 full-time employees and 177 OPS employees lead the nation in emergency management.
• Historic Preservation programs conducted by the National Park Service.
• The Office of International Affairs facilitates consular relations between the state and all foreign
• also administer federal resources for low-income housing tax credits, the HOME Program, and the National
• This budget entity supports the headquarters and headquarters buildings of the Florida National Guard

Summary: The committee met to review agency program funding as it prepared to build the budget, hearing brief presentations from six agencies and then taking member questions. Florida Division of Emergency Management highlighted its role in response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation, describing a largely federal pass-through budget, major technology investments, and large disaster and preparedness grant activity. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, Florida State Guard, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also summarized their budgets, staffing, and major programs, including workforce and economic development, elections and arts funding, housing assistance, transportation work programs, military readiness, state guard expansion, and highway safety and motorist services. Members focused questions on several issues: arts and library grant funding and whether award criteria had changed; Commerce’s rural infrastructure and job growth grants and why funds were not being disbursed faster; Florida Housing’s use of SAIL, Live Local, Hometown Heroes, and SHIP funds and how smaller agencies learn about and access funding; and DOT’s work program gap between agency and governor proposals. The most extensive questioning was directed to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about long DMV lines, vacancies, overtime, staffing shortages, and the ability to shift funds between divisions. The department said staffing and pay constraints, especially in South Florida, were driving service delays and vacancy rates, and that overtime was being used because troopers were leaving for better-paying jobs. The Florida State Guard was also questioned about its spending and procurement pace, including aircraft purchases and facilities. Its director said long procurement timelines explained the low initial spending and that obligations had risen sharply as contracts matured. Members also asked about the department’s public opposition to Amendment 3 and whether agency resources were used in that effort; the director said no contracts or purchases were made to influence the vote and said the colonel’s comments were made off the clock. The meeting ended with the chair asking agencies to respond promptly to unanswered questions, and the committee adjourned without any recorded votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Charis, public policy advocate with the Office of Foreign Affairs.
• It would benefit foreign trade zone operations.
• It would benefit uh foreign trade zone.
• </c><01:35:46.000><c> Uh</c><01:35:46.400><c> the</c> foreign d trade zone operations.
• Uh the foreign d trade zone operations.

Bills: HB1977 , HB1764 , HB1934 , HB2533 , HB1790 , HB2181 , HB1870 , HB2140 , HB2468 , HB2358 , HB1588 , HB1688 , HB1986 , HB2030 , HB2195 , HB1949 , HB1695 , HB1950 , HB2094 , HB2115 , HB2297 , HB2336 , HB2416 , HB2049

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• All of our National Guard members live within the civilian communities. Thank you.
• </c><00:10:15.399><c> guard</c> housing all of our national guard housing all of our national guard members
• American Legion the Veterans of Foreign American Legion the Veterans of Foreign Wars<00:12:48.519><c>
• asylum protections for persons unjustly persecuted by foreign governments.
• <05:39:21.320><c> Marine</c> National Marine National Marine atmospheric<05:39:24.000><c> um</c><05:39

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• this point I think Warren County because of Bowling Green has surpassed Jefferson County in their foreign-born
• this point I think Warren County because of Bowling Green has surpassed Jefferson County in their foreign-born
• c> surpassed Jefferson County um in in surpassed Jefferson County um in in their<00:30:30.160><c> foreign-born
• </c><00:30:30.680><c> population</c><00:30:31.240><c> by</c><00:30:31.400><c> share</c> their foreign-born
• population by share their foreign-born population by share of<00:30:32.160><c> the</c><00:30:32.240>

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity convened its first meeting of the 2026 interim, established a quorum, and introduced staff and a summer student intern. The chair explained that the commission’s first topic would be crime, public safety, violence prevention, and mentoring, and invited the police chiefs of Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green to discuss how the legislature could help them do their jobs more effectively. The chiefs described a shift in policing from a more enforcement-only approach to community policing built on relationships, trust, and prevention. They said community engagement and mentorship are central to reducing violence, and cited examples such as community engagement teams, youth programs, and efforts to build trust through regular presence in neighborhoods. Louisville’s chief said the department’s community engagement work has helped improve homicide solvability, while Bowling Green’s chief emphasized that juvenile crime and stolen guns are major concerns and that the state cannot arrest its way out of the problem. All three stressed that policing depends on cooperation with residents, prosecutors, and courts. Members then asked about recruiting officers who reflect the communities they serve. The chiefs said successful recruitment depends on personal relationships, officers serving as ambassadors, and reaching people through community presence rather than only traditional ads. Bowling Green described junior police academy and cadet programs that begin with youth and often lead to hiring, while Lexington said it uses social media, a community police academy, and outreach to keep local residents in the profession. They also said character matters more than background and that officers should be embedded in the neighborhoods they serve. A final exchange focused on immigrant and refugee communities and fear of police. The chiefs said they are trying to reduce fear through community police academies, multilingual outreach, neighborhood meetings, and clear communication that local police do not enforce civil immigration detainers. Louisville said it has marked SWAT vehicles more clearly and works with community organizations to spread accurate information. The chiefs repeatedly emphasized that their role is to keep people safe, protect constitutional rights, and make sure residents feel able to call 911 when they need help.

Transcript Highlights:

• We spend a lot of time talking to our fellow state chambers across the nation, and I'm telling you, child
• This really is a national issue.
• Chairman, members of the committee, Matt Thompson here on behalf of BJC Health Care and the National
• investment would put that manufacturer in a situation where they could onshore production lines from foreign
• these investments while we have the opportunity, as people are concerned about supply chain issues, national

Committees: House Economic Development , House Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:44:53.359><c> Organization</c><02:44:54.120><c> of</c> to us by our National Organization of
• to us by our National Organization of the<02:44:54.399><c> registry</c><02:44:54.840><c> of</c><02:44
• </c> deaf in collaboration with the National deaf in collaboration with the National Association<02:44
• Nation wide um entity<03:01:51.800><c> that's</c><03:01:52.040><c> based</c><03:01:52.399><c> in</c>
• Is it a guarantee that they're going to get national certification? It is not a guarantee.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 702, which would change how extra or special duty pay for retired police officers is treated for retirement and work-limit purposes. Supporters argued the bill would let retirees work more special-duty hours, helping municipalities fill traffic-detail and similar assignments without added state cost, and said it would not prohibit retirees from working but would simply stop those hours from counting toward the return-to-work threshold. Opponents argued the change would be inconsistent with the retirement system’s 2011 reforms, could increase pension liabilities, and would treat the same compensation differently for active employees and retirees. Members also discussed whether the bill would affect current and future retirees, the role of municipalities, and whether the policy amounted to “policing for profit.” The subcommittee ultimately voted 3-2 to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL) on HB 702, sending it to the full committee with that recommendation. The committee then discussed House Bill 581, which would create a Group Three retirement plan for new state employees hired after the bill’s effective date. The chair outlined a housekeeping amendment to delay implementation, moving the effective date to January 1, 2026, and noted a sponsor amendment addressing health insurance group inclusion and medical and surgical benefits so those benefits would not be put at risk for the new group. Testimony and discussion focused on the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution, with supporters citing Michigan examples and arguing the bill would help recruit and retain employees while giving them more flexibility. Opponents said the change could weaken retirement security and increase unfunded liability, though supporters responded that the bill still requires employer contributions toward accrued liability and is intended to keep the state on track to pay off its unfunded liability by 2039. The transcript ends with continued discussion of the bill and no final vote shown on HB 581.

Transcript Highlights:

• allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, ...one nation
• further would require that an appropriation from the Legislature to establish a trade office in some foreign

Summary: The Senate met in floor session, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars considering a range of House bills and one concurrent resolution. On the first calendar, members considered HB 2192 on employment/video content matters of public concern, HB 2592 on government information technology and AI-related rulemaking, HB 2752 on the Arizona Commerce Authority trade office, HB 2916 on traffic schools and fingerprint clearance, and HB 2946 on development fees. Amendments were adopted on HB 2192, HB 2592, HB 2916, and HB 2946; HB 2752 received a Mesnard amendment, but an Epstein amendment failed on division after a 7-14 vote. All of those bills were reported out do pass, with HB 2752 retained on the calendar after amendment consideration. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On later calendars, the Senate advanced HB 2918, HB 2999 on infrastructure finance districts/special taxing districts, HB 1418 on county officers/sheriff authority, HCR 259 supporting county sheriffs, HB 2035 on child welfare placement/reporting, HB 241 on child neglect, HB 2594 on court trust confidentiality, HB 2932 on groundwater transportation fees, HB 2109 on distracted driving penalties for motorcycles, HB 2118 on mobile food vendor licenses, HB 2244 on eviction satisfaction of judgment, HB 4011 on HOA duties, and HB 2440 on a transition program. Several bills were amended, including HB 2999, which drew discussion about tax rates, bond coverage, and infrastructure district financing; an Epstein objection focused on homeowner cost uncertainty, but the bill ultimately advanced. HB 2035, HB 2594, HB 2932, HB 2109, HB 2118, HB 2244, HB 4011, and HB 2440 all received do pass recommendations, with some technical or conforming amendments adopted along the way. The Senate also adopted a proclamation recognizing Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on its centennial anniversary and welcomed university representatives and students in the gallery. The chamber granted the House’s request to return SB 1113 for further amendment and appointed free conference committees for HB 2133 and HB 2010. Final third-reading votes passed HB 2592, HB 2916, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded roll-call results showing HB 2592 passed 16-9 with 11 not voting, HB 2916 passed 26-1 with 3 not voting, HB 2946 passed 27-0 with 3 not voting, and HB 2999 passed 21-6 with 3 not voting. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, these illegal offshore entities and foreign operators across the state of Oklahoma millions
• But those are national profits companies that do underwriting in Oklahoma.

Bills: SB1969 , SB1953 , SB1277 , SB1287 , SB1061 , SB1916 , SB1589 , SB2178 , SB1444 , SB1438 , SB1501 , SB1873 , SB1364

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• any other person may not solicit, accept, or receive directly or indirectly a contribution from a foreign
• national.

Bills: SB2156

Committee: House Government and Veterans Affairs

Summary: The subcommittee met to review HB 2156, which reorganizes North Dakota campaign finance disclosure law by repealing Chapter 16.1 and moving the provisions into a new Chapter 16.2 with mostly technical cross-reference updates. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State’s office walked through the bill section by section, explaining that most language is carried over from current law, with some cleanup to definitions, reporting requirements, public access rules, and filing procedures. The committee discussed how the new chapter would apply to candidates, candidate committees, political committees, political parties, ballot measure groups, and conduits. Several substantive issues were raised and adjusted during the discussion. Members questioned the open-records language for expenditures and contributions over $250, the use of “deposit” versus “receipt” as the reporting trigger, and whether the 48-hour supplemental reporting deadline should be changed to three calendar days; the group ultimately favored keeping 48 hours and using “deposit” consistently. They also clarified reporting dates, including changing one special-election deadline from 40 days to 39 days, and confirmed that balances of campaign funds would be reported but not made publicly available. The Secretary of State’s office also explained that the bill would make late fees public and that the chapter-wide penalty for willful violations remains a Class A misdemeanor. The main policy change debated at length was the late-filing fee schedule. Members expressed concern that the existing penalties were too low to deter intentional non-filers, and after discussion the committee agreed to increase the final late fee from $100 to $500 while keeping the new public posting of delinquent filers. The committee also reviewed an inflation-adjustment provision for reporting thresholds and the “ultimate true source of funds” language, which was described as existing law being carried into the new chapter. The meeting ended with the understanding that additional drafting changes would be made and that the bill would be ready for further committee action later in the week.