Video & Transcript Research : 'voting procedures'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Transcript Highlights:
- And also today is a formal session, so I may have to step out to vote because there's voting in the House
- Currently, as a result of the administrative and procedural issues that arise when a family seeks shelter
- As horrified as I am that such safeguards are not already in place, I urge you to vote against House
- This includes aversive procedures.
- Then the full legislature can vote to pass this important bill.
Summary:
The committee held a hybrid hearing on a range of bills affecting children, families, disability rights, homelessness, and social services. Early testimony focused on H.215, which would support children experiencing homelessness by speeding access to child care vouchers and early intervention screenings. Boston officials, Horizons for Homeless Children, Head Start, pediatric and early education advocates, and families described delays in child care and early intervention, the developmental risks of homelessness, and the need for automatic referrals and faster access to services. Testimony also supported H.216, which would improve emergency housing assistance by restoring presumptive eligibility, reducing documentation barriers, extending shelter stays from six to nine months, and creating an ombudsperson; providers and legal advocates said current rules leave families sleeping in cars or outside and create unnecessary administrative hurdles.
The committee also heard strong support for H.210, which would repeal the “Learn Fair” school attendance sanction that cuts cash assistance to families when children miss school. Advocates from legal aid, education, and anti-poverty organizations argued the policy is punitive, burdensome, and ineffective, disproportionately affecting low-income, disabled, and Hispanic/Latino families. Several speakers said chronic absenteeism should be addressed through supports such as family outreach, wraparound services, and school engagement rather than benefit cuts. Legislators and school officials from Salem also testified that their districts reduced absenteeism through supportive strategies, not sanctions.
Additional testimony addressed children’s vision bills H.202 and H.166, with optometrists and researchers urging better screening, data systems, and treatment access to close achievement gaps caused by untreated vision problems. Senator Lovely also presented S.2714, proposing a study of discrimination in public accommodations for people with service animals. Later, testimony on H.279 supported changing social work licensure rules to remove exam requirements that speakers said disproportionately exclude multilingual candidates and candidates of color. The hearing also included testimony on bills related to the Judge Rotenberg Center and electric shock devices, with disability rights advocates opposing continued use of the devices and urging the committee to reject licensing or authorization for them. No votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- The members will vote. Have all the members voted? Lock the machine.
- Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted?
- The members will vote. >> Have all the members voted?
- members will vote. members will vote. Got<02:07:57.199>
me. - criminal and civil procedure. criminal and civil procedure.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Community Affairs Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Pizzo: I WILL VOTE FOR THIS BILL, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR IT AND OPPOSE IT IF WE CONSIDER THE HOUSE BUT IN
- BY YOUR VOTE SB 952 REPORTED FAVORABLY.
- I ASK YOU TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.
- GOING TO VOTE FOR THIS TODAY.
- BY YOUR VOTE SB 30 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY. YOU VOTED IN THE AFFIRMATIVE. WE WILL MOVE TO TABS 16.
IN
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, I would note that the vote when We've all cast our votes on it.
- I've seen them use amendment votes. I've seen them use amendment votes.
- So I'm not going to vote for the committee report, even though it's only procedural, because at the end
- This vote is a vote to protect... ...be the enemy of good.
- This vote is a vote to protect our children. Nothing more. It's that simple.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Unless there's a request for a separate vote on individual appointees, we will now take one vote on all
- By your vote, Senate Bill 1412 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, Senate Bill 1182 is reported favorably.
- And I’m going to vote a weak no because of the same reason.
- I’m going to vote a weak no because of the same reason.
Summary:
The Health Policy Committee met for its final meeting of the session and handled a very full agenda, beginning with a few housekeeping items and a brief thank-you to staff. Senate Bill 596 was temporarily postponed. The committee then reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal access obligations and deleting a section that would have improperly affected nursing home facility records; the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after testimony focused on transparency, financial oversight, Medicaid managed care accountability, and internal controls at AHCA. Harris said she would prioritize staffing, monitoring, and improved reporting, and several health care groups waived in support.
The committee next heard and passed several bills, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, both reported favorably. It also approved SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on allowing physician assistants and APRNs to complete death certificates under hospice/palliative protocols, SB 1412 on home health agency administration and staffing flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies and informed consent, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills were amended, generally to narrow scope, align with the House, or make technical changes, and most received support from provider associations, advocacy groups, or affected institutions.
The most debated measure was SB 1270, which combined several health freedom and medical marijuana provisions. The strike-all amendment retained language prohibiting discrimination based solely on vaccination status, added protections related to mRNA vaccine documentation requirements, and included medical marijuana regulatory and background-screening language. The committee heard extensive testimony both in support and opposition, including concerns from senators about whether the bill would force providers to treat patients contrary to medical judgment, and support from witnesses arguing it protected patient autonomy and access to care. After a time-certain motion, the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I respectfully ask for your I vote today.
- Gonzalez: Haney: Harabedian: not voting. Lackey: not voting. Ramos: not voting.
- Sharp Collins: not voting.
- All right, colleagues, we're down to one more item. not voting lackey aye lackey aye when when not voting
- Elanis: not voting. Haney: aye. Harbedian: aye. Lackey: not voting. When? Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Public Safety Committee met to consider several bills, with six measures approved on consent, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each.
AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies purchasing firearms, ammunition, or accessories to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said taxpayer funds should not go to dealers with serious violations; opponents argued the bill added burdens and vague standards. The committee approved the bill as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by broadening enhanced battery penalties, clarifying who may seek temporary restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, and law enforcement supported the bill, while public defender and civil liberties groups raised concerns about vagueness, duration, and impacts on access to transit. The committee passed AB 394 to Judiciary as amended.
AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture convictions involving a child under 14 in the perpetrator’s care or custody from seven years to 20 years. Prosecutors, sheriffs, and police groups supported the bill, citing the severity of the abuse and the need to protect child victims; opponents argued the parole system already screens for risk and that harsher sentences do not improve public safety. The committee approved the bill as amended to Appropriations. AB 1092, by Assembly Member Castillo, would extend concealed carry weapon license renewals from two years to four years; supporters said it would reduce costs and administrative burdens, while the chair and others opposed it as unnecessary. The committee ultimately voted the bill down. AB 1036, by Assembly Member Schultz, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people convicted of felonies with sentences of one year or more, including Brady materials and jury selection notes. Innocence organizations and defense groups supported it, while district attorneys opposed the broader discovery obligations; the committee passed it to Appropriations as amended.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote.
- MEMBERS WILL RECORD THEIR VOTES BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE. THIS IS A 15-MINUTE VOTE.
- Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
- MEMBERS WILL RECORD THEIR VOTES BY ELECTRONIC DEVICE. THIS IS A FIVE-MINUTE VOTE.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 28th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you, Senator. Hasino, Mike, Sub.
- Respectfully, I ask for an aye vote.
- I respectfully ask for an I vote. That was beautiful, Senator. No mics up.
- Urgent aye vote. Senator Caballero: Thank you, Madam President.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- with us Senators Kavanagh, Senator Bailey, Senator Roxanne Foss, Senator Brisport, and we also have voting
- An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law and the Mental Hygiene Law.
- An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law.
- An act to amend the Criminal Procedure Law. Senator Bailey: Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met in a different room due to scheduling conflicts and considered a series of bills, mostly criminal procedure, penal law, civil rights, and executive law measures. Several bills had previously passed the Senate unanimously and were quickly moved through committee, including measures sponsored by Senators Harkham, Scootis, Bernardis, Scarsella Spanton, Conrad, Ryan, Jimenez, and others. The committee also considered Senate Print 1004A by Senator Brisport, which would amend the Criminal Procedure Law and Mental Hygiene Law to address prolonged detention of incapacitated individuals; Senator Palumbo supported the bill’s intent but objected to the mechanism, and the bill was reported to finance with Palumbo in the negative and Gallivan without recommendation.
Senator Bailey’s Senate Print 4525, focused on language access in criminal procedure, drew supportive comments about ensuring non-English speakers are not denied justice, but it was reported with Senator Kavanagh without recommendation and Senators Murray and Palumbo in the negative. The committee also advanced Senate Print 5110A by Senator Scarcella Spanton, which would increase protections for HPD inspectors by making assaults on them a low-level felony; members expressed concern about increasing penalties but agreed the bill had merit, and it was reported with Kavanagh without recommendation and Brisport and Sepúlveda in the negative.
The most extended discussion centered on Senate Print 3021C by Senator Hinchy, which would require a uniform tattoo policy for state and local law enforcement. Members debated First Amendment concerns, subjectivity in determining what is “offensive,” and whether the bill should set clearer guardrails or simply require agencies to adopt a policy. Supporters said the bill aimed to create statewide consistency and reflect changing norms around tattoos, while critics worried about subjective enforcement and potential constitutional issues. The bill was moved by Senator Myrie and reported, with Senators Sepúlveda and Brisport without recommendation. The meeting then adjourned after the chair thanked members for the discussion.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Vote. And that carries. Lord, we pray for our state and nation.
- It's an official procedure that has to happen before the bill can be delivered to the Governor.
- relating to health care, requiring the health care authority to promulgate and implement policies and procedures
- staffing advisory committee, and requiring licensed hospitals to develop and implement policies and procedures
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It would also clarify procedures when conflicts of interest arise.
- Please vote down this bill. Thanks for your testimony. Senator Johnson.
- I would be highly in favor of this, and I'm happy to say that the House unanimously voted for this.
- So I oppose this bill and I request that you vote no. Thank you. Thank you for being here.
- So I urge all of you to vote yes on HB 373.
Keywords:
business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-PSM, CPN Public Hearings 02-10-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, Vice Chair, for the vote. Vice Chair votes with reservation. Senator Meli, yes.
- Chair votes, I thank you. Vice Chair also votes, I. Senator Meli, yes.
- thank you Vice chair votes with votes I thank you Vice chair votes with reservation<00:37:38.640>
- Chair votes aye. Vice Chair also votes aye. Senator Melby: yes. Senator Richards: reservations.
- Chair votes aye. Vice Chair also votes aye. Senator Melby: yes. Senator Richards: aye.
Summary:
The joint hearing first took up SB 696, which would create an emergency management office and fund tax credits, grants for low-income taxpayers to fortify homes, shelter development, and staffing. Supporters argued Hawaii needs a dedicated preparedness office and funding before the next hurricane season, while the Tax Foundation said the bill was too vague, especially on who would qualify for the tax credits and under what conditions. The Department of the Attorney General and the insurance division offered comments, and both committees recommended deferral of SB 696.
The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee then heard SB 179 on construction defect remedies and the contractor repair act. Builders, Realtors, carpenters, and a mortgage industry witness supported the bill, saying it would reduce abusive litigation, speed repairs, and help housing production and affordability. Homeowner advocates and plaintiff attorneys opposed it, arguing it would weaken consumer protections, shift repair costs to homeowners, and delay or limit legitimate claims. One testifier suggested the Senate focus instead on stronger alternative dispute resolution, and the committee noted 105 written supporters, four opponents, and one comment submission.
The committee next heard SB 416 on allowing pets in rental housing, with the Attorney General recommending a non-impairment safeguard because of possible effects on existing contracts. SB 593 on commercial dog breeders drew support from the Hawaii Humane Society and others, with concerns raised that counties would be expected to enforce the new regime without funding. SB 641, creating a tax on low-alcohol-by-volume spirits beverages, drew opposition from the Wine Institute, which said it would create a tax break for one segment and likely reduce state revenue. SB 1048 on online crowdfunding received support from GoFundMe and comments from the Attorney General, with GoFundMe urging changes to reduce burdens on charitable fundraising. SB 1213, allowing businesses to accept service of process by email instead of maintaining a registered agent, drew DCCA comments and opposition from LegalZoom, which warned email service could be unreliable and vulnerable to phishing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Respectfully ask for an aye vote. All right. Appropriate time, I'll vote.
- Ask for your aye vote. All right, thank you. At the appropriate time, I'll vote aye.
- I assume both you and he urge an aye vote. We respectfully urge an aye vote. Okay.
- We are due to vote aye. Vote aye. Thank you. We are due to vote aye. Vote aye. Got you and Mr.
- With that, I'll ask for an aye vote. Actually, I won't ask for an aye vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Sep 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The bills are not in the possession of the committee, but we anticipate votes on these bills tonight
- out funding as voted on and as agreed upon by California voters.
- We request an aye vote.
- We request an aye vote.
- In conclusion, thank you for standing with child care, and we urge your aye vote.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes.
Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity.
The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Illegal voting was addressed there.
- votes the person knows are invalid.
- It's not a good-faith effort, but to knowingly count the vote or to knowingly refuse to count the vote
- Maybe a good senator can answer that question before we vote on this.
- Alvarado, Benton, Court, Birdwood, Blanco. 11 yes, votes, 20 no votes. The amendment fails.
Summary:
The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote.
Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0.
The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote of seven aye, zero noes, and zero not voting, you have given Senate Bill 1137 a due pass
- Is that a vote explanation? So, yes, vote explanation. You can explain your vote.
- By our vote of 7 aye, zero no, and zero not voting, you have given Senate Bill 1128 a due pass recommendation
- By our vote of 7 aye, zero no, and zero not voting, you have given Senate Bill 1128 a due pass recommendation
- By your vote of seven aye, zero no, zero not voting, you have given Senate Bill 1238 a due pass recommendation
Keywords:
scrap metal theft, study committee, Arizona, regulated industries, public safety, underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Any no votes? Hearing reservations? Any no votes?
- Chair votes eye. members? Hearing none. Chair votes eye.
- Chair votes. discussion? Yeah. Chair votes.
- >> Chair votes eye. Vice chair votes. >> Chair votes eye. Vice chair votes.
- Chair votes aye. This was SB 2615 SD1. Okay. Chair votes aye. Chair votes aye.
Keywords:
public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, DLNR, Kauai, Maui, Honolulu, Kaimuki Middle School, Wilcox Elementary School, school property
Summary:
The committee heard SB 2613, a cleanup bill relating to public school land transfers under Act 307 (2022), which revises tax map key references and the conveyance process for properties transferred to the Department of Education. The Hawaii State Public Library System supported the measure, saying it would complete the long-unfinished separation of the library system from DOE property control and make future building projects more efficient and cost-effective. DOE also supported the bill and requested an amendment to remove TMK 43-62 parcel 10, the Wilcox Elementary School parcel, so that it could instead be transferred to the county for use with the adjacent park and tennis courts.
Members focused heavily on why land transfers and construction approvals have been slow, especially the need for right-of-entry documents and an MOA for a library construction project. Library and DOE witnesses said the delays stemmed from site-control issues and confusion over property status, and that the bill would clarify which parcels are transferred by operation of law and remove the need for additional transactional documents in many cases. Several members questioned whether the bill actually changes authority or simply clarifies existing practice, and DOE said it wanted legislative clarity so the transfers are unmistakably effective on a date certain.
The committee also discussed a separate section of the bill dealing with public use of school facilities after hours, including parking fees on property under DOE jurisdiction. DOE explained that any parking charges would apply only to property it controls, not county roads, and that fees are set through existing facility-use procedures. Members raised concerns about the pace of land transfers generally and urged DOE to move more expeditiously on pending parcels. The hearing then moved on to SB 2147, which would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the library system testified in support as the committee began that measure.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 18, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This covers things like early voting, poll locations, some emergency provisions for vote-by-mail ballots
- Some of the questions about the voting procedures: I'm wondering why local supervisors of elections,
- That could be from your early voting sites.
- Allow for collapsing of polling sites for early voting.
- Yes, by your vote this... Chair Botana? Yes. By your vote, this bill is reported favorably.
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee heard and acted on several bills related to wetlands, emergency management, fishing licenses, disaster recovery, the Florida Keys, brownfields, wastewater treatment, and spring protection. HB 1175 on mitigation banking drew the most discussion, with supporters saying it would create more predictable release of mitigation credits and help address shortages, while opponents warned it could weaken watershed-based wetland protection and allow credits to be used farther from the impact site. The committee adopted a strike-all amendment making the changes prospective after July 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 12-3 vote.
The committee also considered HB 1535, a broad emergency management strike-all that would expand local storm-preparedness information, debris removal coordination, shelter planning, permitting procedures after storms, limits on post-storm fee increases and moratoria, and changes to election procedures after disasters. Members raised questions about FEMA coordination, shelter standards, impact fees, and the 100-mile post-storm land-use restrictions. After adopting the strike-all, the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute on a 17-0 vote. HB 673, which would extend the same fishing-license convenience to freshwater guides that saltwater captains already have, and HB 705, which extends a public-records exemption for disaster recovery assistance applicants, were both reported favorably without amendment.
Later, the committee approved HB 995 for the Florida Keys, which combines affordable-housing incentives, a Habitat for Humanity bond exemption, an extension of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act, and a modest increase in hurricane evacuation time to allow additional residential permits; it was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. HB 733 on brownfields received a technical strike-all and was also reported favorably. HB 645 creating a general permit for distributed wastewater treatment systems passed unanimously, and HB 691 on a reclaimed-water project tied to Outstanding Florida Springs passed 16-1 after concerns were raised about cost, water quality, and whether the bill could broaden the intent of existing spring-protection law. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Mar 19th, 2025
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Early voting provides more opportunities and days for people... and vote?
- Early voting provides more opportunities and days for people to vote.
- So more people early vote now, around, I think, 30% of people early vote.
- Because if all five of them vote one way, then we know how they voted.
- Because if all five of them vote one way, then we know how they voted.
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 350, which would extend the grade levels at Ecole Pointe-au-Chien from fourth through eighth grade. The sponsor and several members emphasized the school’s importance to Terrebonne Parish, French immersion, and school choice. An amendment was adopted making the bill subject to appropriation, and the bill was reported favorably as amended.
Members then approved House Bill 749, which authorizes the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority to contract with a program manager for certain savings programs, including ABLE, START, and START K-12, in response to a prior cyber incident and to improve security and customer service. An amendment simplified the bill’s effective-date language so provisions would take effect upon execution of the contract. The bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee also advanced House Bill 979 to increase the survivor benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $250,000 to $350,000. Testimony from the governor’s office said the increase could be covered within existing appropriations and that the amount was consistent with inflation since the benefit was last set. The bill was reported favorably. Later, House Bill 42 creating a phased retirement option for public post-secondary employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System was reported favorably, and House Bill 205 to allow local clerks of court to supplement election commissioner pay by up to $100 per election was also reported favorably after extensive testimony about staffing shortages and stagnant pay. The committee additionally reported favorably House Bill 12 extending survivor benefits to reserve officers killed in the line of duty, and House Bill 324 on judicial salaries, after amending it to remove future COLA provisions and leave only the permanent stipend increase.