Transcript Highlights:

• objections going on consent calendar? objections going on consent calendar?
• objections going on consent calendar? objections going on consent calendar?
• objections going on consent? Pope. objections going on consent? Pope.
• , no objection.
• So, if it can, objection, no objection.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 1598 and an amendment, 2026-0463H. Elliott Barry and Nick Norman testified that the amendment reflected a hard-fought compromise balancing concerns from all sides, and they urged no further changes. With no questions from members, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill with the amendment to the full committee, 3-0, and closed the subcommittee. The housing committee then moved through several executive session bills. HB 1010 was amended with 2026-0274H, described as clarifying and implementing prior housing law (HB 631) governing residential units above office and retail space; the amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 17-0 vote and placed on consent. HB 65 was then voted ought to pass and also placed on consent, with members saying it was duplicative of the compromise reached on HB 1010. HB 1349 was reconsidered for a clarifying vote and again received unanimous support for its prior disposition, 17-0, and was placed on consent. The committee next took up HB 1523, which concerned homeowners associations. An amendment, 2026-0380H, removed Section 5’s Attorney General enforcement mechanism, added HOA conflict-of-interest approval language, and delayed the effective date to give stakeholders more time; it was adopted unanimously. The bill then passed 18-0 as amended and was put on consent. The committee also voted ITL on CACR 16, a constitutional amendment related to sleeping or homelessness issues, after debate over unintended consequences and whether it protected a basic right; the vote was 10-8, with a majority report assigned and a minority report to be written. Later, HB 108, dealing with inclusionary zoning, was voted ITL 10-8 after members argued the bill imposed unrealistic burdens and could halt development; a minority report was noted with amendment 0149H. HB 7, concerning ADUs and restrictive covenants, was also voted ITL 10-8 after discussion of unintended consequences and a proposed amendment to encourage second ADUs; it was sent to the regular calendar with a minority report and amendment 0289H. HB 1120, on water-related subdivision requirements, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent, with one member noting a study amendment had been offered. HB 1143, addressing housing-provider obligations and municipal enforcement powers, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent. Finally, HB 1145, a fee/tax proposal tied to housing development, was ITL’d 11-7; members debated whether it would discourage development, and a minority report was assigned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, my only objection to your bill is it doesn't go far enough, but it's a good first step.
• Paxton, as unanimous consent to work from a committee sub without objection.
• Chairman Hall asks permission to work from a committee sub without objection.
• That objection will be the order. Will there be questions of the author on the bill?
• Senator Daniels requests unanimous consent to work from a committee sub without objection.

Bills: HJR1024, SB1316, SB1491, SB1552, SB1679, SB1877, SB2040, SB2133, SB2153, SB2174, SB2180, SB227, SJR39, SJR47, SJR48

Keywords: Judicial Nominating Commission, congressional districts, terms of office, Oklahoma Constitution, legal qualifications, political party restrictions, family ties, administrative rules, sunset provision, state agencies, regulatory review, legislative oversight, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, county home rule charter, home rule, county government

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the journal from Monday, February 2nd, 2026 is approved as written.
• Without objection, the journal from Monday, February 2nd, 2026 is approved as written.
• Without objection, the journal from Monday, February 2nd, 2026 is approved as written. Mr.
• Please file the same without objection. So ordered. Senator from Grayson. Council, Mr.
• Without objection, this Senate shall stand adjourned till the hour of 2 p.m.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and approved the journal from Monday, February 2, 2026. The chamber received House messages that the House had passed HB 143, 164, 314, and 398 and requested concurrence. The Agriculture Committee reported SB 5 and SB 73 favorably, and those bills were advanced to the calendar. The Senate also took up several new measures, including SB 155 on animal health emergencies, SJR 75 on utility affordability and essential services, and SR 76 honoring Frank Ryard. The main floor action centered on SB 48, relating to mandatory re-entry supervision. The bill was explained as tightening eligibility by excluding inmates with two or more violent-felony convictions or those recommitted for probation, shock probation, parole, or conditional discharge violations, and requiring an annual Department of Corrections report to the judiciary committees. After a roll call, SB 48 passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 102 on Kentucky State Police staffing; after an amendment was withdrawn, the bill was explained as extending the Trooper R return-to-service eligibility window from the original retirement date to the last day worked, without changing benefits or retirement obligations. SB 102 also passed 38-0. During announcements and communications, senators discussed committee meetings, legislative receptions, and co-sponsorship requests. A resolution honoring the 22nd Black History Celebration was adopted, and a senator spoke at length about the event and the recognition of Moneta Sleet Jr. Another senator used the floor to urge stronger enforcement and transparency around child marriage laws, citing continued noncompliance and the need to protect minors. Later, the clerk reported additional new bills, including SB 156 on child marriage, SB 157 on mortgage loan income limits, SB 158 on vehicle financial protection products, SB 159 on missing and unidentified persons, SB 160 on child care centers, SB 161 on employment, and SR 77 honoring Norma June Evans. The Senate then adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if there's no objection, any more questions?
• And so if there's no objection, the chair will leave Senate Bill 2798 pending.
• kind of objective guidance on that issue?
• “And if there's no objection, the chair will leave Senate Bill 1099 pending. Ms.
• If there’s no objection, the chair will leave Senate Bill 127 pending for now.

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate bills, generally receiving sponsor explanations and, in most cases, no public testimony. SB 2595 would create a Class B misdemeanor for harassing, threatening, or intimidating someone while intentionally concealing identity with a mask, with broad affirmative defenses for legitimate mask use; SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers and add related presumptions and interference protections; and SB 1896 would require magistrates to issue emergency protective orders in certain family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and aggravated cases, with law enforcement required to provide needed information. All three were left pending. The committee also heard SB 955, which increases trafficking of persons from a second-degree to a first-degree felony when the victim was recruited from a correctional facility, and SB 614, which would let the Texas Forensic Science Commission refer dismissed complaints to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs when they reference a prior FSC report; both were left pending. Members then heard several forensic and criminal procedure bills. SB 1372 would resolve a discovery/access conflict involving the DPS crime lab portal by limiting portal access to defense attorneys rather than defendants directly, prompting questions from members about access for pro se defendants; DPS’s chief crime lab witness testified neutrally. SB 1936 would change the LSD “abuse unit” definition for unmarked/unperforated paper from a square-measurement method to a 10-milligram weight standard, and SB 1937 would require a subject matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence to help identify viable testing and conserve resources. SB 2580 would lower the population threshold for sheriff’s departments to independently use tracking equipment and access certain communications from 3.3 million to 500,000, expanding the authority beyond Harris County; it was described as a public safety and emergency response measure and left pending. The committee also considered SB 2798, which would extend the statute of limitations for certain financial crimes from three years to seven years, with testimony from a Montgomery County assistant district attorney supporting the change because fraud is often discovered late. SB 1099 would increase penalties for felony offenses committed by undocumented or unauthorized aliens, but drew strong opposition from the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued immigration is a federal matter and that the bill would create difficult and potentially unfair status determinations for local courts; members raised concerns about the lack of an expert-testimony requirement. SB 1278 would create an affirmative defense to prostitution prosecution for trafficking victims compelled by their traffickers to commit the conduct, and testimony from advocates and a member’s personal account emphasized the coercive, traumatic nature of trafficking; members discussed whether the defense should be narrower or framed as mitigation, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 127 would extend the statute of limitations for failure to report or conceal child abuse, with members discussing mandatory reporting duties and the need to allow more time for delayed discovery of cover-ups; it too was left pending before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Take up tab five, SB 964 on objective parole guidelines by Senator Bernard.
• have a religious objection against this, I understand that.
• Is there any objection? Seeing none, show the motion adopted.
• Is there any objection? Seeing none, show the motion adopted.
• Is there any objection? Seeing none show the motion adopted.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and advanced a series of criminal justice bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll-call votes. Among the bills approved were CS/SB 468 on fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, which increases offense levels and allows impoundment of involved vehicles; CS/SB 1136 on age as an element of a criminal offense, which strengthens protections for minors and was amended to adjust age thresholds and luring/enticement language; CS/SB 144 on criminal justice, which was narrowed by substitute amendment after discussion with law enforcement and includes provisions on kill switches, body cameras/AI, first responder recognition, and other corrections-related items; and CS/SB 1782, which creates penalties for dangerous excessive speeding. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, CS/SB 1450 on arrest and detention of individuals with significant medical conditions, CS/SB 612 on murder involving unlawful drug distribution by minors, CS/SB 1838 on tampering with or harassing court officials, CS/SB 716 on enhanced penalties for sexual offenses by repeat offenders, CS/SB 1604 on corrections, and CS/SB 1360 on xylazine, which preserves veterinary use while increasing penalties for illicit trafficking and possession for sale. Several bills drew substantive testimony and debate. CS/SB 1838 prompted concerns from the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers that the tampering language could be applied to prosecutors or defense attorneys; the sponsor said he would work to refine the language. CS/SB 964 received support from criminal defense advocates and a witness who argued Florida’s parole system needs revision due to prison overcrowding and staffing issues. CS/SB 1604 generated questions about inmate access to courts, the statute of limitations for confinement claims, and involuntary mental health treatment; the sponsor said the bill aims to balance inmate rights with timely reporting and to address bad actors in corrections. CS/SB 1360 was supported as a response to the spread of xylazine on the street, while noting its legitimate veterinary use. The most contested measure was CS/SB 1804 on capital sex trafficking. The bill would create a capital offense for adult trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person under specified circumstances, with a life-felony fallback if capital punishment is later found unconstitutional. Supporters argued it targets especially heinous conduct and closes a gap in existing law; opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and anti-death-penalty advocates, argued it expands the death penalty beyond homicide, raises constitutional concerns, risks retraumatizing victims, and would be costly to litigate. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House companion and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, despite objections from some members who voted no. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members for the session, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's no objection, the bill will be left pending. Is there any objection?
• There's no objection. The bill will be left pending.
• There is no objection. The bill will be left pending.
• If there is no objection, the bill will be left pending. Is there any objection?
• At this time, if there's no objection, House Bill 42 will be left pending. Is there an objection?

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, is there any objection to the adoption of the substitute?
• There being no objection, the substitute is adopted.
• Does anyone have an objection to sending Actually. Never mind.
• If there's no objection, House Bill 1970 will be left pending. Any objection?
• That's the objective. Thank you so much, Scott. Thank you, Representative Flores.

Bills: HB113

Keywords: HB 113, Texas, Government Code Chapter 1253, general obligation bonds, bond election, voter approval, political subdivision, local government, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds, capital projects, public finance, bond referendum, ballot measure, five-year waiting period, rejected proposition, election law, municipal finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there objection?
• Is there objection?
• Is there objection? Seeing no objection, the amendment is passed. Let’s move on.
• Is there objection to accepting the late-filed amendment?
• Seeing no debate, is there objection? Seeing no objection, the amendment is accepted as presented.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections. The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you object if Division 2 headed over to education funding? Yes, no, I have no objection.
• Would you object if Division 2 headed over to education funding? Yes, no, I have no objection.
• if div 2 headed over to Ed object if div 2 headed over to Ed funding<00:29:40.000> yes<00:29:
• no<00:29:40.880> I<00:29:41.000> have<00:29:41.120> no<00:29:41.559> object
• <00:29:42.320> yes<00:29:43.120> that funding yes no I have no object yes that funding

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on February 18 and retained several bills for possible inclusion in the budget. House Bill 97, appropriating funds to the Department of Environmental Services for wastewater infrastructure projects, was retained on a 21-0 vote. House Bill 197, which would have the state pay 7.5% of certain political subdivision employees’ retirement contributions at an estimated annual cost of $28 million to $29 million, was also retained unanimously. House Bill 246, creating the Conservation District Climate Resilience Grant Program with a small appropriation of about $50,000 per year for two years, was retained 22-0. House Bill 519, appropriating $500,000 annually to support the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was likewise retained 22-0. The committee then shifted to a broader budget discussion. Representative Maguire said the committee was facing a roughly $732 million gap between projected revenue and spending, based on preliminary Ways and Means figures and the governor’s budget. He noted that the governor’s plan included $81 million from the rainy day fund and $127 million from proposed slot machine revenue, while other potential obligations such as $150 million in YDC payments and prison down payments were not included. Members discussed how Ways and Means revenue estimates are based on current law, meaning proposals not yet enacted would not be counted in the official forecast. Members also asked about the relationship between the education funding committee and Finance, and were told that many education bills would likely come back to Finance after action in the other committee and on the floor. The chair and members discussed donor towns, swept funds, and the possibility of moving more information technology spending into the capital budget if appropriate. The meeting ended with agreement to let Division 2 head to education funding, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any objections to the senator's motion? Without objection, the motion is adopted.
• objections to the senator's motion? objections to the senator's motion?
• > is Without objection, the motion is Without objection, the motion is adopted.<00:45:31.520><
• Without objection, the order is adopted.
• Have a >> Without objection, so ordered.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened for the opening day of the 449th legislative session, with an invocation delivered by Reverend Amen Flowers and the prayer journalized without objection. The clerk then called the roll, establishing a quorum with 46 senators present and the Senate ready to conduct business. The first order of business was the election of a temporary presiding officer, followed by the election of the permanent presiding officer. Senator Ben Brooks nominated Senator Malcolm Augustine to serve as President Pro Tem, and Senator Karen Lewis Young seconded the nomination, both praising his policy knowledge, collaborative style, and ability to work across differences. The Senate then voted and elected Augustine as President Pro Tem, after which he was escorted to the rostrum and sworn in. Augustine thanked colleagues, his family, and the chamber, and said he looked forward to working through a challenging session together on behalf of Marylanders. The Senate next nominated and elected Senator William C. Ferguson IV as President of the Senate. Senator Charles Sydnor nominated him, and Senator Cory McCray seconded, describing Ferguson as an honest broker, steady leader, and compassionate presiding officer. Ferguson was elected with 46 affirmative votes, took the oath of office, and delivered extended remarks about the importance of federalism, the role of states in filling gaps left by the federal government, and the need for Maryland to lead through state-level action during a difficult political climate. He also thanked colleagues, staff, and his family, and emphasized that the session would require collaboration and focus on Marylanders' needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any objections to those coming off the list? Seeing none, moving on.
• Any objections to those off the list.
• All those in favor of taking objections.
• Any objection? Seeing none, moving on to page nine.
• anyone object to taking three off the list?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, show the motions adopted. Read Senate Bill 2D.
• Without objection, show the motions adopted. Read Senate Bill 2D.
• Without objection, so the motion is adopted.
• Without objection, the Senate is now adjourned. Yes. Congratulations.
• Without objection, the Senate is now adjourned. Without objection, the Senate is now adjourned.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, I would like to ask if any objections to hearing these two en masse.
• Any objection to using previous roll? Hearing none. Hearing none. Would you like to add your vote?
• Any objection to using previous roll?
• Any<00:09:51.320> objection<00:09:51.880> to<00:09:52.040> using<00:09:52.400>
• Any objection to using previous roll? Any objection to using previous roll?

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So without objection, I'd like to go ahead and defer this report to the next meeting.
• Seeing none, without objection, we'll file the report.
• Seeing none, without objection, we'll file the report.
• So without objection, we will file that report. Seeing none. Okay. The remaining 52 reports.
• All right, without objection, we will file these reports. We have no new business.

Summary: The Legislative Audit Education Institution Subcommittee met to adopt the previous minutes and review 57 education audit reports, 52 of which had no findings and were filed as reviewed. The committee heard several findings involving school district spending and internal control issues, including Camden-Fairview’s use of operating funds for an employee awards banquet and unauthorized credit card charges, Forest City’s use of operating funds for an end-of-year celebration and entertainment event, Nettleton’s fraudulent vendor payment scheme involving $1.9 million in attempted transfers, Cedar Ridge’s misallocation of Title I funds and payroll/bank reconciliation errors, and Green County Technical’s diverted vendor check that was recovered. Three of the reports had been referred to the prosecuting attorney and attorney general. Members asked questions about whether district officials were present, how the questionable expenditures were broken down, and whether school boards had prior knowledge or approval. The committee deferred the Camden-Fairview, Forest City, and Nettleton reports to the June meeting and requested district representatives attend to answer questions. Cedar Ridge and Green County Technical were not deferred; Cedar Ridge was filed, and Green County Technical was reviewed without further action. Staff also discussed recurring fraud and banking-control issues seen in school audits, including altered checks, email-based banking changes, and the use of positive pay and in-person verification for deposit changes. Members encouraged better communication with school districts and noted that clean audits should be recognized. The committee then filed the remaining no-finding reports and adjourned with no new business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bolick, or actually, without objection, reading of the journal Wednesday, January 21st, 2026,
• The objection report standing committee is listed on calendar will not be read, and the reports will
• Seeing none, the objection. Senate will stand at recess, subject to the sound of the gavel.
• and the secretary record the action very points of personal privilege for recess seeing none the objection
• business on the president's desk communications from the governor executive nominations without objection

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, and approved the journal from January 21, 2026. Members then used points of personal privilege to recognize guests and groups in the gallery, including Chaplain Ron Lagata, an anti-human-trafficking proclamation for Not in Our State, an active-duty Air Force apprentice from Davis-Monthan, Space Force and aerospace guests, and Special Olympics Arizona. Senator Bolick’s proclamation emphasized Arizona’s commitment to combating human trafficking and invited members to an upcoming event. Senator Tothley delivered a somber statement about the death of eight-year-old Malika, Molly Boone, in his community and criticized delays in the Turquoise Alert system. He urged statewide changes so alerts go out more quickly and more broadly, and the Senate observed a moment of silence in her memory. The President Pro Tem expressed condolences and said he would continue working on solutions. The chamber then moved through the day’s legislative calendar, reading a long list of bills and resolutions for second reading and introducing several new bills for first reading and committee referral, including measures on election procedures, voting security, prison sentencing, water supply, unemployment benefits, health care, and appropriations. A nomination to the Arizona Board of Regents was also read by name only. Committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings, and the Senate adjourned on motion until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's no objection, the bill will be left pending. Is there any objection?
• If there is no objection, the bill will be left pending. Is there objection?
• If there is no objection, the bill will be left pending. Is there objection? The chair here.

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's no objection, House Bill 2461 will be left pending. The chair hears none.
• If there's no objection, House Bill 2461 will be left pending.
• If there is no objection, the bill will be left pending. Thank you very much.
• If there is no objection, the bill will be left pending. HB 1871 is left pending.
• If there's no objection, the bill will be left pending. The Chair hears none.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing no objections, the journal is approved as corrected by the Chief Clerk.
• If there are no objections, the reports will be adopted.
• Hearing no objection, the reports are adopted. Second reading of House Files.
• If there is no objection, we will take action on these motions first.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, a motion by Senator Wright to allow staff to make technical adjustments without objection to
• Without objection, show that motion adopted. I will now turn the chair over to Vice Chair Martin.
• The amendment prohibits deviation from the 10-day time limit for objection to the sale.
• Is there any objection to that? Yes. Is there any objection to that? None. Okay.
• Is there any objection? Seeing none, motion adopted. Thank you so much. Have a great afternoon.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to review its proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, totaling about $7.6 billion. The chair highlighted funding for the Department of Corrections, including health services, food inflation, and prison population growth; the Department of Juvenile Justice for residential beds and higher food/medical costs; FDLE for a law enforcement apprenticeship program and officer wellness services; justice administration for court-appointed attorney rates and VOCA shortfalls; major IT projects; and court operations, including funding for 29 new judges. Members asked about where the new judgeships would go and whether staffing would accompany them, and staff said the judge positions would be listed later in a conforming bill and that associated court staff were included, but not additional state attorney or public defender staffing. Several members also asked whether the budget addressed pay and staffing shortages in state attorneys’ and public defenders’ offices, and staff said those decisions had not yet been finalized. The committee then heard public testimony from several speakers who urged more funding for prison safety, medical care, and oversight. Speakers described personal experiences involving deaths or serious harm in correctional facilities and jails, alleging inadequate medical treatment, excessive force, isolation, and failures to investigate. One speaker said her son died after being beaten and denied timely medical care in a correctional facility; another said her son was not receiving adequate health care at Charlotte Correctional; and another described her brother’s death in the Marion County Jail after repeated tasing and pepper spraying. The committee adopted a motion allowing staff to make technical adjustments and then approved the committee’s budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee also took up CS for CS SB 48 on alternative judicial procedures and foreclosure sales. Senator Garcia offered an amendment to standardize judicial sales, increase transparency, limit preferences in bidding, preserve public notice requirements, restrict plaintiff credit bids to the amount of the judgment unless a deposit is posted, and prevent deviations from statutory timelines and procedures from being hidden in court orders. Garcia said the bill was intended to close loopholes and protect homeowners, especially condominium owners, from unfair foreclosure practices. A representative for Auction.com said similar laws have been used in other states and offered to provide data. After debate, the amendment was adopted, and the bill passed the committee favorably on a roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• > will<02:03:50.320> be without objection, the bill will be without objection, the bill
• > bill<02:06:54.560> be<02:06:54.800> the any objection to the bill be the any objection
• This bill being there any objection?
• Is there any objection to this zero.
• > will<02:26:03.200> be Without objection, this bill will be Without objection, this bill

Keywords: 1189, house, all