Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Rachel May, Chair of the committee, and this is our third meeting for the 2026 legislative
• I have heard some concerns around the ability, if there is fraud or something security-related, for them
• This bill came from Kristen Williams, who, once she learned that it's so easy to do a security freeze
• This bill came from Kristen Williams, who once she learned that it's so easy to do a security freeze
• And that concludes the legislative business.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection met for its third meeting of the 2026 session and considered seven bills. The agenda focused on consumer fraud and disclosure issues, including bicycle serial numbers to deter theft, 45-day notice before credit card account closures, prohibiting hospitals and health care providers from storing credit card information without consent, gas station assistance for disabled motorists, deletion of financial information after cancellation of automatic renewals or continuous services, protections for private education loan borrowers and co-signers, and notice of the right to place a security freeze when a consumer credit report is accessed. Several sponsors and members described the bills as responses to constituent complaints or practical consumer-protection concerns. Senator Myrie noted support for the credit card notice bill but raised concerns about fraud-related account shutdowns and possible amendments; one member said she would vote no on that bill but was open to further discussion. Other bills drew little or no debate, with members generally describing them as common-sense protections or overdue disclosures. The private education loan bill was described as increasingly urgent due to federal changes affecting student loans. The committee voted to advance all seven bills. Some were reported to the calendar, while others were reported to first reading or to another committee, depending on the bill. The meeting concluded after the final vote, with the chair noting that vote sheets were available for absent members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe energy security is national security, and that means investing in wind, solar, and microgrids
• I believe energy security is national security, and that means investing in wind, solar, microgrids,
• I believe energy security is national security, and that means investing in wind, solar, and microgrids
• But the conflict for legislators, legislators— Have ways of financial means.
• I don't think our job as legislators I don't think our job as legislators is to dictate how we choose

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those issues was brought up by the Legislative Auditor on this electronic attendance.
• Another issue brought up at the Legislative Auditor is how difficult it is to substantiate fraud.
• One of those issues was brought up by the Legislative Auditor on this electronic attendance.
• Another issue brought up at the Legislative Auditor is how difficult it is to substantiate fraud.
• One of those issues was brought up by the Legislative Auditor on this electronic attendance.

Bills: HF1169, HF1916

Keywords: child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services, welfare administration, Minnesota tribes, child care assistance, CCAP, program integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm so, so happy and proud to be a co-sponsor for this very, very good legislation.
• The bill would not affect the long list of exclusions that are in the legislation.
• DCF was part of the development of this legislation. It is an ACA and DCF bill.
• Security Protection Program.
• Trying to adopt and find surrogates are a threat to national security.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee considered a large agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and a trust for Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, and CS/CS/SB 1266, which creates a cybersecurity experiential learning and clearance-readiness program through the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida. The committee also approved SB 532 on clerks of court funding, allowing clerks to retain all excess Article V revenue rather than returning half to the state and clarifying foreclosure sale procedures. In addition, the committee passed CS/CS/SB 1602 and CS/CS/SB 1604 to create and fund a pilot housing program for veterans through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and CS/SB 1110 to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including testimony from affected families and advocates. The committee also adopted an amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/SB 1012 on inmate services, removing the bill’s medical-services compensation provisions while retaining changes to the inmate welfare trust fund and related facility uses. It also adopted a delete-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1614, which was narrowed to remove a provision allowing local governments to use excess fees to construct new buildings. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 17, a Medicaid oversight and transparency bill. The sponsor said the measure would create a joint legislative Medicaid oversight committee, authorize the Legislature to retain its own actuary, modernize Medicaid statutes, strengthen managed-care performance standards, and increase accountability for pharmacy benefit managers and related entities. After amendment, the committee adopted changes removing several PBM-related provisions while retaining the broader oversight framework. Testimony from supporters emphasized transparency, fraud prevention, and cost control, while a PBM trade association asked to continue working on affiliate-manufacturer, network, and payment issues. The bill was reported favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on CS/SB 1758, which proposes major changes to Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described five reforms: stronger fraud and overpayment recovery authority, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral-health services through Medicaid waivers, pharmacy-program changes to obtain rebates and reduce institutional costs, and SNAP/EBT reforms including photo IDs and work requirements. The committee adopted two amendments: one adding a transitional “glide path” for people who gain employment but risk losing Medicaid, and another exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud, improve accountability, and encourage work, while opponents warned it would increase administrative burdens, push eligible people off coverage, and conflict with federal law or guidance. The bill remained under debate with extensive public testimony from advocates, providers, and affected families, and the transcript ends before final disposition on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• of two years, two legislative cycles.
• I am one of the 30 principal authors of this legislation.
• The merits of this legislation.
• Tangipa, that's not in this legislation. This legislation is very specific.
• As legislators, we are required to carry our identification to get into the building, to be secure.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for John Burton, and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural motions. Members approved a rule suspension to allow floor amendments on SB 271 and SB 67, and several committee notices and bill referrals were handled. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading file, with many bills passed and a number of items temporarily passed or retained on file. Among the major measures approved were bills on civil rights and public safety (SB 477, SB 19, SB 36, SB 571, SB 580), health care and coverage (SB 257 on pregnancy as a qualifying life event, SB 530 on Medi-Cal access standards, SB 660 on health data exchange, SB 754 on menstrual product contaminant disclosure), housing and disaster recovery (SB 610, SB 655), transportation and climate (SB 533 on EV charging payments, SB 30 on diesel locomotives, SB 71 on CEQA exemptions for transit, SB 263 on tariff impacts), and natural resources/energy (SB 283 on battery storage safety, SB 88 on biomass emissions, SB 427 extending the Habitat Conservation Fund). The Assembly also passed urgency measures including SB 864 on tribal gaming compacts, SB 663 on wildfire-related property tax relief, SB 471 expanding DDS ombudsman authority, and SB 497 on privacy protections for legally protected health services. Several bills drew notable debate. SB 41 on pharmacy benefit managers saw opposition over concerns about moving ahead before broader PBM data and licensing reforms take effect, but it still passed. AB 1340, a concurrence item on gig worker collective bargaining rights, prompted extended debate over labor rights, consumer costs, and union influence. Other concurrence items included AB 671 on restaurant permitting, which passed without opposition. The Assembly also took up SB 640 on direct admission to CSU, SB 702 on demographic reporting for appointees, SB 710 preserving a solar property tax exclusion, and SB 793 on counterfeit lighter safety, all of which passed. The session ended with the Assembly continuing through the file, including concurrence votes and additional bill actions, with most measures approved by substantial margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• less secure and could be replicated. less secure and could be replicated.
• running elections that are both secure running elections that are both secure and<00:10:24.600><
• email. her staff's legislative email.
• one where our elections are both secure one where our elections are both secure and<00:49:20.880
• > makes<01:03:50.840> it Uh this legis- legislation makes it Uh this legis- legislation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Windstorm insurance requires implementing legislative solutions.
• Do you think this bill might help if y'all feel that TWIA is more secure?
• We thank Chairman Hunter for his leadership and his work on this legislation.
• The first is the elimination of debt financing or securities.
• The proposed legislation will benefit tenants, churches, and HOAs. ...

Bills: HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• At 22 NSA, NCA-designated institutions provide CompTIA security certification, clearance, and examination
• federal security clearance readiness curriculum.
• federal security clearance readiness curriculum.
• I first learned of the Groveland Four during my service as a legislative aide to Senator Geraldine F.
• During the 2016 legislative session, I drove her to Lake County when the Groveland City Council passed

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. First, SB 214 by Senator McLean, described as a targeted rural access bill, would allow special districts in rural communities and areas of opportunity to receive certain state and federal financial assistance payments by invoice rather than reimbursement. An amendment expanding the benefit to independent special districts in those rural areas, including water and wastewater projects, was adopted, and the bill then passed favorably. Support was noted from representatives of water and sewer cooperatives, a water and sewer district, Resiliency Florida, and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee then took up CS for SB 1266 by Senator Kalata on cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment creating a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, working with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida and participating institutions to provide certification and clearance-related training. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS for SB 694 by Senator Bracey Davis, which would provide compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for wrongful convictions and related harms. Senator Bracey Davis and a supporter testified about the history of the case, prior legislative apologies, pardons, and exonerations, and the need for compensation as a final step. Members spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I submit a legislative funding request every year.
• We had what felt like the longest legislative session ever.
• And they decided to wait until after our 105-day legislative session to tell us.
• You know, legislators, to be good, cannot be linear thinkers.
• You know, legislators, to be good, cannot be linear thinkers.

Bills: S7040, S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• received training and security and CPR. received training and security and CPR.
• The legislation does come with taxed.
• This legislation is Senate File 1197.
• <01:31:00.639> a vital education programs, and securing a vital education programs, and securing
• and going to work as the uh legislative and going to work as the uh legislative assistant<01:35:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:49.680> looking Uh and there's other legislation looking Uh and there's other legislation
• Uh, we're a legislator, let's say.
• > all<00:37:22.880> their legislators prefer to get all their legislators prefer to get
• <00:42:49.800> package,<00:42:50.640> $529,000 security package, $529,000 security package
• follow legislation. follow legislation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is how I best explain my district: LD7 geographically is the third-largest legislative district
• , as you know... ...as a rural legislator.
• Can you address that and sort of the security aspects on the importance of the port of entry?
• Beyond the economy, this is a matter of national security.
• The city has already secured $20 million of that $50 million.

Bills: SB1272

Keywords: appropriation, Douglas port of entry, state funding, infrastructure, federal support, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of this committee may need to step away for other legislative duties, including presenting bills
• These are created with legislative authority to allow local jurisdictions to tailor the use of these
• Uh, that's what really prompted the, the, the discussion around should there be any legislation and if
• The district has long used the traditional healthcare security staffing model composed of unarmed security
• security departments, not for profit government healthcare.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, SB 2330 is a common sense piece of legislation.
• It specifically, as you can see there, says easy, safe, and secure.
• There are 14 states in the country that have now passed legislation of this manner.
• Easy, safe, secure. So it really is addressing your issues.
• We urge you not to move forward with this legislation. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• And on this wholesaler bill on liquor legislation, you know, so...
• The legislature did not pass the legislation in 2023.
• They're just here for the history of it to educate our legislators.
• My next question is, when you presented the legislation, excuse me, when you presented the legislation
• As you're aware, EMS cannot enter a situation until it's secure.

Transcript Highlights:

• the next two weeks, we'll be hearing presentations from our agency leaders as they outline their legislative
• So we're asking to hopefully have a correction or a truing-up process through this legislative session
• So, right to our legislative budget request.
• , close to $10 million. $1.7 million, secure fixed, close to $10 million.
• We don't have to worry about security or transportation. It's all right there.

Summary: The committee met for an interim appropriations presentation hearing focused on justice administration agencies. Members heard budget requests from the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders, the Justice Administrative Commission, Regional Conflict Counsel, Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, and the Guardian ad Litem Office, followed by a presentation from the Department of Juvenile Justice and a brief public comment from a nonprofit advocate. The chair noted that presentations from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Commission on Offender Review would be moved to a later meeting. The state attorney requested funding to true up underfunded circuits under the existing formula, staff 14 new criminal judgeships, replace declining VOCA victim-services funding with general revenue, and cover a projected due process shortfall. The public defender asked for a higher starting salary for assistant public defenders, funding to restore balance in circuits where public defenders lag behind state attorneys, and staffing for new criminal judgeships. Regional conflict counsel and capital collateral regional counsel also sought salary adjustments, additional attorneys and case costs, and competitive area differential funding to address recruitment and retention issues. The Justice Administrative Commission requested funding for Florida PALM readiness and implementation and for IT hardware and software replacement; it also relayed a clerks’ request for reimbursement related to injunctions for protection, Baker Act, Marchman Act, and sexually violent predator cases. The Guardian ad Litem Office said it now has a guardian ad litem for every child in Florida and requested salary increases for senior and managing attorneys to reduce turnover. The Department of Juvenile Justice presented a much larger budget request to expand residential and detention capacity, increase per diem rates, renovate and replace aging facilities, fund the Broward detention center rebuild, improve cybersecurity and the juvenile information system, and cover rising lease costs. Members asked questions about staffing, compensation, detention and residential treatment needs, mental health and substance-use services, and the Broward project timeline. A nonprofit advocate then asked for better data collection on protection orders and related court actions to support funding for domestic violence and recovery services. The committee adjourned without taking any formal votes on the budget requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislation of California, in support.
• Legislation of California, in support.
• It is very clearly in the legislation.
• refine legislation as it moves forward, I want to first acknowledge that this piece of legislation,
• That is our legislative counsel, who's already reviewed this and written in the legislative language

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have considered this legislation in the past.
• Compact Legislation.
• and increase... their chances of securing employment and housing.
• Rep Cortez looks forward to working with the committee to see this legislation.
• Wichita Falls has maximum security unit beds as well. Wichita Falls serves.

Bills: HB713, HB827, HB932, HB499, HB510, HB163, HB296, HB879, HB913, HB163, HB296

Keywords: healthcare, maternal health, reporting requirements, Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, health provider immunity, workplace violence, nurses, grant program, healthcare facilities, safety measures, safety, nursing, grants, healthcare safety, verbal abuse, physical abuse, nurse empowerment, occupational therapy, licensure, interstate practice

Transcript Highlights:

• Mari Leavitt, 28th Legislative District.
• It has broken into some subcommittees to work on some of the deliverables within this legislation.
• And with the club and with the program we have, done is we have a cyber security club here.
• And one of the sections that was really important for us was the physical security, the physical security
• And one of the sections that was really important for us was the physical security, the physical security

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, as the great shepherd, continue to protect and guide this legislative body.
• One of the most effective legislators in the legislature.
• But, Nuclear operations, national security, the list is endless.
• President, members, a few highlights within the legislation itself.
• of proceedings for those securities, to Business and Commerce.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day. The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.