Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 118 on regulation of presidential libraries by Senator Brodeur.
• In anticipation of Florida's first presidential library, we should roll out the welcome mat and offer
• Not because of presidential libraries, but because of other unique structures or situations.
• That would all be as part of the plan for the presidential library, the PLA.
• And I imagine that’s why you took this bill on.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 108 on administrative procedures. That bill, as amended, would require agencies to review all rules on a five-year cycle, submit regulatory plans and annual reports, publish intended agency action within 90 days of new rulemaking authority, improve public access to incorporated materials, and streamline rule publication and correction procedures. After brief testimony from the Florida Bar’s Administrative Law Section and support from Americans for Prosperity and the James Madison Institute, the committee adopted two amendments and reported CS for SB 108 favorably. The committee then approved several other measures, including the Senate veterans package (CS for CS for SB 116), which made technical changes and was supported by veterans and advocacy groups; SB 118 on presidential libraries, which preempts local barriers while preserving state and federal law and building codes; CS for SB 126 allowing mail distribution of prescription hearing aids after a Florida-licensed professional examination; CS for SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” making it a third-degree felony to abandon restrained animals during declared disasters; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice expansion for complex cardiac conditions; SM 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure; CS for SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process to remove unauthorized persons from commercial property; CS for SB 348 on ethics, addressing false military rank claims and delinquent ethics fines; SB 356 designating January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day; CS for SB 160 expanding CPA licensure pathways and clarifying administrative outsourcing; and CS for SB 50 promoting nature-based coastal resilience measures. Most of these bills received supportive testimony and were reported favorably. The committee also considered and reported favorably the annual reviser bills SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42, which adopt the 2025 Florida Statutes, conform statutory names, remove expired provisions, and clean up obsolete language and cross-references. Throughout the meeting, members asked questions on a few bills, but no roll-call votes were recorded as opposed; each measure was approved and reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested that a few missed affirmative votes be recorded, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, your Committee on Education, having had under consideration HB 208 relating to school libraries
• floor, and I wish we would get on to the real problems that we're facing in Arizona and not these imagined
• Districts are not paying for librarians' memberships with the Arizona Library Association, and we should
• So, like, just imagine, if you will, an event where a health professional is handing out condoms at a
• So, like, just imagine, if you will, an event where a health professional is handing out condoms at a

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the first one that we have up, because he must go, is HB 69, regulation of presidential libraries
• Of presidential libraries here in the state of Florida. Very well.
• So I understand that the federal already does regulate a lot of the libraries are considered federal
• is proposed here in the state of Florida in the near future, the intent to Central Library is proposed
• I would imagine in 99% of the cases the conversation never reaches an appeal process.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and voted on several local and statewide bills. HB 69, by Rep. Andrade, preempted local zoning and land-use authority to the state for presidential libraries; after an amendment clarifying the scope of preemption, it passed 13-2. HB 63, by Reps. Gerwig and Cassel, created a public-records exemption for city and county administrators and their deputies, citing threats and harassment against local administrators; it included a 10-year sunset and passed 15-0. HB 4045, by Rep. Alvarez, updated the City of Tampa firefighters’ and police officers’ pension plan, including extending the DROP period by three years; it passed 14-0 with a committee substitute. HB 4023, by Rep. Hunschofsky, tightened conflict-of-interest rules for officers and employees of the North Springs Improvement District after prior audit concerns; it passed 16-0. HB 4017, by Rep. Oliver, codified the Bermont Drainage District’s charter and corrected a statutory cross-reference via amendment; it passed 16-0 with committee substitute. HB 4009, by Rep. Kendall, renamed the St. Johns County regional airport to the St. Augustine Airport and passed 16-0. The committee also considered PCB IAS 25-01, by Vice Chair Griffiths, which would standardize county constitutional officers’ budget procedures and create an appeal process for clerks of court and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs; after testimony from the clerks and supervisors’ associations, it passed 16-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the way that the funds come to the State Library, the Library Networking Fund, so the portion that
• I learned that at the library. You said that the libraries will use these funds for STEM kits.
• I learned that at the library. You said that the libraries will use these funds for STEM kits.
• Every library also has the policy that if you find something objectionable in your public library, you
• It's a consortium of 80-plus libraries, all small libraries that are able to share books amongst each

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee first met in executive session and voted 8-0, with one member absent, to do pass House Bill 3405. Members described the bill as clarifying how pass-through entity tax information and credits are handled, with supporters saying it would reduce confusion and administrative burden while preserving the tax credit. In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Bill 2457 and House Bill 1782, both related to food pantry tax credits. HB 2457 would extend the food pantry/soup kitchen/homeless shelter credit to 2032, add food banks as eligible entities, and raise the cap from $1.75 million to $4 million, while keeping the credit at 50 percent. HB 1782 would remove the sunset from the food pantry tax credit. Supporters said food banks and related charities need stable, predictable funding to address rising hunger and food waste; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 3518, which would redirect the existing athletes and entertainers tax into a dedicated fund and require distribution to arts, humanities, libraries, public broadcasting, and historic preservation, while extending the sunset to 2060. The sponsor and supporters argued the money was intended for these purposes and that current appropriations fall short of the statutory split, creating instability for cultural and educational organizations. Witnesses from arts groups, libraries, and humanities organizations cited economic impact, statewide reach, and the need for long-term planning; some members raised concerns about oversight, general revenue impacts, and the long sunset, but no vote was taken on HB 3518 in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Thomas, Senate Joint Resolution 54, a joint resolution directing the Department for Libraries
• Library Program.
• for Libraries and Archives and<01:11:15.840><c> the</c><01:11:16.000><c> Cabinet</c><01:11:16.400><c
• <01:11:24.560><c> Library</c><01:11:25.199><c> Program,</c><01:11:26.239><c> Senator</c> Imagination
• Library Program, Senator Imagination Library Program, Senator Chambers<01:11:27.120><c> Armstrong.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to go ahead and start with item number one on the Imagination Library update.
• We are pulling item number one related to the State Library's administration of the Imagination Library
• And I do want to acknowledge that on Sunday, March 15th, the California State Library sent a demand letter
• Library and getting actual books into the hands of young Californians.
• Library and getting actual books into the hands of young Californians.

Summary: The subcommittee first noted that item one on the Imagination Library update was being pulled pending review of newly received receipts, invoices, and backup documentation from the State Library and the Department of Finance. The chair said the committee would continue reviewing the materials and later determine whether additional oversight and accountability measures are needed regarding taxpayer funds and implementation of the program. The main discussion focused on the California Community Colleges budget request. Chancellor Christian described strong post-pandemic enrollment recovery and asked the Legislature to fund 3% enrollment growth, change the funding formula to use the highest of the three years rather than a three-year average, and remove the 10% growth cap to avoid unfunded FTES. She also urged support for the Governor’s proposals on COLA, deferral repayment, the Common Cloud Data Platform, credit for prior learning, and Calbright College, while adding requests for AI literacy funding, a Rebuild L.A. workforce effort, veterans services, and support for the Chancellor’s Office. Senators raised concerns about high district reserves, part-time faculty conditions, veterans’ credit pathways, and enrollment fraud; Christian said reserves are complex but should be addressed district by district, and that identity verification and AI tools are being used to prevent fraudulent enrollments. Finance and LAO staff then reviewed the student-centered funding formula and enrollment growth proposals. DOF said the Governor’s budget fully repays $408.4 million in deferrals, provides a 2.41% COLA, and includes funding to cover current-year apportionment costs; LAO recommended prioritizing those proposals but suggested beginning enrollment growth funding in 2026-27 rather than revising the current-year target. Chris Ferguson said most districts are growing, that 54 of 72 districts would benefit from a formula change favoring current-year enrollment, and that unfunded growth remains a concern. On facilities, staff explained that deferred maintenance needs are about $2.2 billion, with projects prioritized by life safety, modernization, and capacity needs. The final item was Calbright College. President Menon said Calbright serves more than 6,200 adult learners statewide, with strong completion and wage gains, and asked for the Governor’s proposed $38 million ongoing increase. She and staff emphasized Calbright’s flexible, competency-based model, its partnerships with employers and other colleges, and its role in serving working adults and caregivers. LAO questioned the proposed funding level and recommended moving Calbright onto the student-centered funding formula in the future to better tie funding to enrollment and outcomes, while Calbright argued its structure is different from traditional colleges and needs separate treatment. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:27:37.920><c> I</c> the years into the state library. I the years into the state library.
• </c> one library, bring it to another library one library, bring it to another library so<02:32:14.960
• operations, where a library can ship books from one library to another.
• in utilizing the state library.
• This is a state library and arts.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to recognize the critical role of our libraries.
• For many families, libraries are a gateway to literacy and academic success.
• and celebrate all the ways that the library draws us together.
• All the ways that the library draws us together as a community.
• Libraries, which is something that is so critically important.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several floor recognitions and ceremonial presentations. Senator Perez presented SR 81, declaring March 2, 2026, as Read Across America Day. Senators Choi and Rubio spoke in support, emphasizing literacy, libraries, volunteer reading programs, and the importance of diverse books and student engagement. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call vote, 37-0, and Perez introduced guests from the California Teachers Association. The chamber then honored the 50th anniversary of the California Conservation Corps, with Senator Laird leading the recognition and several senators praising the Corps’ service, conservation work, disaster response, and job-training role for young adults and veterans. The Senate also welcomed the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agriculture Leadership Class and the College of San Mateo Bulldogs, including the 2025 state championship football team and a coach from the women’s softball team. Later, the Senate confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes. Senator Wahab presented SCR 125 recognizing the beginning of Ramadan, with Senator Becker offering supportive remarks about an iftar dinner and the meaning of the holiday. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate then took up several adjournments in memory, including Stephen Cassidy, John Joseph Zoria, Crystal Schoenfelder, and Belinda Baraghani, with multiple senators sharing personal tributes to their public service, community leadership, and mentorship. The session concluded with remarks on Ramadan and the Senate entering recess, with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• My wife worked for our local<01:03:36.280><c> library.</c> local library. local library.
• </c> are making libraries partisan. are making libraries partisan.
• </c> for a library bill. for a library bill.
• I have found lots of ways for libraries. libraries. libraries.
• libraries.

Bills: HF4456, HF4544, HF3698

Keywords: data broker, data brokerage, consumer privacy, personal data, data privacy, Minnesota attorney general, registration, public registry, civil penalties, enforcement, special revenue fund, privacy rights, data sales, data collection, consumer protection, chapter 325M, controller, processor, data broker registry, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, well, today is Library Legislative Day, sponsored by the New Mexico Library Association.
• They champion this vital role libraries play... ...to champion this vital role libraries play in the
• Libraries ensure that every citizen has the information they need to thrive, and libraries act as stewards
• Welcome to the House to all of our library advocates.
• Santa Clara Pueblo Library from Rio Communities Library.

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HB9, SB2, SB19

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• This was held at a library in Inver Grove Heights.
• This was held at a library in Inver Grove Heights.
• This was held at a library in Inver Grove Heights.
• This was held at a library in Inver Grove Heights.
• Imagine this is all within reach.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If a city's annexed into a fire protection district and/or a library district, its levy rate increases
• it forms a fire protection district through this alternative petition method and it's not in the library
• You know, the library district came out, the hospital district came out, so there was a lot of work with
• You know, when the Seahawks defeat the Patriots, imagine if we had a great tourism marketing campaign
• I mean, imagine for a minute if you're a business owner and you realize that you were supposed to be

Summary: House Finance heard testimony on several tax and local government bills. HB 2278 would remove the July 1, 2027 expiration on the additional $3-per-room-night tourism promotion area lodging charge; supporters from destination marketing organizations said the revenue has produced strong returns for tourism and events, while questions were raised about how the local ordinances would continue. HB 2583 would lower the population threshold for cities to impose a higher lodging tax and expand authority for public facilities districts; the sponsor and Vancouver supporters said it would help fund a proposed performing arts center and other tourism investments, while hospitality, short-term rental, and some local advocates raised concerns about stakeholder input, equity, and whether the bill was too broad. HB 2224 would change how a city forming a single-city fire protection district handles levy reductions and would exempt part of one levy from the local tax limit; city and firefighter groups supported it as a needed tool for fire and EMS funding, while hospital districts and tax opponents warned about prorationing, governance, and higher taxes. HB 2325 would create a statewide tourism self-supported assessment program funded by participating tourism businesses; supporters from tourism, hospitality, wine, and brewing groups said it would provide a competitive, industry-driven statewide marketing program, while members questioned impacts on specific communities and the need for broader local benefits. HB 2431 would expand from 15 to 50 days the amount of fundraising activity allowed in nonprofit public assembly halls and meeting places, and the Grange supported it as a practical way to keep community halls open. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive session and advanced three bills. HB 2584, a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm equipment sold to eligible farmers, passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2610, which modifies the property tax exemption for nonprofit homeownership development, also passed 14-0 with one excused. HB 2615, which codifies the voluntary disclosure tax program and authorizes temporary tax amnesty, likewise passed 14-0 with one excused. The chair also announced a deadline for amendments on items to be acted on the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Joint Resolution 54, a joint resolution directing the Department of Libraries and Archives and
• Library programs.
• 00:07:46.080><c> the</c><00:07:46.319><c> Department</c><00:07:46.720><c> of</c><00:07:46.960><c> Libraries
• </c> directing the Department of Libraries directing the Department of Libraries and<00:07:47.840><c>
• </c><00:07:57.840><c> Library</c> Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so you can imagine every year or two they've got to come.
• That's what I'm imagining as well. So what I'm saying is, is there a place where we can send them?
• But is there some process that could then go to the public library and then charge their device?
• But is there some process that could then go to the public library and then charge their device?
• Why don't I let that up to the... because I don't know what all is in our public libraries.

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute combining House Bills 2592, 2834, and 2787 into one measure. The combined substitute was then voted do pass by a unanimous roll call, recorded as 15 ayes and 0 noes after a brief correction to the tally. The committee then heard House Bill 1786, which would raise the Highway Patrol’s spending threshold for purchasing vehicles, watercraft, aircraft, and related specialized equipment without returning to the legislature from $100,000 to $500,000. The sponsor and Highway Patrol witnesses said the current cap is outdated because boats, armored vehicles, bomb trucks, and aircraft equipment now cost far more than $100,000, while members asked about inflation, the revolving fund, and whether a lower increase might be more appropriate. No opposition testimony was offered. Next, House Bill 2885 was heard. It would redirect the first $1 million in annual boat registration fee revenue away from general revenue and into the Missouri Water Patrol Division. The sponsor and Highway Patrol said registration revenue has declined while operating costs have risen, and the division needs the money to support enforcement, search and rescue, dive operations, and boating safety programs. Members asked how much revenue is collected and whether the change would affect other programs; testimony indicated the bill would mainly earmark existing revenue rather than increase overall department funding. The committee also heard House Bill 2694, which would exempt four fee-supported funds from the end-of-biennium sweep to general revenue: the Highway Patrol Academy Fund, the State Forensic Laboratory Account, the Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Fund, and the Elevator Safety Fund. The sponsor and Department of Public Safety witnesses said the sweeps make long-term planning difficult and can disrupt training, lab support, and safety inspection operations, though members raised concerns about excess balances, guardrails, and whether fee reductions should be considered if reserves grow too large. Finally, House Bill 1712 was heard; it would make intentionally failing to charge an electronic monitoring device a crime, closing a loophole in existing tampering law. The sponsor, a sheriff, and other witnesses said the bill addresses deliberate attempts to evade monitoring, while members discussed battery warnings, rural access to electricity, and the costs and benefits of pretrial release. No votes were taken on the later bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Public Library.
• He noted that Viking Library System member libraries include Browns Valley Public Library, with a service
• Viking Library System member libraries include Browns Valley Public Library with a service population
• </c> bill for St Paul Public Library bill for St Paul Public Library libraries<00:48:05.720><c> invest
• ><c> Region</c><00:49:36.920><c> Library</c> Viking Library System Region Library Viking Library System

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did have some at the Central Library.
• </c><00:02:58.120><c> we</c><00:02:58.280><c> heard</c> some uh at the Central Library we heard some
• uh at the Central Library we heard from<00:02:58.680><c> all</c><00:02:58.879><c> kinds</c><00:02:59.080
• I'd like you to imagine what would it mean if we had to only do opioid cases by ourselves.
• I'd like you to imagine what would it mean if we had to only do opioid cases by ourselves?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want you to look, kind of imagine if we weren't standing in front of all those framed pictures.
• The reason why you need to imagine that is that's what some of the grant money has funded.
• Congress will close with a public panel discussion of craft and lifeways at the Ketchum Community Library
• And then the week closes out on June 18th at the Ketchum Community Library with a panel of makers.
• At the Ketchum Community Library with a panel of makers: Nancy Martini, Carrie McCluey, Susan Madassee

Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met to review planning for Idaho’s 250th anniversary celebrations and related statewide programming. Members approved the May 11, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing about $54,967.53 currently available to spend before fiscal year-end, with additional interest and donation revenue expected after July 1. Staff also reported that most grant funds have been dispersed, with about $17,500 remaining to be paid once grant agreements are finalized. Treasurer Ellsworth gave a broad update on America 250 activities across Idaho, including more than 1,900 volunteer ambassadors, co-branding by cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, and numerous local events and displays. He highlighted the Liberty Bell tour planning, the Liberty Grove tree-planting effort, the 250,000 acts of service milestone, and the distribution of “to-go” celebration packets and volunteer support for Fourth of July events. Jesse Barcroft outlined the July 4 Capitol celebration, describing a pancake breakfast, parade, flyover, booths, concerts, Capitol tours, food trucks, and a lineup of performers led by Josh Ritter, with outreach to groups such as the DAR and SAR. Other updates focused on statewide and national America 250 programming. Hannah Hine reported on federal initiatives including the “Our American Story” oral history program, America’s Block Party, the American Field Trip contest, the Freedom Truck mobile museum visit to Idaho, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and the American Heroes art contest. Stephen Hatcher described Arts Idaho’s Cowgirl Congress in the Wood River Valley and the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo partnership, emphasizing traditional arts, ranch culture, and archival documentation. Idaho Public Television also reported on educational materials, live coverage plans for the July 4 parade and concert, and an upcoming hour-long special highlighting how Idaho communities are celebrating America 250. The committee ended by setting its next meeting for June 10 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Book Library.
• Our state library services and expanded Our state library services and expanded learning<00:33:13.519
• ><00:33:18.480><c> with</c> state library services partners with state library services partners with
• </c><00:33:20.640><c> to</c> both public and school libraries to both public and school libraries to
• </c> could have possibly imagined. could have possibly imagined.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine the size of the state budget.
• 7,000 libraries that we have in our communities as a backdrop, as we all know, if 7,000 libraries in
• , 7,000 LIBRARIES AND WE FOUND $44 MILLION FOR THEM.
• And $44 million for libraries. Think about it.
• AND $44 MILLION FOR LIBRARIES. THINK ABOUT IT.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:08:39.199><c> put</c> of our Town's Public Library put of our Town's Public Library put together
• staff member even emailed the library staff member even emailed the library<01:09:02.799><c> director
• The purpose of that being is, once again, Gtown Public Library is going to declare that their library
• Public Library the gtown public<02:43:24.200><c> library</c><02:43:24.479><c> is</c><02:43:24.560><c
• is going to declare that public library is going to declare that their<02:43:25.439><c> Library</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.