Transcript Highlights:

• Next section are items 11 and 12.
• Item 12 is St.
• Any questions on items 11 through 12? Speaker DeVille moves approval of items 11 through 12.
• the Town of Melville. $1.166 million of revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes were approved in January
• Health System Project. $80 million of bonds were approved in July 2025, and those were issued in January

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well,<01:12:12.719> I<01:12:12.880> have<01:12:12.960> a<01:12:13.120><
• > So,<01:12:14.560> we<01:12:14.800> just<01:12:15.040> there<01:12:15.199
• > think,<01:12:16.880> was<01:12:17.040> the<01:12:17.199> name<01:12:17.280
• >> So,<01:12:20.400> it<01:12:20.640> was<01:12:20.719> a<01:12:20.880>
• it<01:12:21.040> was<01:12:21.199> category<01:12:21.920> 5<01:12:22.159>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary and Agriculture and Environment committees held an informational briefing on how recent federal policy changes, funding delays, cancellations, and layoffs are affecting Hawaii’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, and on the legality of some of those federal actions. Chair Carl Rhodes and Chair Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing it as part of an interim series on the rule of law and Hawaii’s response to federal actions. They noted there would be no public testimony, only invited presenters, and that questions would be held until the end. No votes or formal committee actions were taken. State climate change coordinator Leah Laramie described broad impacts from federal actions, including grant cancellations, litigation over terminated funding, staff cuts at NOAA and EPA, and the effect of the federal tax and spending law she said would raise energy costs, reduce grid reliability, and threaten renewable energy and transportation projects. She highlighted the loss or expiration of incentives for EVs and other clean-energy technologies, the termination of the Solar for All program and other rescissions, and the risk to major Hawaii projects such as Carbon Smart Commodities and other energy and land conservation programs. She also said the state’s attorneys general had taken numerous climate-related legal actions, including suits challenging federal cuts and the oil companies’ role in the climate crisis. Retired Justice Michael Wilson focused on the rule of law and climate justice, arguing that Hawaii is on the front line of climate change and that fossil fuel companies pose the greatest long-term threat. He said the state lacks a comprehensive climate protection plan despite the urgency of the crisis, cited UN and scientific warnings about a limited time horizon and severe warming, and pointed to projected local harms such as sea-level rise, beach loss, infrastructure damage, and major economic losses in Waikiki. His remarks emphasized the need for stronger planning and legal accountability, especially in light of federal rollbacks and the influence of fossil fuel interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.440> can<00:12:04.600> rely<00:12:04.880> on<00:12:05.000> the<00:12:
• <00:12:14.199> so<00:12:14.360> I'll<00:12:14.560> get<00:12:14.680> to
• > in<00:12:15.040> a<00:12:15.199> little<00:12:15.519> bit<00:12:16.519>
• :12:24.839> do<00:12:25.000> a<00:12:25.079> variety<00:12:25.399> of<00:
• ><00:12:35.560> DHS<00:12:36.000> menure<00:12:36.440> and<00:12:36.560> seip

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:02.160> I<00:12:02.399> met<00:12:02.560> with<00:12:02.800> leaders<
• to avoid perhaps<00:12:26.000> the<00:12:26.160> largest<00:12:26.480> tax<00:12
• <00:12:38.320> my<00:12:38.480> work<00:12:38.720> throughout<00:12:39.040> the
• <00:12:51.360> Gentleman<00:12:51.680> from<00:12:51.920> Illinois<00:12:52.639>
• Without<00:12:59.120> objection,<00:12:59.519> the<00:12:59.600> gentleman<00:12

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe they started selling those effective January 1.
• Just 12 months ago, the only online function was renewals.
• I think it's page 12 in my version anyway.
• 2014, and what happens after January 2014?
• 2014, and what happens after January 2014?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:20.239> on<01:12:20.360> us<01:12:20.480> for<01:12:20.679> so<01:12:
• :21.239> than<01:12:21.400> just<01:12:21.560> feed<01:12:22.560> uh<01:12
• <01:12:28.000> things<01:12:28.280> they<01:12:28.440> can't<01:12:28.719> get
• 12:51.400> equally<01:12:51.760> as<01:12:51.920> important<01:12:52.360> as<
• /c><01:12:58.239> an<01:12:58.400> important<01:12:58.880> Gap<01:12:59.560>

Bills: HF1063

Keywords: grain buyers, grain dealer, grain elevator, agriculture, financial reporting, audit, CPA review, independent accountant, financial statement, balance sheet, cash flow, nonpublic data, licensee oversight, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, grain purchase volume, insolvency, nonpayment, warehouse chain, fiduciary duties, producer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:12:22.959> rounds<00:12:23.360> travel<00:12:23.680> at<00:12:23.920>
• And<00:12:44.160> then<00:12:44.720> months<00:12:45.040> later,<00:12:45.360>
• :12:46.720> that<00:12:46.959> church,<00:12:47.760> more<00:12:48.079> of
• <00:12:49.920> We<00:12:50.240> had<00:12:50.399> to<00:12:50.560> cremate
• Imagine receiving<00:12:55.040> that<00:12:55.360> phone<00:12:55.600> call<00:12

Bills: HF3433, HF3402, HF3412, HF3405, HF3404

Keywords: assault weapons, semi-automatic rifle, military-style firearm, gun ban, firearms regulation, gun control, public safety, BCA, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, background check, transferee permit, private gun sale, waiting period, felony possession, gross misdemeanor, AR-15, AK-47, Uzi, TEC-9, high-capacity magazine

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education will now come to order.
• This is the first committee meeting for the Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education for
• As of January 2025, they were authorized 36 full-time equivalent positions.
• As of January 2025, they were authorized 36 full-time equipment positions.
• And starting in January, the new funds to the FEPP are based off of that.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met for its first meeting of the 2025 session to hear the Auditor General’s operational audit on 2024-25 school funding accountability challenges, focused largely on the Family Empowerment Scholarship and its interaction with the FEFP. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy described rapid growth in scholarship enrollment, timing mismatches between scholarship payments and public-school funding calculations, delayed membership survey processing, weak cross-check and recoupment procedures, inconsistent handling of parent survey responses, and limited documentation for withholding and returning funds. The audit said these issues contributed to funding inequities, duplicate-payment risks, and an unexpected draw on state education funds, and it recommended separating scholarship funding from the FEFP, aligning application windows with budget timing, strengthening controls and staffing, and creating clearer, documented recoupment and balance-limit processes. Committee members questioned whether current law gives the department and scholarship funding organizations enough authority and whether the system is effectively a pay-and-chase model. Several senators expressed concern about the lack of timely reconciliation, the size of the funds involved, and the absence of clear records showing how money was recovered or withheld. Adam Emerson, executive director of the Office of School Choice, said the department is working more closely with school districts and scholarship funding organizations, including pausing payments when districts identify students still enrolled in public schools, and said the office wants to improve the process. President Gates then previewed legislation he said would address the audit’s findings by funding Family Empowerment Scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, expanding the Education Stabilization Fund, setting clearer application and acceptance deadlines, moving to monthly payments with eligibility verification before each payment, assigning student IDs for scholarship assistance, lowering SFO management fees, requiring annual audits, and requiring prompt return of audit-related funds. Public comment included a private-school attorney describing losses from unpaid scholarship amounts. Members generally supported the need for reform, with several senators saying the program should be preserved but better structured and more accountable. The committee adjourned after the discussion, with no vote taken on the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have over 1,200 positions, and we have 12 offices throughout the state.
• This is just something that we need to help absorb the lease costs for our statewide 12 offices.
• Yeah, around 12.
• When I started, you had to have 12, 15 years before you got put in that situation.
• When I started, you had to have 12, 15 years before you got put in that situation.

Summary: The committee met to hear fiscal year 2026-2027 legislative budget requests from several justice-related agencies. The Florida Commission on Offender Review requested funding for investigator and revocation staff salary increases to address turnover, plus nonrecurring funds for Wi-Fi, seven vehicles, technology support, and commissioner salary adjustments. The State Courts Administrator presented a broad judicial branch request focused on trial court case-management technology, additional case managers, trust fund authority for child support hearing officers, courthouse furnishings, district court flexibility in staffing, a future courthouse for the Sixth District Court of Appeal, Supreme Court elevator replacement, POM accounting implementation support, judicial security liaison positions tied to the Florida Fusion Center, expanded senior management service authority, and judicial salary adjustments. The Office of the Attorney General outlined pay and operating requests for consumer protection, citizen services, ethics, crime compensation, victim services, vehicle replacement, IT and cybersecurity, lease and operating costs, and PALM-related expenses, while several senators questioned the office about outside counsel contracts, contingency-fee arrangements, transparency, and the use of private law firms. The Department of Corrections made the largest presentation, describing severe staffing shortages, high turnover, rising inmate populations, increased assaults, and heavy overtime use. Secretary Ricky Dixon said the agency’s request was driven by constitutional and public safety needs and included funding for operations, security equipment, inflationary costs, vehicle replacement, offender information system modernization, technology restoration, inmate health services, drug and food cost increases, staffing pilots, maintenance, security infrastructure, Florida PALM, recruitment and retention, and $56 million for new correctional housing units. Members asked about inmate labor, prison safety, overtime, vehicle breakdowns, and whether more National Guard support was needed; Dixon said the agency needed more staffing and pay competitiveness rather than a long-term military presence. A correctional officers’ union representative also urged support for pay raises, citing low pay and staffing concerns. No votes were taken on the budget requests. The chair allowed extended questioning, especially for the Department of Corrections, but noted time constraints and asked agencies to return in a later committee meeting, including FDLE, which was deferred because of a House site visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is more than 12 million people every year.
• Although she left this world in January of 2026, her legacy will be felt for years to come.
• Ayes 45, nays 12. The bill is passed.
• non-controversial calendar. >> Read the last section. >> Section 2, this act shall take effect on the first of January
• >> SECTION 2, THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT ON THE FIRST OF JANUARY. >> CALL THE ROLL.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendments, 374, 409, 718 with amendments, 791 with amendments, 791, 861 with amendments, 27, 952, 10.072, 12
• , 13, 12, 187, 1496, 50, 55, 263, 282, 209, 428, 492, 536, 566, 566, 6-262, 632, 631, 6362, 628, 631,
• This authority expired on January 1, 2025. So we respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• Between April 17, 1975, and January 1979, the Khmer Rouge of Democratic Kampuchea, under the leadership
• steadfast Hollywood community hero, the late Officer Paul Philip Jordan, who passed away tragically on January

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer honoring Pope Francis, and then proceeded through routine motions, guest introductions, and floor business. Members welcomed several groups, including youth art contest winners, local city officials for Cal Cities Week, emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 youth heroes, a school group from Northridge Community School, and Sheriff Michael Johnson. The body also handled procedural actions such as re-referring bills, withdrawing AB 16 from Appropriations because it was no longer fiscal, and allowing committees to notice bills pending re-referral. On the floor, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 44, proclaiming April 20–26 as California Cities Week, was adopted by voice vote after opening the roll for co-authors. The Assembly then passed several bills, including AB 793 on dog dangerousness proceedings and AB 533 reauthorizing health care districts’ use of design-build for health facility construction, both by unanimous roll call. AB 764, which would add mute swans to the list of exotic non-game birds that can be legally managed, also passed unanimously. House Resolution 32, recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week, drew extensive remarks from multiple members about the historical tragedy and the Cambodian American community; it was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added, followed by a moment of silence. The consent calendar was then taken up and adopted 69-0, including AB 369 and a series of other bills and resolutions. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Officer Paul Philip Jordan, a longtime LAPD officer who served the Hollywood community, and the House adjourned until Monday, April 28 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 12 A OF RULE ONE.
• Pursuant to clause 12(a) of Rule One, the Chair declares ...
• PURSUANT TO CLAUSE 12 A OF RULE ONE.
• at about 12:30 p.m.
• TIME BY 12:30 A.M.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Pursuant to the order of the House of January 6, 2026, the Chair will now recognize members from
• The hope was that a medical in January.
• Ed Scott, whose life was taken by a senseless act of violence on June 12, 2026.
• In their 14-year history, ACOs have saved taxpayers $12 billion.
• children between 12 and 17 have already been exposed to it.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OHA needs<01:12:16.960> to<01:12:17.120> go<01:12:17.280> back<01:12:17.440>
• and transparency,<01:12:21.120> and<01:12:21.360> work<01:12:21.600> with<01:12
• We are being<01:12:28.080> rushed<01:12:28.480> into<01:12:28.719> a<01:12:28.880
• >> Okay.<02:12:02.639> Thank<02:12:02.800> you<02:12:02.960> very<02:12:03.280
• The<02:12:13.520> chair's<02:12:14.000> recommendation<02:12:14.960> is<02:12:15.280

Bills: HB1527, HB1823, HB2490, HB2223, HB2325, HB2104, HB2593, HB2592, HB1927, HB1553, HB1964, HB1918, HB1990

Keywords: gambling prohibition, Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii, amateur athletics, state lands, coastal resilience, Maui, Mantokuji Bay, coastal erosion, environmental protection, Native Hawaiian, spiritual sites, historic preservation, economic development, burial sites, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, cultural history, archaeology, Hawaii Revised Statutes, civil service

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1527 relating to gambling. The chair outlined hearing rules, including a two-minute limit and a warning that bills not heard would die. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from a prosecutor, Honolulu Police Department, and Stop Predatory Gambling, all arguing that casinos and sports betting increase crime, sex trafficking, harassment of athletes, and broader social harm. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee moved on without questions or action taken on the bill. The committee then heard HB 1823 relating to coastal zone management and HB 2490 relating to coastal resilience. For HB 1823, DLNR, the Office of Planning, and Maui County testified, with Maui County supporting the measure and its proposed amendments. For HB 2490, DLNR expressed concern about exempting a proposed Mokuji Bay pilot project from permits and regulation before a long-term plan is finalized, while the County of Maui, the Mokuji Soto Zen Mission, and the Office of Planning supported the bill as a coastal resilience pilot. The mission described severe erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and years of unsuccessful efforts to stabilize the shoreline; its consultant said the study is leaning toward nature-based and hybrid solutions. In questioning, members and DLNR discussed whether the bill should say the project “shall” or “may” be exempt, and the chair indicated the language would be adjusted to preserve DLNR discretion and to change the lead agency reference to OPSD. No vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee took up HB 2223 relating to historic preservation reviews. SHPD said it stood on its written comments, while OPSD and DHHL supported the bill. DHHL argued the measure would streamline reviews, improve transparency, and help address long wait times for its projects, saying it could alleviate burden on SHPD and better serve beneficiaries. Representative Shimizu questioned whether the bill would create redundancy and expand government rather than strengthen SHPD, noting a separate staffing bill already exists. SHPD responded that DHHL is uniquely subject to 6E review and that the bill would not waive federal or state historic review requirements; the discussion also touched on possible federal-style grant support and the existing memorandum of agreement between SHPD and DHHL. The transcript ends during questioning, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:09.959> council<00:12:10.320> has<00:12:10.480> supported<00:12:10.880>
• > from<00:12:12.399> the<00:12:12.560> office<00:12:12.760> of<00:12:12.920
• :13.680> in<00:12:13.800> the<00:12:13.959> past<00:12:14.199> and<00:12:
• :53.639> hi<00:12:54.639> I'm<00:12:54.880> Sally<00:12:55.360> man<00:12
• :56.279> um<00:12:56.519> I'm<00:12:56.639> a<00:12:57.120> life<00:12:58.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A $150,000 grant was canceled in January.
• The next one is arts education programming for our students in pre-K through grade 12.
• The next one is arts education programming for our students in pre-K through grade 12.
• We're going to India with them again in January.
• Arts Here was a $12 million investment: $6 million coming from the NEA.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it seems to have a, I think, around a $12 million fiscal note for the two counties.
• So I think, yes, I'm aware of the $12 million cost.
• I move the bill to be made effective January 1, 2027.
• I declare the bill effective January 1, 2027.
• On this question, 12 yeas, 18 nays, 4 absent and not voting.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills on third reading, with several title amendments and a few effective-date motions adopted. Early in the session, members passed HB 4452 removing acreage limits on land owned by church or religious trustees, HB 4577 creating reciprocal driver’s license recognition agreements with Ireland and Japan, HB 4588 authorizing West Virginia participation in a federal tax credit scholarship program, and HB 4592 requiring higher education institutions to create coordinated campus safety maps. HB 4602 was amended to align with a prior Senate child welfare pilot program, and members discussed its projected cost and implementation timeline before passing it. HB 4603 created a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process in abuse and neglect cases, and HB 4606 narrowed bail rules by requiring consideration of residency and community ties while prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent felony offenses after an adopted amendment. The Senate also passed HB 4710 changing the party-registration deadline for candidates from 60 to 180 days before an election, with debate over its impact on independents, and made it effective January 1, 2027. HB 4712, known as Bailey’s Law, increased penalties for DUI causing death and related conduct, with emotional testimony from members about the victim and similar tragedies. HB 4765 established a pay raise for teachers, school personnel, and state police and added a market-pay enhancement system based on county cost-of-living differences; an amendment to the amendment capped county differentials and guaranteed at least a 1% increase in every county. HB 4865 created an optional program for high school and homeschool students to serve as election official trainees, and HB 4869 established narrow guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare supplement policies. Later bills included HB 4995, which strengthened video/audio recording rules in special education classrooms and was passed, then reconsidered and passed again; HB 4996 creating a new crime for making threats of violence against schools or children; HB 5048 guaranteeing virtual instruction for foster children in temporary placement; HB 5065 adding recordkeeping and geolocation requirements for hotel marketplace facilitators to ensure proper hotel tax remittance; and HB 5074 reallocating medical cannabis fund revenues to child protection, homeless services, research, law enforcement, and other purposes. The Senate also passed HB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence offenses and adjusted bail provisions, after amending it to conform with the earlier bail bill. Additional measures passed included HB 5166 requiring notice before political committees are fined for filing violations and allowing limited extensions, HB 5168 directing $12 million in lottery funds to EMS first responders and county EMS support, HB 5182 authorizing certain state treasurer security personnel to carry concealed firearms, HB 5212 streamlining higher-education financial aid rules, HB 5214 allowing court-ordered drug testing of parents before reunification in abuse and neglect cases, HB 5353 regulating virtual currency kiosks with licensing, disclosures, and transaction limits, and HB 5366 exempting J-LAP records from FOIA to protect confidentiality for lawyers and judges seeking assistance. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 5074 and HB 5353 drew some dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was taking down decorations in January, and he passed out. He was fortunate.
• C.S. for Senate Bill 12. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Robin, please call the roll on CS for Senate Bill 12. Senator Berman? Senator Burton?
• And members, by your vote, please show CS for Senate Bill 12 reported favorably.
• Senators, Tab 12, C.S. for Senate Bill 1240.

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with CS/SB 1602, which would require emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric care protocols, training, appropriate child-sized equipment and medications, a designated care coordinator, and participation in a pediatric readiness assessment. It was reported favorably. CS/SB 1224 followed, aligning Florida law with federal requirements so paramedics may administer controlled substances in the field under physician or nurse practitioner protocols; it also passed favorably after supportive testimony from fire chiefs. The committee then adopted a strike-all for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which addresses venous thromboembolism by creating a statewide registry, requiring screening and training in hospitals and long-term care settings, and adding assisted living facility response requirements. Assisted living representatives objected to the ALF provisions as unrealistic and potentially harmful, while supporters argued the bill would save lives; the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1182, requiring continuous glucose monitors to be covered as both durable medical equipment and a pharmacy benefit, also passed favorably with support from AARP. The committee next considered CS/SB 12, a claim bill for a child severely injured after a DCF home visit allegedly failed to meet standards, and it was reported favorably without opposition. CS/CS/SB 954, dealing with substance abuse treatment centers and recovery residences, drew substantial debate. The bill would limit local zoning restrictions on treatment facilities and allow larger recovery residences if staffing ratios are increased; a late-filed amendment reduced the maximum active patients from 500 to 300. Municipal and county representatives warned that the bill could override local reasonable-accommodation efforts and create institutional-scale facilities, while supporters said housing is essential to recovery and that clustering concerns are overstated. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. CS/SB 1050, expanding the developmental disabilities pilot program statewide and creating a statewide family care council, also passed after extensive testimony from families and advocates. Supporters emphasized the long waitlist and the need for more services, while some speakers opposed managed care and warned about provider shortages and loss of individualized supports. Later, CS/SB 614, requiring a public educational webpage about background screening clearinghouse and level two screening requirements, was reported favorably. CS/SB 1578, which would require coverage for mammograms and supplemental breast cancer screening in certain circumstances, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 1060 created a joint legislative oversight committee to review Medicaid operations and financing; members discussed the need for stronger oversight of large midyear spending adjustments, and the bill passed favorably. CS/SB 1240, a Department of Children and Families substance abuse and mental health bill, was amended to clarify Baker Act transfer timing and notification requirements after debate over whether facilities could hold patients too long; it was then reported favorably. Finally, Senator Harrell presented CS/SB 526, a major nursing education bill aimed at Florida’s low NCLEX passage rates. The bill would require nursing programs to use exit exams, remediation, reporting, and stricter oversight, and the strike-all would add graduate preceptorships for low-performing programs and temporary provisional licenses for graduates pending NCLEX passage. The transcript ended while that bill was still being explained, before final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you may recall, we presented our findings and recommendations to JLAC in January, so I'm not going
• In January, JLAC heard testimony from representatives from most law enforcement agencies that receive
• And just to clarify, this committee in January sought certain responses from different law enforcement
• I enjoyed our discussion in January. I'm Jason Barton with MCSO.
• Can you fast forward to your coming in in January? It's now April 16th.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard a presentation from Senator Kevin Payne on Arizona’s school safety interoperability communication systems, which he said were inspired by the Parkland and Uvalde shootings and designed to bypass overwhelmed 911 systems through panic-button alerts, live camera access, and direct communication with law enforcement. Committee members broadly praised the concept as a school safety tool, while also noting it should complement, not replace, school resource officers. Senator Payne said the audit had not fully captured the systems’ value and emphasized what he saw in Yavapai County as a successful example. Auditor General Lindsay Perry then summarized the second special audit in the JLAC school safety series, explaining that it reviewed whether fund expenditures were authorized, whether purchased systems met statutory requirements, and whether procurement followed applicable standards. She noted that 12 of 14 law enforcement agencies had provided follow-up information, while Pinal and La Paz counties had not, and that the committee had requested additional details on participating and non-participating schools. Members pressed Perry about Pinal County’s refusal to respond and about delays in payment to Mutualink, and several members defended the committee’s oversight role. The committee then heard from the vendors. Mutualink’s CEO said the system is intended to connect schools, dispatch, law enforcement, fire, and EMS through live video, floor plans, and group communications, and argued that implementation problems often stem from training, infrastructure, and coordination rather than the technology itself. Motorola Solutions described its work in Maricopa, Yuma, and Tucson, including panic alarms, radio and dispatch integration, and school participation challenges; it said Tucson canceled its contract after schools declined to join. Navigate 360 described its Cochise County project as a success story, saying 60 of 69 schools were implemented, with ongoing training and support, but acknowledged it did not yet meet all statutory criteria and that two charter schools had opted out. Members repeatedly raised concerns about procurement, inconsistent implementation, rural infrastructure, training, and whether the systems met all statutory requirements, and vendors said they would follow up on those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.440> of<00:12:09.600> the<00:12:10.000> other<00:12:10.720> um<00:12:
• > that<00:12:13.920> have<00:12:14.240> been<00:12:14.399> done<00:12:14.639
• > to<00:12:23.760> make<00:12:23.839> it<00:12:24.079> rain<00:12:24.560>
• <00:12:26.560> It<00:12:26.800> just<00:12:27.040> seems<00:12:27.279> to
• <00:12:29.920> we're<00:12:30.320> trying<00:12:30.480> to<00:12:30.639> play

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:56 Approval of Minutes 02:26 Discussion of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Related Legislative 02:43 Presentation of Geoengineering and Related Legislation 07:42, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the prior meeting’s minutes. Senator Williams then presented a discussion draft involving KCNA and COOT/Kentucky Wired governance changes. He said the proposal would make the COOT executive director the KCNA director, place the education CIO as chair of a new board of constitutional officers, terminate existing KCNA employees at inception, and return KCNA funds to the general fund. He described the measure as a temporary holding pattern focused on customer connectivity until an audit is completed next summer. Senator West asked whether the bill would change existing Kentucky Wired contracts, and Williams said the contracts would remain in place and COOT would simply handle the work without an extra layer of bureaucracy. No vote was taken; the item was for discussion only. The committee then heard a presentation on geoengineering and related legislation from Rep. John Hodgson, Sen. Rollins, and retired meteorologist Randy Baker. They described geoengineering as attempts to alter climate or weather, including solar radiation modification, stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, and cloud seeding. The presenters distinguished these activities from ordinary jet contrails, crop dusting, ground-level emissions, and airport fog control, and said the proposed Kentucky bill would exclude those ordinary activities. They argued Kentucky lacks a current prohibition on weather modification, said the bill would protect farmland, crops, animal agriculture, aquaculture, and human health, and cited public concern, federal uncertainty, and similar legislation in other states. They also said cloud seeding is used in some western states but remains scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Members asked about enforcement, federal preemption, and whether other states’ actions could affect Kentucky. The presenters said high-altitude spraying would be difficult to hide, that satellite imagery could detect large releases, and that the bill was intended as an assertion of state sovereignty even if federal law later changed. They also said there were no known active geoengineering projects in Kentucky. The discussion remained informational, with no committee vote or final action taken on either topic.