Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> patients in areas of employment, patients in areas of employment, education,<00:07:08.479><c> and
• First, positive laws for consumer safety were put into place.
• If businesses like Jess go away, consumers will go online and buy unvetted products.
• c><00:18:34.559><c> Jess</c><00:18:34.880><c> go</c><00:18:35.039><c> away,</c><00:18:35.440><c> consumers
• </c> businesses like Jess go away, consumers businesses like Jess go away, consumers will<00:18:36.080

Transcript Highlights:

• guidance and direction.
• One major part of it that I really like is this bill clarifies that consumers in...
• This bill clarifies that consumers in Alabama cannot be required to sign a binding contract simply to
• services. outlining available consumer services.
• those people in employment, that’s going to have an impact on housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we have DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy with comments.
• They can push their, you know—am I in the right direction there, understanding that correctly?
• They can push their, you know—am I in the right direction there, understanding that correctly?
• </c> this hearing how to do the Consumer this hearing how to do the Consumer Price<02:34:44.080><c> Index
• </c> this is a step in the right direction this is a step in the right direction that<02:48:21.840><c

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally, this bill would require the Public Utility Commission to publish a solar panel consumer guide
• Senate Bill 1697, relating to a consumer guide to home solar energy devices. ...passage to engrossment
• Senate Bill 1697, relating to a consumer guide to home solar energy devices.
• Identify the federal directive the legislature determines to be unconstitutional, 2.
• He did, but our Attorney General doesn't have the authority to direct a state officer not to assist a

Bills: SJR37 , SJR57 , SB7 , SB8 , SB16 , SB108 , SB125 , SB207 , SB318 , SB371 , SB379 , SB396 , SB406 , SB503 , SB533 , SB565 , SB578 , SB599 , SB686 , SB689 , SB707 , SB763 , SB854 , SB857 , SB875 , SB878 , SB920 , SB924 , SB961 , SB965 , SB985 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1024 , SB1026 , SB1038 , SB1059 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1207 , SB1252 , SB1330 , SB1396 , SB1484 , SB1527 , SB1535 , SB1596 , SB1619 , SB1697 , SB1737 , SB1741 , SB1841 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR57 , SJR37 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SB565 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB241 , SB304 , SB621 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB686 , SB371 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB985 , SB965 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB1252 , SB608 , SB955 , SB957 , SB988 , SB1021 , SB1120 , SB251 , SB541 , SB379 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB1527 , SB125 , SB599 , SB1330 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB472 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB961 , SB1038 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB108 , SB8 , SB318 , SB507 , SB533 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB503 , SB16 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB924 , SB1029 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1697 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB1535 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB207 , SB1207 , SB1619 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB7 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1366 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SCR39 , SB1536 , SB2016 , SB1453 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB27 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB906 , SB860 , SB1563 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB836 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1084 , SB619 , SB1098 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1939 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1388 , SB2230 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB29 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719

Transcript Highlights:

• The Honorable Ben Albritton, President: I am directed to inform the Senate that the Senate...
• Members, Senator Burgess, who answer the direct question on the bill.
• And secondly, this is, I think, a little more time-consuming; it's certainly very serious.
• And secondly, this is, I think, a little more time-consuming, it's certainly very serious.
• Senator Harrell: But I think this is a step in the right direction.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into special order and returning messages. Early floor action included passage of HB 6503 (relief for Mandy Penny Lamon by Sarasota County), HB 1123 (sewer collection systems), HB 211 (farm products), and a joint resolution on ad valorem tax exemption for agricultural tangible personal property, all approved without opposition. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the chamber recessed and later returned to messages from the House. The Senate then took up a series of House amendments and conference-style motions on major bills. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response was amended and concurred in after debate over hurricane recovery, local government moratoriums, evacuation timing in the Keys, and property tax and redevelopment provisions; it passed 34-1. CS/HB 1609 on waste incineration and auxiliary containers was heavily debated over plastic and polystyrene preemption, local beach and park regulations, and landfill/incinerator provisions, then passed 26-10. CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiatives was amended to allow volunteers to carry up to 25 petitions without registration/training and passed 28-9. The Senate also refused to concur in a House amendment to SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, and in SB 116 on veterans, seeking to restore funding for veteran suicide prevention. Later, the chamber approved or advanced several education and health-related bills. CS/HB 1255 on education was amended and passed, with changes to school readiness and other education provisions. CS/HB 875 on educator preparation passed after discussion of cognitive science, classroom management, teacher excellence programs, and the phaseout of the general knowledge test. CS/HB 1105, a large education package, passed after debate over charter school conversions, cell phone restrictions, and other school governance changes. In health care, CS/HB 1427 was introduced as a comprehensive package combining multiple health-related provisions, though the excerpt ends before final action on that bill. Throughout the day, the Senate also concurred or refused to concur in various House amendments on mental health, financial institutions, land development, brownfields, and out-of-network provider legislation, with votes generally recorded and several measures passing on divided but mostly favorable roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know they would welcome any direct contacts.
• It can be self-direction or consumer-directed services, where the participant is responsible for hiring
• It can be self-direction or consumer-directed services, where the participant is responsible for hiring
• , training, and directing ...or consumer-directed services, where the participant is responsible for
• for ongoing 10% flexibility between the consumer-directed services and the in-home model.

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee heard the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services present its FY 2027 budget request, with Director Sarah Wilson and budget staff describing the department’s mission, major divisions, and the impact of federal funding shifts, especially the FMAP change that will shift costs to general revenue. Wilson emphasized prevention, public health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and data modernization, while several members praised the department’s responsiveness and cost-cutting efforts. The discussion repeatedly focused on lapses, excess authority, and the department’s stated practice of spending federal and other funds before general revenue where possible. Members asked detailed questions about local public health agency support, nutrition programs, rural health and primary care, newborn screening, the state public health lab, and the department’s use of flexibility and reallocations. There was extended discussion of substance use disorder funding: the department explained that some funding is being reduced in its own budget because transfer authority is being added for the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Corrections, while some other SUD-related lines are actual reductions. Members also questioned tobacco prevention and cessation cuts, maternal and infant health programs, fetal infant mortality review, and minority health initiatives, with staff explaining program purposes and noting that some reductions were tied to excess authority or to moving programs to other departments. The committee also reviewed specific operational items such as the Health Initiatives Fund transfer, debt offset escrow for loan repayment defaults, donated funds authority, emergency preparedness, environmental health, health informatics, HIV/STI/hepatitis services, local public health incentives, and the COVID/ARPA authority reductions. Several members requested follow-up information on vacancies, lapse trends, grant spending plans, and program details. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the chair recessed briefly and the hearing continued with additional budget testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Companies have told many of you that the AVs will save consumers money, but that just isn't true.
• They won't pass on savings to consumers, and these cuts will be at the expense of working families.
• As board and employment chair, I've seen first hand what good stable jobs means to our communities.
• Second, it directs the Department of Water Resources to develop best management practices for efficient
• A pathway leading to employment and a student's desired career.

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, fee creep with credit card companies could go up and be detrimental to consumers.
• It's not really protecting the consumer or the small business.
• The employer will pay in. The employee will not pay in according to the bill. Thank you.
• They would also get the employer piece in that, but not the employee... ...piece.
• And then you'll get the employer piece.

Bills: HB1268 , HB3041 , HB3075 , HB3378 , HB3463 , HB3619 , HB3620 , HB3624 , HB3722 , HB4335

Committee: House Government Oversight

Transcript Highlights:

• preserve the safety of everyone here and ensure the public's access to discussion, please follow the directions
• partners to share insights on how higher education is adapting to meet evolving needs of our local employers
• One of the things that sets us apart is how we work closely with employers across the region when we
• The number one challenge that employers cite to us is talent attraction and retention.
• And that's a trend that continues to move in the wrong direction.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:

• It directs UF/IFAS to update agronomic guidance every two years to keep standards grounded in current
• It directs an increase in yellow light duration.
• I now understand that was less a suggestion and more a strategic directive.
• When executive bodies have broad discretion and vague direction, they expand.
• Public employees do not surrender their First Amendment rights as a condition of employment.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and adoption of the special order report for the day. Members observed a moment of silence for several service members killed in the Middle East conflict, and the chamber also recognized visiting students, law enforcement, and later several guests in the gallery during farewell remarks. The House then moved through the special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on third reading. The first major measure was CS for CS for HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River, which sponsors described as a community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River while balancing conservation, recreation, and economic concerns. Representative Sapp opposed the bill, arguing it would harm rural communities, Rodman Reservoir interests, freshwater resources, property values, and local jobs without adequate funding or certainty. Representative Cross supported the restoration effort and its long-term environmental and community benefits. The House adopted an amendment updating planning references and expanding the advisory council, then passed the bill 107-3. The chamber next passed CS for CSHB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act after debate over state preemption of local authority, accessory dwelling units, and the removal of local opt-out provisions; supporters emphasized the statewide housing shortage and the need for more housing supply, while opponents argued the bill further limited local control. The bill passed 70-29. The House also passed CS for CSHB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and giving preference to fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. CS for HB 273 on special districts passed after extensive questioning about downtown development districts, rural areas of opportunity, budget approval, and administrative caps; an amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 88-? yeas as announced on the floor. CS for HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers passed 109-1 after sponsor testimony that it would prevent manufacturers from concentrating new vehicle inventory with one dealer group and protect competition and small businesses. CS/CS for HB 1329 on local government spending and budget transparency passed 82-28 after a lengthy debate over whether the bill would impose costs on local governments; a Cheney amendment to provide hardship assistance for smaller governments was adopted, and supporters framed the bill as improving public access to local budget information while opponents argued it duplicated existing transparency and could require new software or staff. The House then began consideration of CS/CS/CS/CS HB 1417, the Department of Environmental Protection package, with the sponsor outlining provisions on environmental regulation, septic systems, solar facility stormwater controls, coastal resiliency partnerships, and air-pollution permit timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would this require any changes to jury instruction in the direction we're going in?
• Again, this part of the amendment is really focused on protecting the consumer.
• consumer-friendly.
• We have Tasha Carter, Board of Insurance Consumer Advocates, waiving in support.
• We have Tasha Carter, Board Insurance Consumer Advocates, waiving in support.

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> bill</c><00:19:13.600><c> designed</c> It's a consumer protection bill designed It's a consumer
• </c><00:34:45.839><c> of</c><00:34:45.919><c> those</c> Auto Data Direct is one of those Auto Data Direct
• </c> to file a complaint against an employer to file a complaint against an employer who<01:31:57.440
• </c> also imposes a $750 fine on any employer also imposes a $750 fine on any employer who<01:32:02.800
• </c> to have a step in the right direction. to have a step in the right direction.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're moving in the right direction.
• Strengthen employer partnerships.
• It’s starting with the employer.
• So the learning and employment records that will show up in Launch, employers can see exactly what it
• So that would be better directed.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to withdraw SB 1417, Pedes, from the Privacy and Consumer
• Members, can you please direct your attention to Assembly Member Rodriguez for her guest introduction
• effort to educate them on the complexities of a career as legislative staff and offer a pathway to employment
• Economic Development at the Business School, where he worked with local leaders to extend housing and employment
• resources to underserved communities. ...where he worked with local leaders to extend housing and employment

Transcript Highlights:

• For those of us who are older and not quite ready for Medicare but don't have an employer, it is still
• affairs, requiring state and national criminal background checks of Department of Military Affairs employment
• Bill 164, introduced by Senator Padilla, an act relating to communications, amending the Wireless Consumer
• Finance Authority to contract for services with providers or employers seeking to create or expand child
• All are welcome; it should be a great review and a great direction forward for this state.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the first instance of amendment from the Senate, we had made a recommendation that when directing
• the State Ethics Commission to directing the State Ethics Commission to respond<00:01:38.880><c> to<
• Um so, this section directs work it out.
• </c> the consumer. the consumer.
• </c> and employers. and employers.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> governor for appointment as consumer governor for appointment as consumer advocate.<00:19:18.080
• :19:41.600><c> would</c><00:19:41.760><c> be</c> attorney consumer advocate would be attorney consumer
• </c> Hampshire's consumer advocates. Hampshire's consumer advocates.
• ><c> began</c> And the consumer advocates began And the consumer advocates began in<00:28:58.399><c>
• But in 1981 Consumer Council.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, SJR 15, sponsored by Senator Buxton and myself, directing the Delaware Department of Education
• industry credentials, dual enrollment, success, work-based learning, or technical competencies that employers
• industry credentials, dual enrollment, success, work-based learning, or technical competencies that employers
• Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 12 avoid caffeine entirely and that adolescents consume
• For awareness, we also submitted written testimony, and I want to direct your attention to the infographic

Bills: SB293 , SB279 , SB293 , SB279

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met and first heard Senate Bill 293, the Youth Camp Licensing Act, which would amend child care licensing rules for youth camps. The sponsor said the bill, with amendments, would remove accreditation language, clarify shelter requirements for outdoor camps, and eliminate limits that had restricted the number of children camps could serve, especially for families using purchase-of-care assistance. YMCA and school representatives testified in support, saying the measure would expand access to safe, affordable summer care for low-income working families. The committee voted to release the bill. The committee then approved Senate Bill 328, which would require the Department of Education’s school facility evaluation instrument to be established by regulation and to include lead-based paint hazards in the standard of good repair. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Advisory Committee supported the bill, explaining that lead had not been included in the original evaluation tool and that the new language would improve transparency and public comment. Senate Bill 318, updating the Delaware State Education Association special license plate program, also passed after DSEA testified that proceeds support scholarships for educators and students pursuing education careers. House Bill 443, dealing with background checks for education volunteers and mentors, passed as well. The sponsor said it would allow DOE to continue receiving wrapback reports for mentors in the state mentoring program and ensure state and federal criminal background checks remain in place. The committee also released Senate Joint Resolution 15, which directs DOE to reevaluate Delaware’s use of the SAT, modernize the accountability framework, and develop additional measures of student achievement and readiness; supporters argued the SAT does not capture career and technical pathways or other indicators of success. House Bill 459, which prohibits the sale of energy drinks on public middle and high school campuses during school hours or events, passed after discussion focused on whether the bill would affect possession versus sale and whether it could lead to student discipline; DOE said the bill only bans sales, and the sponsor said an amendment would clarify intent. Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 137 passed, directing DOE to review math instruction and MTSS supports statewide; testimony emphasized low math proficiency and the need for stronger, more coherent interventions. The committee also began hearing Senate Bill 279 on occupational therapist salary placement, with discussion centered on aligning OT compensation with other specialist roles and broader salary regulation updates, though the transcript cuts off before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> potential dangers in clear consumer potential dangers in clear consumer friendly<00:23:17.320><c
• views of any of my employers.
• However, would it be that in fact there should be directed in a slightly different direction?
• </c> be looking in this particular direction be looking in this particular direction and<02:12:17.639
• </c> fact uh there should be directed fact uh there should be directed uh<02:12:52.199><c> in</c><02:

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Colby Lenz, and I direct policy at UCLA Center for the Study of Women.
• The last thing I will mention is in direct response to the opposition testimony.
• We feel it's harming them, especially where they direct them.
• We feel it's harming them, especially where they direct them.
• This is about fairness, consumer protection, and accountability.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 1650, AB 2014, AB 1886, AB 2126, AB 2624, and AB 2257. AB 1650 would require clearer identification on privately owned vehicles rented or leased to government agencies for enforcement operations; supporters framed it as a transparency and safety measure in response to ICE activity, while no opposition testified. AB 2014 would allow post-conviction habeas relief where gender bias or stereotypes were used at trial and may have affected the outcome; supporters described cases involving sexist and anti-LGBTQ stereotypes, while the California District Attorneys Association opposed the bill as overbroad and likely to restrict relevant evidence, though the author said recent amendments removed the evidence-code provisions and left only the habeas remedy. AB 1886 would extend a 12-month probation presumption to youth in out-of-home placements and those discharged from secure youth treatment facilities; youth advocates supported it as a fairness and rehabilitation measure, while judges, probation officials, and district attorneys opposed it as undoing a recent compromise and limiting individualized decisions. AB 2126 would speed hiring of peer partners in child welfare by creating a narrow exemption process for certain foster-youth-related offenses; it drew broad support and no opposition. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home address-confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers; supporters cited threats, doxing, and harassment, while one journalist opposed it over possible effects on reporting, and the author and committee members said the bill preserves press protections and is narrowly aimed at threats and harassment. AB 2257 would restore county authority to create a separate corrections department to run jails instead of the sheriff; supporters argued it would improve accountability and address jail deaths and fiscal problems, while sheriffs opposed it as unnecessary and said sheriffs are already subject to oversight. The committee also noted several bills pulled by their authors and adopted a consent calendar of unrelated measures. Votes were not always taken immediately because the committee was waiting for a quorum, but AB 2624 was moved on a do-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and left on call, and the chair indicated support or favorable recommendations on several of the other measures.