Transcript Highlights:

• So, definitely going to be supportive today, but I'm just really interested to see what data can come
• So, definitely going to be supportive today, but I'm just really interested to see what data can come
• So, definitely going to<00:06:38.720><c> be</c><00:06:38.880><c> supportive</c><00:06:39.280><c> today
• ,</c><00:06:39.520><c> but</c><00:06:39.759><c> I'm</c><00:06:40.000><c> just</c> to be supportive today
• , but I'm just to be supportive today, but I'm just really<00:06:40.400><c> interested</c><00:06:40.880

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Support for the Valley Fever Center for Excellence will make Arizona a better place to live and work.
• Another says this is rooted in many false assumptions about race, gender, disability, and class status
• And finally, one person has a question, has names deleted: Have legislators ever been disabled?
• As names deleted, have legislators ever been disabled?
• remember This has a super majority of support, and I hope that we will all continue to remember that

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence. The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Public Counsel and Disability Rights California, who is also in support, I respectfully
• Samuel Jan with Disability Rights California, in support. Thank you.
• Disability Rights California is also in strong support.
• Same with Disability Rights, California, a strong support.
• Same of Jan, with Disability Rights, California, a strong support. Thank you.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• With a tied House, there would have to be bipartisan support. Do you think there will be any?
• very difficult to get those measures across the finish line. >> There would have to be bipartisan support
• should be going to a kid with autism or a homeless person or a person living with significant disabilities
• Do you think anything can support.
• And so these significant disabilities.

Summary: House DFL leader Stevenson said the tied House will require cooperation, noting the caucus has tried to model bipartisan work through co-chairs and that he has a good working relationship with Speaker Damuth. He highlighted the three new DFL special-election winners—Xp Lee, Shelley Buck, and Meg Luger-Nikolai—as bringing health, tribal leadership, nonprofit, labor, and education experience to the chamber. On policy, Stevenson said DFLers want to push back against certain federal immigration enforcement tactics, including masked officers and warrantless entries, and tied the issue to the murder of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. He also said the caucus will pursue gun restrictions such as bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, binary triggers, and ghost guns, while acknowledging that Republican leadership would need to allow a floor vote for any bill to advance. He added that DFLers are open to and will lead on fraud prevention, especially in programs serving vulnerable Minnesotans, and said those who steal public funds should face prison. Looking ahead to the second year of the biennium, Stevenson said he hopes for a large bonding bill focused on statewide infrastructure needs, but warned he will not support using bonding as leverage for unrelated policy concessions. He also said affordability will be a major focus, especially food, energy, housing, and health care costs, and argued Minnesota should try to counter rising premiums and hold insurers and pharmaceutical companies accountable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Decker relative to family support and poverty alleviation to the Committee on Children, Families, and
• Persons with Disabilities; the petition of Tommy Vitolo relative to electoral account and presidential
• The House bill regarding the disability pension for Christopher Taylor, House No. 4902, local approval
• rental housing trust fund in the town of Provincetown, House No. 4311; and an act regarding the disability
• An act regarding the disability pension of Christopher Taylor, House No. 4902; and an act establishing

Transcript Highlights:

• support state operations.
• support.
• This evaluation will measure the uptake of community supports and assess the impact of community supports
• I support the department's previously shared intent to make community supports a Medi-Cal benefit and
• Finally, we support Assemblymember Bonta's request for a medically supportive food work group and efforts

Transcript Highlights:

• And this developmental disabilities.
• disabilities have People with disabilities have historically<00:17:20.720><c> faced</c><00:17:21.039
• </c> what kind of supports are really needed? what kind of supports are really needed?
• One of which is added support.
• So I am glad to support from that.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Public Counsel and Disability Rights California, who is also in support, I respectfully
• Thank you. ...of Public Counsel and Disability Rights California, who is also in support, I respectfully
• Samuel Jan with Disability Rights California, in support. Thank you.
• Disability Rights California, strong support. Disability Rights California, strong support.
• I think I have supported many of these bills and I want to support your bill.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on civil rights, housing, public safety, and administrative process. Early items included SB 46, which would authorize the Secretary of State to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice presidential candidates from California ballots; SB 1078, requiring notice to the Civil Rights Department when court filings involve civil rights violations; SB 989, expanding access to Care Court by letting first responders refer cases through county behavioral health agencies; SB 998, clarifying and expanding discrimination prevention coordinators in the new Office of Civil Rights; SB 1146, requiring disclosure for AI-generated health advertisements and giving physicians a limited private right of action; SB 1164, a California Voting Rights Act expansion responding to federal voting-rights rulings; SB 1256, a housing bill aimed at limiting repeated litigation over the Harmony Grove Village South project; SB 1267, addressing HOA liability and indemnification for EV charger installations; and SB 1425, authorizing an encroachment permit program for high-speed rail right-of-way management. The committee also later heard SB 873, restricting ICE arrests near courthouses, and SB 1160, requiring eviction data reporting by zip code. Most bills drew support from sponsors, advocacy groups, labor organizations, or local officials, while opposition centered on concerns about county workload, due process, fire safety, civil liberties, or the scope of the policy changes. Members generally expressed support for the bills while noting unresolved issues and the need for amendments or further stakeholder work, especially on SB 1164, SB 1256, SB 1267, SB 1425, and SB 1160. The Judicial Council opposed SB 1160 because of the burden of adding zip-code reporting to court systems, while the author and supporters argued the data would help target eviction-prevention efforts. SB 873 drew strong support from public defenders, immigrant-rights groups, and court-related stakeholders, with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department opposing. SB 989 drew support from firefighters and family advocates, while Disability Rights California opposed, arguing Care Court is too costly and diverts resources from community-based services. SB 1164 received broad civil-rights and voting-rights support, with cities opposing unless amended over definitions, cure periods, and litigation risk. SB 1256 drew support from housing and labor interests and opposition from local residents and environmental groups concerned about fire safety and evacuation. SB 1267 was supported by the HOA and utility stakeholders after amendments addressing liability concerns. After quorum was established, the committee voted to pass a consent calendar and then approved the listed bills, sending them to the appropriate committees or to Appropriations, including SB 46, SB 873, SB 989, SB 998, SB 1078, SB 1146, SB 1164, SB 1256, SB 1267, and SB 1425. The transcript ends with SB 1160 still under discussion, with members indicating support for the bill’s goals but acknowledging the Judicial Council’s implementation concerns and the need for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• This division provides support and protective services to physically disabled adults, older adults, and
• It's funded with general revenue, federal funds, and various program support.
• It is in the various program support. That's where it's coming in.
• We're going now to Developmental Disabilities, Ms. Waltz. Yes, sir.
• And those with disabilities or with medical needs.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This division provides support and protective services to physically disabled adults, older adults, and
• It is in the various program support. That's where it's coming in.
• It doesn't look... ...disabled. It's an appropriation for $4,000.
• We're going now to development disabilities, Ms. Walts. Yes, sir.
• support our juveniles who come to us behind on reading level.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations and took executive recommendations on several Department of Human Services divisions, including Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services; Children and Family Services; County Operations; Developmental Disability Services; and Medical Services, with most divisions showing little or no significant change in total appropriations. Staff and agency witnesses repeatedly explained that many large appropriations are maintained for flexibility, federal matching requirements, or contingency needs, even when actual spending is much lower than the authorized amount. Members also raised concerns about staffing vacancies, long-vacant budgeted positions, and the use of excess appropriation authority across DHS. In Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health, members questioned federal funding levels for mental health and substance abuse grants, the status of senior centers and Meals on Wheels, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, community alcohol safety grants, and the veterans mental health grant. Agency officials said federal block grants are largely committed, that senior center funding had been delayed by shutdown timing but was now back on track, that the tobacco settlement program had been moved internally within DHS, and that the veterans mental health appropriation remains unfunded. Senators also criticized the adequacy of support for seniors and asked for more detail on how transportation, meal services, and local contributions are funded. In Children and Family Services, members asked about rising appropriation levels, foster care and adoption subsidies, professional fees, the number of children in foster care, and the Children’s Trust Fund. DHS said increases reflect added flexibility for residential treatment, adoption subsidies, and prevention services, while the foster care population has remained fairly steady at about 3,400 children. The Children’s Trust Fund was described as supporting primary prevention programs such as Baby and Me and community schools, and members asked whether it could be administratively combined with other efforts. Questions also covered TANF subgrants, with DHS explaining that it had reduced outside subgrants after discovering over-obligation and was rebuilding reserves. In County Operations, members focused on the summer EBT program, SNAP employment and training, the farmer’s market program, and the state’s TANF reserve position. DHS said summer EBT is still being funded through temporary appropriations because it is a newer program, SNAP employment and training is largely federally funded and may expand under a pending policy change, and TANF reserves were drawn down after prior over-obligation but are now being stabilized. In Developmental Disability Services, members asked about vacancies, human development center staffing, facility construction funds, and the Booneville work program, and DHS said the program has reopened and staffing recruitment continues. In Medical Services, members asked about FMAP, the Our Kids B CHIP program, school-based Medicaid reimbursements, nursing home distress funds, and several large appropriation lines that far exceed actual spending; DHS said these are maintained for claims payment, nursing home receivership contingencies, and other flexibility needs. Each division reviewed was adopted by executive recommendation after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up is Louie Erchic for the Hawaii Disability Rights Center in support.
• rights Center in white disability rights Center in support<00:22:05.480><c> uh</c><00:22:05.600><c>
• director for Disability and Communication Access Board, and support Louis Erchic of the Hawaii Disability
• director for the Disability and Communication Access Board, and support Louis Erchic of the Hawaii Disability
• director for the Disability and Communication Access Board, and support Louis Erchic of the Hawaii Disability

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You disability. 25% you have a chronic.
• <c> this</c><00:46:31.680><c> amendment,</c> I'm going to support this amendment, I'm going to support
• People with disabilities point, folks.
• </c> support this effort today. Thank you. support this effort today. Thank you.
• I or I ain't going to support this bill.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Our disability system, developmental disability system as well, strengthening that, making sure that
• c> are</c> supports child support services are supports child support services are typically<00:45:34.559
• We are really a support entity.
• disability.
• , which supports children living in the community with their family who have a developmental disability

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• LET'S TAKE UP TAB ONE CS FOR SB 1121 CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BY SENATOR HARRELL.
• WE PROVIDE THE WORKFORCE TRAINING MANY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. WE DO IT IN DIFFERENT WAYS.
• THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT BILL AND THANK YOU FOR FILING THE BILL AND WE HOPE YOU SUPPORTIVE AS WELL. >
• > Chair Gruters: MARGARET COOPER IN SUPPORT REPRESENTING FLORIDA DD COUNSEL.
• FLORIDA FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE WAIVING IN SUPPORT AND JAMES McFADDEN AUTISM SPEAKS WAIVING IN SUPPORT.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have Malama Eola in support. support. support. um<00:20:58.159><c> and</c><00:20:58.880><c> five</c
• </c> we're in strong support of HCR134. we're in strong support of HCR134.
• Jack Leuen, in support. Testimony and support. Strong support. Thank you. Great.
• </c> on Developmental Disabilities. on Developmental Disabilities.
• </c><00:27:06.640><c> Strong</c> support. Testimony and support. Strong support.

Committee: House Health

Summary: The committee heard several health-related resolutions and received testimony on each. HCR 28/HR 27 would ask the Department of Health to reconvene a working group on water and air contamination and remediation tied to the Pu‘uloa Range training facility; supporters said nearby residents and the broader public may be exposed to lead and heavy metals, and that further testing and eventual relocation of the range are needed. HCR 35 would request an auditor’s report on the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, and HCR 36 would request a similar report on colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Department of Health and cancer advocates supported both, saying biomarker testing helps match patients to the right treatment and that earlier colorectal screening improves outcomes; DOH also cited screening data showing lower screening rates among uninsured people. HCR 134, on limiting cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, drew support from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and others, who said out-of-pocket costs can delay diagnosis and treatment. HCR 171, on mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, also drew support from health and disability advocates. HCR 185, on coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practitioners through federally qualified health centers, received support from Papa Ola Lōkahi and a community testifier who described the value of traditional healing and access gaps. HCR 173, urging DOH outreach and vaccination drives at schools with low vaccination rates, drew support from DOH, DOE, and public health and disability advocates, but also strong opposition from several testifiers who argued the measure was government overreach and raised concerns about vaccine safety and parental choice. Testimony on HCR 173 was the most divided, with supporters emphasizing the need to raise immunization rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable children, while opponents argued schools should not host vaccine drives and that parents should make vaccination decisions without government involvement. The Department of Health said it is already working with schools and community partners to expand school-based immunization efforts and would prioritize schools with rates under 30%. The State Health Planning and Development Agency also supported the measure, saying rates below 50% are a serious public health concern. No votes or final committee actions were announced in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:07.720><c> businesses</c> Aerospace um and supporting businesses Aerospace um and supporting
• </c><00:26:37.880><c> it</c> bill uh and and I'm supporting it bill uh and and I'm supporting it 100%
• He thanked members for their support.
• </c> future so I appreciate your support future so I appreciate your support thank<00:29:11.799><c> you
• </c> communities and we value your support communities and we value your support thank<01:06:38.039><

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up in support.
• Next up in support.
• Next up in support.
• Next up in support.
• Next up in support.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved a combined House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2642, 2296, 1996, and 1680 on a 15-0 vote after adopting a committee amendment and substitute. It then adopted a substitute for House Bill 2596, which expanded access for sole proprietors with at least one common law employee and their dependents, and passed that bill do pass by a 15-0 vote. The committee then heard several health-related bills. House Bills 2194, 2349, 1826, and 2560 focused on expanding epinephrine access in schools, child care facilities, nursing homes, and first responder settings to include nasal sprays and other delivery systems, with testimony emphasizing the need for easier administration, training, and broader school nurse support. House Bill 1827 would add occupational therapists to the list of professionals who can certify disability parking placards and plates, with supporters saying OTs already perform the functional assessments needed. House Bill 1783 would let the Department of Health and Senior Services contract with nonprofit public health institutes to help administer federal public health grants and reduce lapsed funds; supporters said the state lacks staffing capacity, while some members raised concerns about oversight and fraud. Finally, Representative Peters presented House Bill 2372, a large omnibus health bill combining many previously heard measures, including epinephrine delivery system updates, pseudoephedrine purchase limit changes, doula participation in Mo HealthNet, telehealth, workplace violence signage, long-term care inspection changes, RX CARES sunset removal, 340B language, anesthesia time protections, and other provisions. Support came from numerous medical, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and provider groups, while opposition focused mainly on the 340B provisions, non-opioid alternative language, anesthesia contracting language, and telehealth standards, arguing those sections needed separate consideration and stronger transparency safeguards.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:23.200><c> of</c> today I'm here to testify in support of today I'm here to testify in support
• We support schools.
• </c> know you all have we support know you all have we support schools<00:30:55.679><c> my</c><00:30:
• </c> map for students with disabilities map for students with disabilities fostering<00:57:38.920><c>
• </c> appeared uh before you folks in support appeared uh before you folks in support of<01:26:11.280>

Bills: HF1124 , HF1457 , HF1803

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, do we have folks from the audience here in support?
• I'm in support. Good afternoon, Chair and members.
• So because of that, I will fully be in support of you.
• And members of the public in support? Thank you.
• I appreciate you and your support. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee met and considered several measures, with most of the discussion focused on veterans’ access to food assistance, overseas voting, and veteran mental health research. SB 1201, the “No Hungry Heroes Act,” would seek federal waivers to protect certain veterans from CalFresh time limits and require referrals to county veteran service officers; supporters said federal SNAP cuts are leaving vulnerable veterans at risk of hunger, while no opposition testified. Members spoke strongly in favor, emphasizing the need to support service members and their families. SB 970 addressed ballot access for military and overseas voters after the federal DOD fax service was discontinued. The bill would direct the Secretary of State to develop regulations for a secure ballot return method. County election officials and veterans groups supported the measure, while the Secretary of State’s office and Verified Voting raised concerns about cybersecurity and urged a more deliberate process, including a possible task force. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 970 and send it to Appropriations. SB 1224 proposed a California Emerging Therapies Research Partnership to help the state compete for federal research funding for alternative therapies, including treatments relevant to PTSD, depression, and substance use among veterans. Veterans advocates described the bill as a way to expand options for those not helped by traditional treatment, and the author noted amendments to address conflicts of interest and administrative issues. The committee approved the bill and referred it to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including HR 120, SB 892, SB 1188, SJR 14, and SJR 17, and later voted SB 1201 and SB 970 out of committee as well. Overall, the meeting reflected broad bipartisan support for veteran-focused measures, with the main policy debate centered on how to balance access and security in overseas voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waving in support, and Matt Man Hernan— is that right, Herndon? There they are waving in support.
• Happy to support it. And the other debate? Yes.
• I, too, support you very much in this bill.
• Waving in support. Thank you very much, waving in support. That's all the appearance forms.
• And with that, I hope to get your favorable support.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.