Transcript Highlights:

• Next, I'd like to take up Item 5: the adoption of the 2026 session schedule. I'd welcome a motion.
• Session schedule. I'd welcome a motion. Thank you so much, Senator Jones.
• For the next item, I'd like to take up Item 6, the 2026 Senate holiday schedule.
• The 2026 Senate holiday schedule. I will entertain a motion. Thank you very much, Senator Jones.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven days, I think, is too much of a window for the election authority to get it scheduled.
• Seven days, I think is too much of a window for the election authority to get it scheduled.
• would like to say that with next Monday being a holiday to my committee members, we may be trying to schedule
• like to say that with next Monday, being a holiday to my committee members, we may be trying to schedule

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's the point that I'm trying to make is that it's more than just the fees schedule.
• For this reason, especially we also reconcile that to the Medicare fee schedule because it's publicly
• You're recognized. >> So we of course, it here to cause state fee schedule.
• alone for the first time in decades after 3 months impatient for behavior, health situation, she was scheduled

Transcript Highlights:

• included lack of child care, lack of transportation, and the desire or need for a flexible work schedule
• barrier was addressed during enrollment, and the top barrier removed was a lack of flexible work schedule
• extended time period to collect this data because this was a presentation that we were actually scheduled
• I know it's not an easy, busy schedule.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive implementation briefings on House Bill 1267, which was enacted to address benefit cliffs and help public assistance recipients move toward economic self-sufficiency. The Department of Children and Families reviewed SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Medicaid-related eligibility and work requirements, including who must participate in work activities, the role of Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida, and the new standardized intake and exit surveys required by the law. Members also discussed the TCA program’s household-based structure, the 48-month adult limit, and how work requirements differ for SNAP and TCA participants. Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida then reported on implementation of HB 1267, including the CLIFF financial forecasting tool, case management changes, and survey data collected from welfare transition participants. They said intake surveys showed common barriers such as child care, transportation, and flexible work schedules, while exit surveys showed many participants were employed or had gained credentials, though response rates were low because the surveys are voluntary. A local workforce board, CareerSource Tampa Bay, described using CLIFF in case management and shared a success story about a participant who completed training, earned certifications, and moved into employment. The committee also heard a separate DCF briefing on the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on SNAP. DCF said the law expands able-bodied adult without dependents requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, ends future SNAP-Ed funding, increases state administrative cost sharing, and may require states to share in benefit costs if payment error rates remain above federal thresholds. Members focused heavily on Florida’s SNAP payment error rate, which DCF said was 15.13% for federal fiscal year 2024 and 12.60% for 2023, with the state currently on a corrective action plan. DCF described steps to reduce errors, including more verification of rent and utility expenses, improved income matching, staff training, and system modernization. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the same assessment schedule that was in House Bill 4 from the regular session as it passed the
• the sunsetting of industry-based certifications (IBCs) and provides notice of the state assessment schedule
• Really sort of combines a teacher-student-centered approach with an exam schedule, if you will, that
• take longer than an entire classroom period, so that we're not having large disruptions to class schedules

Bills: HB8

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• Because in rural communities, it's difficult for them to get their scheduled medical appointments.
• Again, members, I had mentioned earlier that we had a couple other presentations scheduled through Puget
• Navy Day was actually scheduled for February 5th this past session, and it was canceled day-of because
• Those things are getting scheduled.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we begin with the formal hearing we have scheduled for today, we have a few announcements coming
• As, as part of our rule review schedule, we're now going to be looking at Chapter 34 and just wanted
• So between work schedule this schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment clarifies that for the purpose of salary schedule, an advanced degree may include a master's
• disparities among school districts, help encourage retention and recruitment, and will simplify the salary schedule
• This amendment clarifies that for the purpose of salary schedule, an advanced degree may include a master's
• disparities among school districts, help encourage retention and recruitment, and will simplify the salary schedule

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice. CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously. The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, that is not even scheduled for planning at this time.
• Unfortunately, that is not even scheduled for planning at this time.
• Unfortunately, that is not even scheduled for planning at this time.
• Unfortunately, that is not even scheduled for planning at this time.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard a series of resolutions covering cultural preservation, civic education, dark-sky protection, Taiwan relations, aviation safety reporting, waterborne cargo subsidies, and Maui transportation planning. Testimony on the Hawaii Theatre resolutions (SCR 131/SR 110) came from the Hawaii Theatre Center in support, with a question about whether acquisition funding was in the current budget; the witness said he was not aware of any such funding. The state archivist strongly supported SCR 169/SR 138 on expanding public outreach and civic engagement, and a student testifier supported the measure while urging stronger language to include Indigenous culture and closer work with Native communities. On STR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week, testimony emphasized light pollution’s effects on birds, marine life, human health, and astronomy, and suggested stronger lighting ordinances and possible dark-sky reserve efforts. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan received support from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, while STR 180/SR 150 on aviation safety reporting drew support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters but opposition from the Department of Transportation, which said much of the requested information falls under FAA jurisdiction and would be voluntary at the state level. STR 150 on waterborne cargo subsidies was supported by DOT, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, with DOT asking that the working group be smaller to speed a report to the 2026 session. STR 37/SR 21 and STR 38/SR 22 on Kihei road planning drew support from the Kihei Community Association, which described severe congestion and safety concerns in South Maui. In decision-making, the committee advanced SCR 131/SR 110 on the Hawaii Theatre as introduced. SCR 169/SR 138 was advanced with amendments to address comments about Indigenous culture. STR 12/SR 8 on International Dark Sky Week was deferred for further discussion until the following Tuesday. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. STR 180/SR 150 and STR 150 were both deferred to the same later decision-making date to allow further work on possible amendments and jurisdictional issues. STR 37/SR 21 was passed as introduced, and STR 38/SR 22 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. In each vote taken, the measures were adopted without recorded opposition from the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• The transition is also difficult for parents' work schedules.
• This bill removes the statewide mandate for It is also difficult for parents' work schedules.
• It allows each school, after that thorough analysis, to adopt the transportation schedule that's best
• The schedule is very, very flexible.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• program, which allows court clerks to send reminder text message notifications to criminal defendants scheduled
• Under the provisions of the bill, the 15th Court of Appeals was scheduled to be established at the beginning
• If you or your chiefs of staff had to, uh, uh, handle mail, phone correspondence, scheduling, greeting
• The court omnibus bill created 20 new courts with some scheduled for formation during the 2006-2027 biennium

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• We probably won’t schedule things right away because it takes a while for them to get assigned to the
• 00:24:56.799><c> we</c><00:24:57.000><c> probably</c><00:24:57.240><c> won't</c><00:24:57.440><c> schedule
• </c><00:24:57.799><c> things</c> yeah we probably won't schedule things yeah we probably won't schedule

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On the other side, the fee schedules for hunting and fishing.
• I know you get to schedule the topic, but this topic is valuable to the state of New Mexico.
• Section 3 is a slight tweak of our current campaign reporting schedule for candidates.
• Makings where we require the utilities to have a grid plan on a scheduled basis and this alliance of

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• discussed handling things going forward, and we'll be in touch with members as soon as we have something scheduled
• 00:25:51.200><c> we</c><00:25:51.360><c> have</c><00:25:51.440><c> something</c><00:25:51.679><c> scheduled
• </c> soon as we have something scheduled soon as we have something scheduled thank<00:25:53.600><c> you

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee reviewed a side-by-side comparison and fiscal analysis of Senate File 3472, a reinsurance-related bill affecting the premium security plan account, MinnesotaCare, and related health care funding. Staff explained the Senate and House versions of the bill, including how the Senate proposal extends reinsurance for five years and uses a projected $1.087 billion general fund transfer to fully fund claims and administrative costs through fiscal year 2028, while the House version conditions continuation of the program on federal approval of the state innovation waiver. The fiscal presentation also covered appropriations for MNsure, a mental health parity and substance abuse office, and House provisions for delivery reform and a public option study, along with a House transfer of $110.674 million to the health care access fund. Members debated the budget horizon and whether costs should be forecast beyond fiscal year 2025. Representative Schultz argued that the spreadsheet understated the broader fiscal impact of reinsurance and warned about future funding cliffs for MinnesotaCare and other health programs, while other members and staff noted that the state’s standard forecast ends in fiscal year 2025 and that the fiscal note only estimated reinsurance costs through the five-year extension. Supporters said reinsurance was the best available option to reduce premium increases, especially in rural areas, and some pointed to a public option as a longer-term alternative. Opponents argued reinsurance does not address underlying health care costs or deductibles and urged consideration of other reforms. House Research then walked through the policy differences. House-only provisions would change Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association board membership, require platinum plans in certain markets, expand postnatal coverage, require a prescription drug benefit in some plans, set a minimum actuarial value for MinnesotaCare, create an Office of Mental Health Parity and Substance Abuse Accountability, and direct reports on delivery reform and a public option. The shared provisions would extend the premium security program to 2027 and delay the transfer of remaining premium security plan funds to the health care access fund until 2029, with the House language again contingent on federal waiver approval. No formal vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair closed discussion after hearing no further questions and indicated members would be contacted about next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certainly the reason I asked about the notice is that a school that can schedule a teachers workshop
• Certainly the reason I asked about the notice is that a school that can schedule a teachers workshop
• Certainly the reason I asked about the notice is that a school that can schedule a teachers workshop
• Certainly the reason I asked about the notice is that a school that can schedule a teachers workshop
• I don't like the words as regularly scheduled in there.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , schedules, schedules, uh,<00:15:13.920><c> health</c><00:15:14.120><c> insurance</c><00:15:14.480><
• And if two-thirds of the advisory council vote to override the existing state vaccine schedules, the
• ,</c><00:20:38.040><c> the</c> existing state vaccine schedules, the existing state vaccine schedules
• </c> to serve as the state vaccine schedules. to serve as the state vaccine schedules.
• And if two-thirds of the advisory council vote to override the existing state vaccine schedules, the

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for building and once it's once schedule for building and once it's once it's<00:25:04.559><c> funded
• uh with a teacher teaching schedule uh with a teacher schedule<01:04:31.680><c> for</c><01:04:31.920
• for these particular group of schedule for these particular group of teachers. teachers. teachers.
• </c><01:55:41.360><c> So,</c> schedule, how to get to cool things.
• So, schedule, how to get to cool things.

Bills: HB2185 , HB2621 , HB2179 , HB2534 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB2560 , HB2565 , HB2172 , HB2298 , HB2304

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: sports officials, referees, umpires, athletic directors, school administrators, league administrators, coaches, assault, first-degree assault, substantial bodily injury, temporary restraining order, TRO, private counsel, Department of Education, DOE, sports safety, school sports, amateur athletics, professional sports, public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• For the very up with a schedule of fees.
• ,</c><01:29:21.760><c> submits</c><01:29:22.239><c> that</c> including the fee schedule, submits that
• including the fee schedule, submits that to<01:29:22.719><c> the</c><01:29:22.880><c> agency.
• It's a fee schedule that is developed by an independent financial auditor working with PaintCare.
• that is developed it's a a fee schedule that is developed by<01:33:31.199><c> an</c><01:33:31.440><c

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would continue to be paid down at its current schedule, but then any future increase or decrease in
• unfunded liabilities would be essentially amortized each year according to their own schedule, so you
• to their own schedule so you kind<00:50:59.559><c> of</c><00:50:59.680><c> build</c><00:51:00.000><c
• That is scheduled to blink back on, so we are almost at 100% without even having that additional half
• </c><01:51:10.800><c> to</c> to retirees and that is scheduled to to retirees and that is scheduled to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:53:57.880><c> deserve</c><00:53:58.400><c> the</c><00:53:58.520><c> same</c> reduced schedule
• This bill would allow employers to require advanced notice of at least two hours prior to a scheduled
• to a scheduled shift to receive<01:07:34.680><c> ESS</c><01:07:35.680><c> while</c><01:07:35.920><c>
• I had just come from school, where I had scheduled a number of meetings where I will be telling people
• I had just come from school, where I had scheduled a number of meetings where I will be telling people

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house