Transcript Highlights:

• Consistent with that, in 2012, the Legislature, with input from the state's local newspapers, passed
• Several years later, the newspaper industry again worked with various stakeholders and Senator Rodriguez

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up two bills. SB 98, by Senator Harrell, would let self-storage facilities advertise lien sales either in a newspaper or on a qualifying website, while keeping other notice requirements in place and updating contact information provisions. Supporters, including the Florida Press Association and several newspaper/storage owners, argued print and digital newspaper notices already provide broad public notice and that the bill could reduce notice effectiveness; the sponsor said the bill is an optional modernization and does not affect government notices. After debate, the committee voted 8-1 to report SB 98 favorably. The committee then heard SB 164, by Senator Grall, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child at any stage of development, with carve-outs for the mother and lawful medical care. The sponsor said the bill aligns civil law with Florida’s criminal protections for unborn children and gives families a remedy where current law may not. Opponents, including the ACLU of Florida, health care workers, and others, warned it could invite lawsuits against doctors, hospitals, friends, family members, and people involved in abortion access, and could worsen OB-GYN shortages and deter care. Supporters said it recognizes unborn life and should be treated consistently with existing wrongful death law. The committee approved SB 164 on a 4-3 vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had previously provided input on Senate Bill 629, but it never reached you in advance of the hearing
• different options, I think we should table everything, have a meaningful discussion with all the stakeholders

Bills: HB40, HB1916, HB1973, HB2524, HB2530, HB3180, HB3421, HB3783, HB4170, HB4213

Keywords: business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support

Summary: The committee heard several House bills, most of them relating to family law and court procedure, and left each bill pending after testimony. House Bill 1916 would clarify that the court that issued a final divorce decree retains exclusive jurisdiction over later actions involving undivided property. House Bill 1973 would require a certified birth certificate, if reasonably available, to be filed with a SAPCR petition or allow alternative proof of parentage while keeping the information confidential. House Bill 2530 would add qualifications and procedural safeguards for appointing amicus attorneys in SAPCR cases, including notice and hearing requirements, minimum qualifications, conflict rules, and limits on what amicus attorneys may do. House Bill 2524 would make Family Code references to attorney’s fees consistent by using “reasonable and necessary” language. House Bill 3180 would correct a scrivener’s error in the civil discovery rules by changing “settlement” to “statement.” The committee also heard House Bill 4213, which would change the interest rate on overdue child support from the current 6 percent simple interest to a fixed 5 percent and require the Attorney General to report on the impact of the change. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued lower interest could improve collections and help low-income obligors catch up, citing research and the size of child-support arrearages; opponents said lowering the rate would reduce incentives to pay and harm custodial parents and children. The Attorney General’s office raised implementation concerns about a House version that would have created a variable rate, while the committee substitute was described as restoring a simple fixed rate. After testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee also discussed House Bill 40, updating business court provisions and supplemental jurisdiction; House Bill 3421, streamlining probate procedures for original wills and copies; and House Bill 417, clarifying venue for lawsuits involving private transfer fees on real property. Each drew limited testimony and was left pending. Finally, House Bill 3783 drew extensive testimony on court-ordered counseling and reunification therapy in family cases. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would protect children and abuse victims from coercive, unregulated reunification practices, while opponents argued it was too broad, could interfere with legitimate therapy and judicial discretion, and might affect military families and other high-conflict cases. The committee heard testimony from judges, therapists, parents, survivors, and advocates, but took no final action and left the bill pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I like that on page two, item F, there is a specific list of stakeholders who can make a request.
• think that this needs to be, they need to have a remedy because our systems should value the citizen input

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills. SB 447 would let the City of Mission in Hidalgo County permanently move its municipal elections from May to the uniform November election date if it chooses. The bill was described as permissive and intended to increase turnout and reduce costs. Mission’s mayor testified in support, saying voters had already approved the change by a wide margin in a charter amendment election. The bill was left pending after no objection. SB 2217 focused on standardizing election data reporting and reconciliation across counties to improve transparency and comparability. Testimony was generally supportive of the goal, but Dr. Laura Presley and others flagged technical issues, including a discrepancy between a three-ballot mismatch threshold in existing law and a 1% threshold in part of the bill, plus a definition issue involving central accumulators. Supporters said consistent auditing and reconciliation would help election integrity, while the bill was also left pending. The committee then took up SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period that would combine early voting and Election Day into one uninterrupted process, with precinct consolidation and other changes. Supporters said it could simplify administration, reduce equipment changes, and improve security by using one set of machines. Opponents and neutral witnesses raised concerns about cost, staffing, ballot security, reporting changes, weekend voting, and whether the bill was ready for implementation; several urged a pilot or study instead. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. SB 505 would create a process for election workers, candidates, party officials, and measure proponents or opponents to request explanations of election irregularities, with escalation to the Secretary of State for audit or enforcement if responses were unsatisfactory. Supporters said it would provide a way to resolve irregularities and restore confidence, while opponents argued it was too broad, lacked guardrails against abuse, and could be used by partisan actors to pressure counties. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 311 would expand Texas’s online voter registration system to first-time registrants and others, with supporters citing efficiency, lower costs, and broader access, and opponents raising concerns about signature verification and implementation details. Testimony was cut short because of the session deadline, and the bill had not been disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• experts. to the Department of State, Director of National Intelligence, DOD, and others to give them input
• We continue to work with stakeholders and will continue to do as Chairman Enchia... as you asked us to

Bills: HB256, HB1308, HB1554, HB1743, HB2308, HB2351, HB2858, HB3676, HB3784, HB4312, HB4552, HB4823, HB4852, HB5007, HB5010, HB5520, HB5524, HCR19, HB256, HCR19

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also not aware of an exact figure, though I do recognize that there are many stakeholders and groups
• If we continue forward with that, we at least think there should be community input on the ability for

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The low cotton production in Texas is compounded by low market prices and sky-high input costs have positioned
• But TNLA is working with stakeholders and policy makers here in the capital to support investments in

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you need this legislature to kind of give you some input on this issue to re-prioritize, I guess
• proposed State Coordinating Council so that state policy changes would affect education and workforce stakeholders

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these very topics and made further amendments in consultation with the builders and the various stakeholders
• He worked with stakeholders. Thank you. Compromised. He worked with stakeholders.
• And Senator Fredrickson's bill that he worked with every stakeholder in the health care space to address
• flexibility with what we went through with LB 292 last year, their willingness to adapt to change, and their input

Bills: LR509, LR510, LR511

Keywords: congratulations, Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame, Deloris Marshall Adamson, recognition, achievement, service, retirement, Nebraska Legislature, public service, legislature, Nebraska, 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to thank the stakeholders.
• I want to thank the stakeholders who have offered thoughtful feedback.
• to some kind of study and everything that they might have had some massaging of the math and those inputs
• We have been working with opposition and stakeholders, and we will continue to.
• really appreciate the committee's hard work on this and really getting us to a place where I think stakeholders

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several local government-related bills. AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson would require elected local and state officials to take anti-hate speech training through existing sexual harassment training. Supporters said hate rhetoric can embolden prejudice and officials should be accountable for their words; opponents argued the bill lacks a legal definition of hate speech and could chill protected speech. The chair indicated support, but no quorum was present at that point, so no vote was taken. AB 2083, also by Assembly Member Jackson, would authorize creation of a regional child care special district for Moreno Valley and Paris to expand child care programs and facilities. The author said the district would help underserved communities and support families with nontraditional work hours. The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions opposed the bill’s mechanism, though it said it supported the goal and had been working with the author. The bill was discussed without a final vote in the excerpt. AB 1783 by Assembly Member DeMaio would prohibit state and local mileage taxes and block state agencies from studying or advancing them. The author argued Californians already pay too much in gas and car taxes and that mileage taxes would burden drivers. Opponents, including the State Building and Construction Trades Council, Transportation California, NRDC, and others, said the state needs to study road user charges as a fairer replacement for declining gas tax revenue. After quorum was established, the committee voted 3-2 to pass and re-refer the bill to the Revenue and Taxation Committee, with the roll left open. The committee also advanced AB 1693 by Assembly Member Suber, which would streamline retail tenant improvement permits by allowing qualified professionals to certify plans and imposing review deadlines on local building departments. Support came from retail, business, property, and chamber groups, and there was no opposition. The committee voted 5-0 to pass and re-refer the bill to the Business and Professions Committee. AB 1679 by Assembly Member Gonzales would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses in vacant storefronts; supporters said it would help revive downtowns and reduce barriers for small businesses, while local government groups had no position. The committee approved it 7-0 and re-referred it to the Health Committee. AB 2418 by Assembly Member Gonzales would set timelines for nonresidential plan checks and allow private plan checkers after delays; business groups supported it, local government associations had no position, and the committee passed it 7-0 to the Judiciary Committee. The committee also heard AB 1820 by Assembly Member Schiavo, which would cap EV charger permit fees and allow higher fees only with written findings; supporters said it would reduce barriers to charger deployment, while cities and counties argued current fees reflect actual costs and that the bill would shift costs to local governments. The discussion was extensive, but no vote is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• A major part of this process was engaging our stakeholders every step of the way to make the education
• program more accessible. ...engaging our stakeholders every step of the way to make the education program
• Finally, the agency worked with stakeholders on a year-long project studying governance issues of local
• We received input. I think y'all negotiated yourselves down unnecessarily.
• We have a team of eight analysts who work with stakeholders across Texas to determine those schedules

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard budget presentations for the Texas Historical Commission, the Pension Review Board, the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Social Security and benefit replacement pay, the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESSRS), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Legislative Budget Board outlined recommendations and major changes for each agency, including reductions tied to one-time projects at the Historical Commission, continued funding for courthouse grants, heritage trails, and Holocaust/genocide education, as well as new or modified riders and capital items. For the pension-related items, LBB described funding changes for PRB, ERS, Social Security, and TESSRS, including ERS health plan cost growth driven largely by pharmacy costs, the status of pension funding reforms, and TESSRS’s request for additional state support to address its unfunded liability and staffing needs. Members asked extensive questions about the Historical Commission’s one-time funding, unexpended balance authority, courthouse preservation, the Presidio La Bahia and National Museum of the Pacific War projects, and coordination of Texas history messaging across sites such as the Alamo, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, and other heritage locations. The Historical Commission chair emphasized heritage tourism, economic development, and the need for continued investment in historic sites, staffing, IT modernization, and vehicles. On the pension items, senators discussed PRB oversight of local systems, including the Dallas police and fire pension situation, and ERS investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health costs. ERS officials said the plan remains well funded overall, noted a 2021 cash balance reform and a planned supplemental legacy payment, and explained that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are a major driver of pharmacy spending; they also said the agency is working with the Texas Pharmacy Initiative and that rebates are contractually returned to ERS. For TESSRS, LBB and agency staff said the system serves volunteer and part-paid emergency personnel, is facing an infinite amortization period, and is requesting additional appropriations, staffing, and IT funding, along with a statutory change to allow an actuarially determined state contribution. The agency said it may otherwise need to cut benefits for volunteer firefighters. For CPRIT, LBB reported about $600 million in recommended funding for the biennium and a 10-FTE increase, while the agency described its $6 billion voter-approved program, $3.75 billion in grants awarded to date, and $10.4 million in revenue sharing since 2011. CPRIT’s only exceptional item was a request for a 10% salary increase for two exempt positions. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• mentioned, and the things you have to put up with in preparing for the crop, you know, as far as the input
• far as<00:53:15.079> you<00:53:15.200> know<00:53:15.440> the<00:53:15.559> input
• cost<00:53:16.319> the<00:53:16.480> price<00:53:16.960> of as you know the input
• cost the price of as you know the input cost the price of the<00:53:17.599> crop<00:53:18.200
• We’ve been discussing that very issue with some of the stakeholders that have approached us about it,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment is a reflection of a lot of work that's been going on with stakeholders, with myself as
• uh with myself as the stakeholders uh with myself as the author<00:13:27.079> uh<00:13:27.240
• The department appreciates the work that has gone on with a large number of stakeholders, other state
• It involves state agency input and public comment throughout the process.
• analysis and really give stakeholders analysis and really give stakeholders the<01:43:56.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:46:01.400> doe 2022 uh all of the stakeholders doe 2022 uh all of the stakeholders doe
• with stakeholders but also with<02:08:17.840> each<02:08:18.040> other<02:08:18.520>
• I think we had hearings in order to get that input as to whether there was individual pushback on aspects
• This is in response to a question about stakeholders: “the fact that there is no owner from the state
• This is in response to a question about stakeholders: “the fact that there is no owner from the state

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stakeholders have been involved in it from the beginning.
• governments and stakeholders who came to see us and then to see him as well.
• This almost landed with all the stakeholders. It did not.
• This almost landed with all the stakeholders. It did not.
• The discussions we're having with stakeholders today.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stakeholders have been involved in it from the beginning.
• But, you know, again, we'll... governments and stakeholders who came to see us and then to see him as
• This almost landed with all the stakeholders. It did not.
• “The discussions we’re having with stakeholders today.
• Senator Burton, Senator Harrell, thank you for your input throughout this process.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which was developed by the American Dental Association and the Council of State Governments with input
• For 18 months, CSG developed the language with stakeholders from the professions including the American
• What we're trying to improve on the bill by talking to stakeholders is to remove the terms residency
• and fellowship to address the stakeholders' concerns.
• There's a provision in there where we've had meetings with stakeholders that they, like I said, they

Bills: HB3000, HB2622, HB2283, HB541, HB1776, HB1803, HB1669, HB2588, HB220, HB3415, HB50, HB1314, HB 107, HB220, HB50, HB107

Keywords: ambulance service, rural healthcare, grants, financial assistance, qualified counties, mental health, patient transport, female attendants, security measures, healthcare regulation, epinephrine, anaphylaxis, health care, school safety, training, emergency response, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services

Transcript Highlights:

• complicated it can be to get a project started, uh, and come up with all the agreements and get all the stakeholders
• Stakeholders in place, so I really want to compliment you on the speed of doing that.
• With the executive session, there's no public input during an executive session without my consent.
• It really gives policymakers and the public, and other stakeholders, a detailed portrait of the housing
• It really gives policymakers and the public, and other stakeholders, a detailed portrait of the housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need insurers to stay in Minnesota, and we need to bring stakeholders together to identify real solutions
• and, uh, my reputation, I think, is a good one that I uh listen to everyone, take in all advice and input
• So we asked the stakeholders to work together to find a permanent solution in case more communities find
• the stakeholders to work together<01:31:30.639> to<01:31:30.800> find<01:31:30.960>
• <01:32:03.360> Chair, stakeholders. And with that, Mr. Chair, stakeholders.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MCA testing falls short of these goals, leading to decreased student engagement and utility for stakeholders
• that student engagement and participation rates will increase, opt-out rates will decrease, and stakeholders
• MCA testing falls short of these goals, leading to decreased student engagement and utility for stakeholders
• is for student engagement and participation rates to increase, opt-out rates to decrease, and stakeholders
• He said this creates a situation where educators, families, stakeholders, and policymakers cannot rely

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:41:32.000> We're submitted our written input. We're submitted our written input.
• > and<02:12:39.440> we're submitted our written input and we're submitted our written input
• Um, I don't think that's what the stakeholders believe is necessary at this time.
• Um, I don't think that's what the stakeholders believe is necessary at this time.
• We submit our written input. We're available to answer any of your questions.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use. Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date. Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.