Transcript Highlights:

• at 43% third grade literacy proficiency. at 43% third grade literacy proficiency.
• <00:22:10.240> party annually and this is by a third party annually and this is by a third
• c> currently<00:47:58.079> our Fourth grade reading is currently our Fourth grade reading
• :57.280> is Nationally, fourth grade reading is Nationally, fourth grade reading is still<00:48
• That said, academic grade reading.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a standard statement that I need to read regarding conduct in our hearings.
• California ranks near the bottom in the nation in reading and math.
• And third, adoption has changed. A crisis pregnancy.
• The way I read the bill, it was this would be once every four years.
• The way I read the bill, it was this would be once every four years.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to do 1566, malicious delay, President Peterson's bill second, and we're going to do 1571 third
• And are you going to read Ms. Holtz-Affel's statement?
• We have passed a special assessment of $3,500, nearly two-thirds less than the unlawful $11,500.
• Chairman, I'll just mention that my reading of the state constitution is a little bit different.
• of it Pima County we've got this legislature, virtually two-thirds of it.

Bills: SB1246, SB1338, SB1428, SB1443, SB1501, SB1566, SB1571, SB1645, SB1646, SB1663, SB1688, SB1805, SB1808, SB1825, SCR1023, SCR1029, HB2079, HB2080, HB2130, HB2239, HB2324, HB2375, HB2610, HB2619, HB2620, HB2716, HB2745, HB2749, HB2837, HB2857, HB2968, HB4064, HB4066, HB4087, HB4130, HCR2048, HCR2058

Keywords: homeowners associations, foreclosure, common expense liens, condominiums, special assessments, unit owner, public benefits, eligibility, immigration status, documentation, Arizona law, county governance, supervisorial board, population-based representation, local government, elections, noise pollution, environmental nuisances, building permits, urban development

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1825, which would shift precinct committeeman vacancy applications in certain cases from county party chairs to legislative district chairs and require the list of nominees to be submitted within five days. Supporters said the bill would streamline a bottlenecked process and better reflect local party leadership, while the County Supervisors Association said it had no issue with the basic structure but objected to the five-day deadline. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 5-0 vote, with two members not voting. The committee then considered SB 1566, a measure aimed at preventing municipalities, counties, the state, and state agencies from maliciously delaying permits or approvals, with enforcement by the Attorney General and civil penalties. After a strike-everything amendment narrowed the bill mainly to single-family residential construction and clarified terms, the sponsor and home builders argued it would deter intentional delays that increase housing costs, while one member raised concerns about breadth and public safety or planning issues. The amended bill passed 3-2, with two not voting. SB 1571, as amended, would bar monopoly utilities with a defined customer base from passing marketing, sponsorship, community relations, and similar costs through to ratepayers, and would require annual public reporting and an attestation that such costs were not passed on. Support came from the sponsor, the Home Builders Association, and environmental advocates, while a municipal power users representative warned the language could be too broad for small public utilities and emergency communications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then gave the bill a do pass as amended recommendation by a 4-2 vote, with one not voting. Later, the committee approved SB 1501, which expands the Administrative Rules Oversight Committee’s review authority to include whether agency rules or policies exceed statutory authority, and SB 1805, which requires county recorders to verify that a notary on a quitclaim deed is actively commissioned before recording the deed. It also passed SB 1808, as amended, to prohibit HOAs and condominium associations from banning flags of nations designated as major non-NATO allies, and SB 1688, as amended, to require certain membership associations receiving public dues support to disclose fees and allow opt-outs. SB 1246, as amended, increased the delinquency thresholds and time periods before HOA/condo foreclosure on common expense liens, and passed unanimously. Finally, SB 1428 was introduced to expand county boards of supervisors in larger counties, with debate focused on representation, cost, and the differing constitutional roles of counties and cities; the transcript cuts off before any final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And third, it clarifies provisions of the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act to ensure that..
• My reading of the hospitals' association objection was that it would be that you wouldn't be able to
• This is the third year that I personally have testified on this important measure.
• I understand the intent here and re-read the analysis.
• I re-read the analysis.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, AI, consumer protection, and public safety. AB 1979 would require a licensed health care professional to retain final clinical judgment when using AI tools in health care and would limit chatbot access to medical records; supporters, including nurses and TechEquity, said it preserves human decision-making, while hospitals and industry groups opposed it unless amended, citing burdens and training concerns. The bill passed 6-1 and was placed on call. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers and workers facing harassment and doxing; supporters described threats against advocates and their families, while one senator raised concerns about a private right of action and penalties. The bill passed 4-1 and was placed on call for further committees. AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program; supporters said it broadens civic participation and transparency, while concerns were raised about partisan balance in topic selection. It passed 6-0 and was placed on call to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2, which would set statutory damages and other financial accountability measures for large social media platforms when negligence causing harm to children is proven in court. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost her daughter and child-safety advocates, argued that stronger remedies are needed because social media design features are harming children and existing enforcement has been insufficient. Opponents, including TechNet, CCIA, CalChamber, and others, argued the bill blurs content and conduct, could increase litigation, and is unnecessary given existing lawsuits and verdicts. Several senators said the bill was a consumer-protection measure and supported it; it passed 5-0 and was placed on call. AB 883, as amended, would use California’s Delete Act/DROP system to help elected officials and judges remove personal information from data brokers, while also shortening the deletion timeline for all Californians from 45 to 30 days. Supporters said the bill responds to rising threats against public servants and improves privacy tools broadly; some opponents removed or softened opposition after amendments, though CalChamber and CCIA remained opposed unless amended, largely over the private right of action. The bill passed 4-0 and was placed on call. The committee then recessed briefly before taking up AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, parental controls, crisis-response measures, and limits on targeted ads and data sharing. Supporters said it builds on prior AI and child-safety legislation and is needed to prevent harms like self-harm and manipulation; opponents raised concerns about vague harm standards, audit requirements, and liability. The hearing continued with testimony and committee discussion, but no final vote on AB 2023 was shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee secretary will please read the items on consent.
• Third, we have switched to universal mail-in ballots using those outdated voter lists.
• Third, I'm sorry, fourth, we allow for ballot harvesting.
• Third, subjective signature verification.
• Again, third-world countries count their ballots by midnight.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we too rely on third-party services to provide reviews.
• Y'all heard a different bill by Chairman Harris who had third M.
• We all use third-party engineering out there and M.
• Scott Norman Jr.: On third party. I think the same argument is here.
• Committee Chair: If they go and get a third party, that third-party person has to approve those plans

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read the organization. The clerk will read the first<00:42:50.160> order.
• read the message. read the message.
• read the appointments. read the appointments.
• the clerk will read the bills. the clerk will read the bills.
• read the word and be comfort to you. read the word and be comfort to you.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened for the opening day of the 449th legislative session, with an invocation delivered by Reverend Amen Flowers and the prayer journalized without objection. The clerk then called the roll, establishing a quorum with 46 senators present and the Senate ready to conduct business. The first order of business was the election of a temporary presiding officer, followed by the election of the permanent presiding officer. Senator Ben Brooks nominated Senator Malcolm Augustine to serve as President Pro Tem, and Senator Karen Lewis Young seconded the nomination, both praising his policy knowledge, collaborative style, and ability to work across differences. The Senate then voted and elected Augustine as President Pro Tem, after which he was escorted to the rostrum and sworn in. Augustine thanked colleagues, his family, and the chamber, and said he looked forward to working through a challenging session together on behalf of Marylanders. The Senate next nominated and elected Senator William C. Ferguson IV as President of the Senate. Senator Charles Sydnor nominated him, and Senator Cory McCray seconded, describing Ferguson as an honest broker, steady leader, and compassionate presiding officer. Ferguson was elected with 46 affirmative votes, took the oath of office, and delivered extended remarks about the importance of federalism, the role of states in filling gaps left by the federal government, and the need for Maryland to lead through state-level action during a difficult political climate. He also thanked colleagues, staff, and his family, and emphasized that the session would require collaboration and focus on Marylanders' needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vigras, can you read it in? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Feigras, can you read it in? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Well, I have two cards to read.
• I don't think that's how to read it.
• We're reading a few cards. All right. We'll read in a few cards.

Bills: HB1163, HB1168, HR252, HR253, HCR103, HCR108, SB80, SB131, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB384, SB414, SB468, SB469, SB496

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of cards I needed to read in: Ms.
• Well, anyway, I'll read it to you. Okay.
• McArthur read into the record.
• I don't think that's how to read it.
• We're reading a few cards. All right. We'll read in a few cards.

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third thing is homes.
• and second reading of bills be read by number and short title only, and that all bills... ...the bills
• of business, third reading and final reading of bills, be read by number and title only.
• Introduction, first reading, and reference of bills.
• Introduction, first reading, and reference of bills.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened for the opening day of the second regular session of the 57th Legislature with prayer, presentation of colors, the pledge, and the national anthem, then recorded attendance and welcomed members and guests. Senate leadership reflected on the chamber’s prior session, emphasizing member-driven budgeting, committee authority, tax cuts, and a conservative agenda under divided government. The Senate also heard an opening-day address from Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller, who argued Arizona could reduce poverty by aligning education and workforce training with projected job growth, including expanded degree, online, apprenticeship, and technical programs, along with AI skills and neighborhood investment in west Phoenix. The body then handled organizational business. Members adopted a motion to simplify reading of bills and memorials, appointed a committee to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was organized, and received the House’s reciprocal notice that it was ready for business. Senators also introduced numerous guests, including family members, local officials, law enforcement leaders, education advocates, tribal leaders, and community representatives. Several members used their introductions to highlight policy interests such as victim rights, water, housing, public safety, education, and support for historic neighborhoods and tribal communities. The Senate adopted an amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature as amended. It also approved committee assignments for standing and statutory committees, including Appropriations, Education, Finance, Government, Military Affairs and Border Security, Natural Resources, Rules, Legislative Council, Legislative Audit, and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The chamber requested House consent to adjourn from January 15 to January 20, 2026, after completing its work. A long list of bills was introduced and assigned to committees, covering topics such as health care, education, public safety, elections, housing, water, immigration-related reporting, cryptocurrency, transportation, and other regulatory matters. The Senate then announced committee schedules and adjourned until January 14, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll read my story and you might understand more. My name is Dawn Marie Anderson.
• I'll read my story and you might understand more. My name is Dawn Marie Anderson.
• So on any denials, the third party is following up with the school district? Correct. Okay.
• It accounts for a third of our overall funding.
• And third, we are continuing our major initiatives, including the Mental Health Wellness Act, And third

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused first on behavioral health, especially hard-to-treat serious mental illness through the lens of anosognosia, and the impact of potential federal Medi-Cal reductions under H.R. 1. A family member, Dawn Marie Anderson, described her son’s long cycle of psychosis, homelessness, arrests, jail-based stabilization, and repeated relapse when treatment ended, arguing that anosognosia is a symptom of illness rather than refusal of care. She and other witnesses urged more consistent, long-term treatment, family involvement, medication support, and stronger county and state coordination. County and provider representatives said the current system still relies too heavily on crisis response and leaves people with serious mental illness falling through gaps between managed care, county specialty care, housing, and justice systems. Testimony from the California Behavioral Health Association, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health, and the County Behavioral Health Directors Association emphasized that people with anosognosia often cannot self-navigate care, making a “no wrong door” system essential. They said H.R. 1 could destabilize coverage and shift costs to counties, while existing private insurance coverage is inadequate for early psychosis and related services. Witnesses highlighted CalAIM, jail in-reach, assertive community treatment, mobile crisis, supportive housing, and LEAP-style family training as promising tools, but said counties still need more resources and that the state should strengthen both Medi-Cal and private insurance behavioral health coverage. A public commenter from Lake County said private insurers denied most claims, especially for unlicensed staff providing case management and mobile crisis services. The committee then heard an update on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, including the virtual services platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna and the CYBHI fee schedule program. DHCS reported strong growth in app registrations, coaching sessions, referrals, and positive user outcomes, and said the platforms are serving children and youth statewide, including many who had never previously accessed care. For the fee schedule, DHCS said 72% of school districts and 50 of 58 county offices of education are participating across six cohorts, with $9.6 million reimbursed to date and 41,556 students represented in claims. Members pressed the department on the program’s roughly $69.3 million administrative cost, the slow pace of reimbursement relative to the investment, and the late delivery of requested data. DHCS responded that many claims are still being submitted, most denials are correctable, and local implementation is still scaling up through technical assistance and capacity grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• March 19, 2026, will be read by the clerk.
• March 19th, 2026 will be read by the clerk.
• on third reading of bills for today.
• Third reading of bills: H.R. 2007. H.R. 2007, a resolution on the death of Sheila Mattox.
• The clerk read the report. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the March 18, 2026 journal, and recognition of Doctor of the Day Dr. Bradley Butler, an Arizona emergency physician and Navy Reserve captain. Members also introduced visiting carpenters, local officials from Show Low, World Down Syndrome Day advocates, and Giffords Courage Fellows. The House read and adopted a proclamation designating March 19, 2026 as ALS Awareness Day, with remarks from Representative Selina Bliss and testimony from ALS patients and advocates about the disease’s impact and the need for research, care, and support. The House then adopted House Resolution 2007 honoring Sheila “Ginger” Mattox, with family and friends present and members speaking about her community service and problem-solving work in Phoenix’s FQ Story neighborhood. The resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber also announced committee assignments and received Senate messages listing several bills on first and second reading. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2680, which received a Commerce Committee amendment and a floor amendment before being recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred HB 2680 to engrossing. Later, HB 1004 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and additionally referred to Judiciary. The House recessed, made several announcements, and then adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, of course, I'm sure you all will have a lot to read this session.
• It represents about a third of our total revenues.
• Am I reading that correctly, Mr. Chair? Mr.
• Excited that you're reading. I don't know, you might be the only one.
• How do we get better results for third graders' reading scores? We'll review the inventory.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have reading glasses on. I guess they don't work. Okay, wave and support.
• So currently, students have support from kindergarten to third grade.
• I'm talking about math coaches, reading coaches.
• We have reading coaches. We have, in my district, ESE support for resource.
• But we do have reading coaches, we have math coaches.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two bills. The first, PCS for HB 1565, would expand permitted purchases under the Personalized Education Program scholarship to include digital devices, clarify statutory terms, and distinguish between parent-directed part-time programs and full-time instructor-led programs. Rep. Hinson questioned oversight and misuse safeguards, while the sponsor said existing statutory and SFO oversight already applies. Public testimony included support from the James Madison Institute, and the bill was reported favorably by a 12-1 vote. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1483, the SCORE Act, which would gradually align Florida’s school grading scale with the familiar A-F scale used for students over a 10-year transition. The sponsor argued that current school grades are inflated and confusing to parents, and said the bill would also expand early support identification from pre-K through 8th grade. Members raised concerns about the impact on public and charter schools, low-income communities, teacher workload, resources, property values, and whether the bill should be paired with funding and professional development. Public testimony included an ESE teacher asking about funding and class size, one opponent from Orange County teachers, and a proponent from Florida Citizens Alliance. After extensive debate, the committee voted 12-5 to report PCS for HB 1483 favorably. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and accountability for parents and create pressure to raise standards, while opponents warned it could sharply increase lower-rated schools without sufficient resources and could mislead the public about school performance during the transition.

Transcript Highlights:

• read.
• read.
• read.
• read.
• and you can read read the rest of that. and you can read read the rest of that.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The reader will read the report. Mr.
• Third reading of bills. The reader will read the bill, please. Bill, please. Senate Bill 116.
• You've heard the third reading of Senate Bill 1106. All those in favor vote aye.
• I rise to read a proclamation. Go ahead. Thank you, members, for sticking it out.
• Placed under second reading of bills. Reference of bills.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and routine journal and guest items, then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. The main substantive item was SB 1106, a tax conformity bill tied to federal tax changes. Senators debated it extensively, with supporters arguing it would provide tax relief, certainty for taxpayers filing returns, and pro-growth benefits for workers and businesses, while opponents said it would reduce state revenue, favor wealthier taxpayers and corporations, and should be handled in broader budget negotiations. Several senators also objected to provisions they said were added late, including child care, senior deductions, and education-related tax credit language. The bill was ultimately passed in open session by a vote of 17 ayes, 12 nays, and 1 not voting, and was transmitted to the governor. After SB 1106, the chamber adopted the Committee of the Whole report and then heard a proclamation in support of law enforcement, read by Senator Bolick and signed by Senate leadership. The proclamation cited officer safety, assaults, fatalities, and mental health concerns, and called for continued support, equipment, training, and resources for law enforcement. Senators spoke in favor of honoring police and “backing the blue.” The Senate also handled routine floor business, including a message from the House, transmission of SB 1106 to the governor, and a long list of first-reading bill introductions and committee references covering topics such as public safety, health and human services, education, finance, elections, immigration, border issues, and appropriations. The meeting concluded with committee announcements and adjournment until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:07.279> The interesting read. Um, let's see. The interesting read. Um, let's see.
• > your you read that on your you read that on your own.<00:30:10.559> And<00:30:10.799>
• might hire a third party investigator. might hire a third party investigator.
• We to a law firm and read the report.
• You did you read the letter question.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• UNFORTUNATELY, AIRPORTS LIKE YOUR VERY OWN HERE IN TALLAHASSEE HAVE STARTED IMPLEMENTING THIS THIRD PARTY
• THE DATA IS THEN SENT FROM THE AIRPORT TO VECTOR AND VECTOR ACTS AS A THIRD PARTY BILLING SERVICE IN
• THE MAJOR CONCERN HERE IS THE WAY THE BILL READS. IT ENCOMPASSES ALL FEES NOT JUST LANDING FEES.
• THIS IS JUST A THIRD THIRD PARTY EXTRA STUFF WHICH WILL TELL PILES TO TURN OFF THE ADSB SO THEY DON'T
• Chaney: IF THERE IS A MAJOR ROADWAY EXCEEDING 35 MILES PER HOUR AS THE BILL SAYS THE WAY I READ IT IS

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a third-year environmental studies pre-law scholar at FAMU, and I'm here on behalf of Jen Cleo.
• Florida is the third-largest producer of solar energy in the nation.
• Florida is the third largest producer of solar energy in the nation.
• So when we talk about energy burden and we see that people are paying sometimes over a third of their
• But if you're going to hide the ball from a member of the upper chamber of the third largest state in

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, without any objection, we will dispense with reading of the names of all the members of the
• on the same day a bill is reported from committee without the necessity of a two-thirds vote, allowing
• a bill to have its second reading and final passage one day after its first reading, and allowing a
• After second reading, unless the majority or minority leader provides notice of intent to reconsider.
• the approval of Legislative Management, and the second is bills approved for introduction by a two-thirds

Bills: HB1621, HB1624, HB1623, HB1622, HB1625, HB1626, HB1627, HCR3038

Keywords: presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards

Summary: The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of communications from the Secretary of State and Governor Kelly Armstrong certifying the special session call. The governor’s executive order said the session was called to act on funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program so the state could accept and appropriate federal funds and avoid interruptions to government services. Three new members, Representatives McNally, Scraw, and Timmons, were sworn in, and the roll showed 91 members present, establishing a quorum. The main business was a Rules Committee report outlining temporary special-session rules. The changes were designed to speed up floor action, including allowing second reading the same day a bill is reported from committee, final passage one day after first reading, and immediate transmission to the other chamber unless reconsideration is noticed. The report also replaced the regular standing committee structure with two joint committees: Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy, allowed remote testimony and remote member participation with approval, and limited bill introduction to Legislative Management-approved bills or bills approved by a two-thirds vote. Several deadline changes for resolutions and bill filing were also described, with some provisions delayed until the special session ends. The House adopted the Rules Committee report after a motion by Representative Bosch and no opposition. During announcements, the clerk listed the membership of the Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy committees, and the Highway Patrol announced safety sessions for legislators in the Rough Rider Room at 11 a.m. that day and the next day. The House then recessed until the joint session scheduled for 10 a.m. the following day.