Transcript Highlights:

• It's shorter and it's about 30 minutes faster than sitting in Baton Rouge traffic.
• Chairman, committee members, so last year, the legislature passed the Kids' Online Protection and Anti-Grooming
• with the legal definition of material harmful to minors to be consistent with our other online protection
• Paxton*, and the Supreme Court ruled there is no protected speech when it comes to minors and material

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The Civil Law and Procedure Committee met on March 10, 2026, with a quorum present. At the outset, HB 292 and HB 437 were voluntarily deferred at the request of the authors. The committee then heard HB 112, which clarifies how the 75-mile distance for child relocation is measured. Representative Behan and witness Claire Jacobs argued the bill would reduce ambiguity and avoid costly custody litigation. The committee reported HB 112 favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 190, which establishes a standard of reasonable care for certain software and computer programs, especially interactive digital products. Representative Schlegel and Louisiana State Law Institute witnesses explained the bill was developed after prior work on digital products liability and is intended to impose a negligence-style duty of reasonable care without resolving breach, causation, damages, or constitutional issues. Members asked about the meaning of “person,” vicarious liability, the scope of the duty, and how the bill relates to content moderation and Section 230. The bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 410, dealing with recording in direct in-person conversations, was voluntarily deferred by the chair after the author said an amendment would clarify that notice, not consent, would be required. HB 427, which revises the duty of care for online platforms that contract with minors and aligns definitions with existing Louisiana law on harmful material to minors, was then heard and reported favorably without objection. Finally, HB 78 increased the civil jurisdictional limit of the Bogalusa city court from $25,000 to $50,000; the author said local stakeholders supported the change, and the committee reported it favorably without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chamblas regarding consumer protection. Chamblas regarding consumer protection.
• On page 11, Senate Bill protection. On page 11, Senate Bill protection.
• I got that 5:00 traffic. So, I got to get off of I 5:00 traffic.
• Oh, for our protection. And then they Oh, for our protection. And then they Oh, for our protection.
• us but they protect the protect us but they protect the protect us but they protect the world. world

Bills: SJR 4 , SJR 40 , SJR 81 , SCR 37 , SCR 39 , SB 22 , SB 32 , SB 33 , SB 36 , SB 38 , SB 95 , SB 209 , SB 249 , SB 311 , SB 326 , SB 365 , SB 458 , SB 609 , SB 660 , SB 664 , SB 693 , SB 732 , SB 745 , SB 760 , SB 762 , SB 779 , SB 783 , SB 785 , SB 868 , SB 871 , SB 883 , SB 921 , SB 955 , SB 993 , SB 996 , SB 1008 , SB 1057 , SB 1067 , SB 1151 , SB 1171 , SB 1210 , SB 1255 , SB 1265 , SB 1267 , SB 1271 , SB 1307 , SB 1313 , SB 1316 , SB 1318 , SB 1321 , SB 1332 , SB 1365 , SB 1426 , SB 1470 , SB 1484 , SB 1494 , SB 1559 , SB 1592 , SB 1596 , SB 1598 , SB 1637 , SB 1677 , SB 1706 , SB 1758 , SB 1762 , SB 1786 , SB 1809 , SB 1818 , SB 1822 , SB 1841 , SB 1871 , SB 1967 , SB 2064 , SB 2077 , SB 2112 , SB 2148 , SB 2320 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SJR 36 , SJR 81 , SJR 50 , SJR 4 , SJR 40 , SJR 27 , SCR 22 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 38 , SCR 37 , SB 921 , SB 609 , SB 660 , SB 765 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 888 , SB 687 , SB 847 , SB 1248 , SB 504 , SB 305 , SB 296 , SB 284 , SB 304 , SB 1023 , SB 204 , SB 670 , SB 850 , SB 854 , SB 413 , SB 1346 , SB 1033 , SB 1220 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1539 , SB 447 , SB 1119 , SB 1505 , SB 1215 , SB 1302 , SB 583 , SB 673 , SB 681 , SB 1172 , SB 955 , SB 957 , SB 541 , SB 266 , SB 1415 , SB 53 , SB 1352 , SB 785 , SB 1450 , SB 1502 , SB 1566 , SB 1062 , SB 711 , SB 746 , SB 1404 , SB 1448 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1355 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1596 , SB 1403 , SB 667 , SB 1059 , SB 1567 , SB 310 , SB 311 , SB 505 , SB 1210 , SB 1470 , SB 264 , SB 1358 , SB 1364 , SB 1569 , SB 1376 , SB 1228 , SB 519 , SB 1350 , SB 462 , SB 827 , SB 1585 , SB 1484 , SB 1273 , SB 927 , SB 1227 , SB 1229 , SB 1353 , SB 1464 , SB 1709 , SB 1729 , SB 1733 , SB 1744 , SB 1772 , SB 1841 , SB 1008 , SB 2016 , SB 1173 , SB 1163 , SB 996 , SB 1370 , SB 1321 , SB 1101 , SB 860 , SB 993 , SB 693 , SB 1537 , SB 1332 , SB 1307 , SB 963 , SB 493 , SB 984 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 455 , SB 522 , SB 1057 , SB 1239 , SB 1254 , SB 1255 , SB 1259 , SB 1341 , SB 1877 , SB 1277 , SB 32 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 268 , SB 1822 , SB 1589 , SB 397 , SB 1058 , SB 1267 , SB 2112 , SB 1930 , SB 532 , SB 508 , SB 292 , SB 291 , SB 901 , SB 1333 , SB 1436 , SB 1494 , SB 964 , SB 779 , SB 1378 , SB 2312 , SB 1719 , SB 287 , SB 2143 , SB 1245 , SB 261 , SB 1247 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SB 1882 , SB 618 , SB 38 , SB 393 , SB 1371 , SB 1365 , SB 2243 , SB 2226 , SB 2039 , SB 1919 , SB 1895 , SB 1598 , SB 1493 , SB 1810 , SB 1791 , SB 1706 , SB 1644 , SB 1238 , SB 783 , SB 458 , SB 22 , SB 651 , SB 897 , SB 1809 , SB 1080 , SB 745 , SB 826 , SB 989 , SB 1320 , SB 1437 , SB 2320 , SB 2289 , SB 1171 , SB 664 , SB 1637 , SB 2064 , SB 868 , SB 1079 , SB 1243 , SB 1504 , SB 1851 , SB 1879 , SB 2237 , SB 1257 , SB 2034 , SB 1522 , SB 883 , SB 249 , SB 1318 , SB 1151 , SB 596 , SB 1191 , SB 226 , SB 570 , SB 870 , SB 991 , SB 60 , SB 365 , SB 1067 , SB 1786 , SB 326 , SB 1401 , SB 1592 , SB 1728 , SB 1265 , SB 586 , SB 529 , SB 217 , SB 209 , SB 1923 , SB 1559 , SB 1839 , SB 387 , SB 1874 , SB 1872 , SB 1873 , SB 1921 , SB 1883 , SB 1677 , SB 95 , SB 1620 , SB 1838 , SB 2024 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 2166 , SB 871 , SB 510 , SB 33 , SB 2420 , SB 1860 , SB 1541 , SB 1316 , SB 1314 , SB 1313 , SB 1426 , SB 1398 , SB 1869 , SB 1750 , SB 1871 , SB 36 , SB 855 , SB 1233 , SB 760 , SB 2425 , SB 2037 , SB 1758 , SB 1759 , SB 2365 , SB 1924 , SB 762 , SB 1271 , SB 1818 , SB 605 , SB 1405 , SB 1762 , SB 1968 , SB 1977 , SB 2077 , SB 2148 , SB 2321 , SB 1967 , SB 1662 , SB 1663 , SB 2124 , SB 2204 , SB 1855 , SB 863 , SB 37 , SJR 39 , SCR 1 , SCR 27 , SCR 32 , SCR 42 , SCR 6 , SB 2232 , SB 819 , SB 2078 , SB 2252 , SB 1962 , SB 2253 , SB 825 , SB 1577 , SB 1184 , SB 2018 , SB 2206 , SB 1901 , SB 1030 , SB 2368 , SB 1963 , SB 1960 , SB 1643 , SB 1625 , SB 1299 , SB 841 , SB 668 , SB 584 , SB 231 , SB 2411 , SB 1085 , SB 2431 , SB 2231 , SB 1490 , SB 530 , SB 34 , SB 1261 , SJR 81 , SB 32 , SB 458 , SB 664 , SB 693 , SB 868 , SB 1008 , SB 1267 , SB 1307 , SB 1321 , SB 1484 , SB 1637 , SB 1809 , SB 1822 , SB 2064 , SB 2112 , SB 2320 , SB 2406 , SB 2407 , SB 609 , SB 660 , SB 921 , SB 779 , SB 1470 , SR 388 , SB 3042 , SB 440 , SB 2876 , SB 3042 , SB 440 , SB 2876

Transcript Highlights:

• We must protect the West and all it represents.
• protections back.
• ROLLING THOSE PROTECTIONS BACK.
• WHEN PROTECTION FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE WORKERS ARE STRIPPED AWAY, THE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE When protections
• Under this administration, we have seen an unprecedented attack on our unions and worker protections—protections

Transcript Highlights:

• It also includes that a violation of a UTV section is a non-criminal traffic violation, punishable as
• This bill allows us to protect our most vulnerable population while still protecting due process.
• This bill allows us to protect our most vulnerable population while still protecting due process.
• We truly believe that the police officers, they protect our communities and us.
• And we want to protect law enforcement. And we want to fund law enforcement.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care. The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Bennett was placed in the Assembly's Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
• These devices, ...rules, traffic enforcement, and even law enforcement itself.
• It's about protection. This bill is about fairness.
• We must protect these trade ecosystems because when ports struggle,...
• We protect the truth of our past, and we give strength to those fighting for their future.

Summary: The Assembly met after initially lacking a quorum, then proceeded with prayers, the pledge, journal approval, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions. The chamber honored the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows and the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and members also recognized guests including Brad Webb, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, UC President J.B. Milliken, and the Rohnert Park Cal Ripken All-Star team. Several ceremonial resolutions were then taken up, including ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, and H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month; both drew extensive floor remarks about cultural pride, immigrant stories, and community representation before being adopted. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of Highway 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and approved a series of concurrence items with Senate amendments, including AB 359 on political reform, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices, AB 1286 on future employment disclosure for public officials, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AB 359, AB 594, AB 1085, AB 1286, and AB 1505 all passed on roll calls with no opposition recorded. The chamber also adopted HR 50, proclaiming November 25, 2025 as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, after testimony emphasizing the prevalence of gender-based violence and the need for survivor support and prevention. Two major joint resolutions generated substantial debate. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the impact of tariffs on California ports; supporters argued tariffs were harming cargo volumes, jobs, and supply chains, while an opponent said trade negotiations should be left to the federal government. The resolution passed by roll call, 44-1. AJR 17 urged Congress to modernize immigration law and create a pathway to lawful permanent status for long-term undocumented residents; supporters framed it as a humane and economically necessary response to an outdated system, while the debate highlighted family separation, labor contributions, and fears of deportation. AJR 17 passed 47-7. The Assembly also adopted ACR 108 recognizing Sacramento County’s 175th anniversary, and began consideration of ACR 11 on Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day, with the author and a veteran member describing the prevalence and harms of MST and the need for trauma-informed support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, but I sure ran for office because I wanted to protect the most vulnerable amongst us and the
• Because protecting life shouldn't stop at words.
• Because protecting life shouldn't stop at work. whose lives will never be the same.
• Because protecting life shouldn't stop at words.
• This legislation relates to protection of employees and standards for heat illness prevention.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Davis, you are recognized to explain Senate Bill 152 on protection of surgical smoke.
• We humbly ask for your support to protect over 500,000 patients and health care workers from surgical
• We humbly ask for your support to protect a for nurses considering a career in the operating room.
• No mask provides 100% protection.
• Sorry for a little bit of air traffic control.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services first heard and adopted the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget for the committee, which was presented as a $1.8 billion increase over the current base budget. The budget emphasized Medicaid and KidCare funding, IT modernization, workforce reductions tied to unfilled or augmented positions, provider rate increases, mental health and substance use funding, opioid treatment, elder care, veterans’ services, cancer research, and school nurse staffing. The committee approved technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal for submission to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then considered several bills, most of which were reported favorably. SB 152 on surgical smoke required hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt smoke evacuation policies; it drew strong support from nurses and other health care workers describing workplace and patient safety risks. CS/SB 958 on early detection of type 1 diabetes required the Department of Health to develop informational materials for schools and, by amendment, early learning coalitions. CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing homes required consumer satisfaction surveys, patient safety culture surveys, reporting to the health information exchange, financial reporting penalties, and Medicaid quality incentive reporting; an amendment exempted state-operated homes, including veterans’ facilities, and directed a study of quality incentive systems. CS/SB 738 updated and streamlined child care regulation, and CS/SB 1356 created the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at Florida State University and a related pediatric rare disease screening pilot. The committee also passed SB 1370, which reorganized ambulatory surgical centers into their own statutory framework, with testimony emphasizing their lower costs compared with hospitals. Finally, the committee considered CS/CS/SB 1626 on child welfare and related issues. After adopting multiple amendments that removed references to unaccompanied alien children and special immigrant visas, changed language on child abuse definitions, and required DCF to set room-and-board rates by methodology rather than fee schedule, the bill was explained as strengthening child welfare protections, codifying military-family coordination, improving domestic violence shelter certification, adjusting children’s services council appointments, clarifying missing-child procedures, and updating licensing and compliance provisions. The bill drew both support and opposition, particularly over missing-child jurisdiction and immigration-related concerns, and was ultimately reported favorably. A final motion to record a vote on SB 958 was also adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Training Fund is derived from a $15 court fee for felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, or any minor traffic
• , conservation, or ordinance violation, as well as a portion of all civil fees and court fees on traffic
• The Brand Inspection Division provides protection to the livestock industry from losses by theft and

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee reviewed the Idaho State Police budget, including the Division of Idaho State Police, POST Academy, and the Brand Inspection Division. Legislative analyst Noah Peterson outlined funding sources, staffing levels, recent budget enhancements, and the fiscal year 2027 requests. For the state police division, the main new request was a $12.6 million commissioned officer pay plan tied to a proposed increase in the vehicle registration “project choice” fee from $3 to $12, along with a $500,000 federal grant increase for commercial vehicle safety, a $551,500 mobile live-scan pilot, and $3.2 million in replacement items. Peterson and Colonel Gardner explained that the pay plan is intended to make ISP compensation more competitive and to fund base pay in a way that allows future CEC increases to apply to the full salary rather than only part of it. Colonel Gardner gave extensive testimony on staffing shortages, vacancy patterns in districts such as Lewiston and Idaho Falls, and the difficulty of retaining trained troopers after three to five years when other agencies offer higher pay. He said the agency is using overtime, reduced travel, and strategic deployment to cover gaps, but warned that vacancies are affecting public safety and that the proposed pay plan is needed to stabilize staffing. Committee members questioned the size of the fee increase, the sustainability of the plan, and the effect on trooper pay. Gardner said the request was based on what is needed to sustain the plan for about 10 years and emphasized that commissioned officers and troopers are the same group in this context. The committee also heard that a trooper injured in a fentanyl seizure the day before was receiving medical evaluation, and members expressed support for ISP personnel. The committee then reviewed POST, where Peterson said the academy has 31 FTP and no ongoing fiscal year 2027 enhancement requests beyond $324,100 for replacement items. Administrator Brad Johnson explained that POST’s basic academy costs about $10,700 per student for a 14-week course, while ISP’s internal trooper training and first-year costs are much higher because they include equipment, wages, room and board, and other expenses. He said students sign a two-year repayment agreement if they leave the profession after training. Members asked about agency-run academies, college programs, and whether the training model could be extended, and Johnson said POST remains the only accredited academy in Idaho and has received top national accreditation scores. Finally, the Brand Inspection Division budget was reviewed. Peterson said the division is funded by the State Brand Board Fund and has no new ongoing requests for fiscal year 2027, only $288,100 in replacement items, including six trucks and computer equipment. Brand Inspector Cody Burlisle said most inspectors are POST-certified and perform both regulatory inspections and law-enforcement duties. Committee members praised the division for keeping vehicles in service for high mileage and for helping livestock producers during gathers and inspections. The meeting ended with instructions for members to attend work groups and a reminder that votes on transfers, rescissions, and reductions would occur later in the week, followed by adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• One, do you know if this program account is structured so it's protected, so these funds can only be
• But in many of our county's space is limited and they're set up very much for the amount of traffic that
• So there's... ...set up very much for the amount of traffic that they get now.

Bills: HB1607 , HB2159 , HB2441 , HB2521 , HB2531 , HB2543

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: recycling, waste reduction, environmental policy, sustainability, municipal regulations, preK, education funding, childcare, youth development, state budget, HB 2441, line of duty death, survivor benefits, medical insurance premium reimbursement, surviving spouse, domestic partner, dependent children, public employee death benefits, retirement system, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• have done everything possible to make sure that we did put those safeguards in place so that we can protect
• disastrous fires, and a number of things continue to plague the L.A. restaurant community in terms of foot traffic
• All of this has driven foot traffic down.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The committee met without quorum for much of the hearing and heard testimony on a series of bills, mostly on business, alcohol licensing, transparency, and public health. AB 342 by Haney would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with 4 a.m. last call on Fridays, Saturdays, and state holidays; supporters argued it would help tourism, nightlife, conventions, and major events, while opponents warned it would weaken California’s 2 a.m. statewide last-call standard and create public safety risks. AB 684 by Patel would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and inclusive. AB 1008 by Addis would add up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to reflect tourism growth, and AB 1039 by Hart would require state agencies to offer nonprofits up to 25% advance payment on new grants and contracts; both drew support from local officials and nonprofit advocates. AB 221 by Ramos would streamline the Tribal Nations Grant Fund to provide equal annual grants to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and AB 795 by Jeff Gonzalez would create a commission to plan California’s participation in the nation’s 250th anniversary, with supporters emphasizing civic engagement and fiscal safeguards. AB 28 by Mark Gonzalez would authorize additional neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce secondary-market costs and support restaurants, AB 1246 by Hoover would raise craft distiller sales limits and address brandy barrel storage, AB 1428 by Ta would expand reporting of surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 by Ortega would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies; each received supportive testimony, with AB 957 backed by health and pharmacy groups and no opposition. Several measures were voted out to Appropriations, some on consent, and the committee later recorded roll-call votes after quorum was established, with AB 957 receiving one no vote and the other bills advancing with broad support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Verizon's tower is often overloaded with traffic.
• We have a child protection bill that we've devised.
• We have a child protection bill that we've devised.
• We protect our own banking system.
• We really need to protect our people and our companies.

Committee: Joint Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Why is there a greater emphasis on protecting the rights of a rapist's victim?
• This approach does not serve to protect children.
• In 2024, 57% of Florida voters supported Amendment 4 to protect abortion access.
• It deserves—the child deserves the protections of our laws.
• And they deserve—the children deserve the protection. Is precious.

Bills: S0164 , S0656 , S0892

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from Miami-Dade State Attorney Catherine Fernandez-Rundle on human trafficking, describing Florida’s high victim counts, the role of online recruitment, common victim and trafficker profiles, and several case examples involving sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and interstate trafficking. She highlighted Miami-Dade’s task force model, partnerships with law enforcement, schools, businesses, and shelters such as Camillus House’s Project Phoenix and the Thrive Clinic, and said the office relies heavily on technology, training, and victim-centered prosecution. Members asked about school-based trafficking, warning signs, social media platforms, and information-sharing about offenders across states; Fernandez-Rundle said more training and better interstate communication are still needed. The committee then took up CS for SB 656, which would codify FDLE’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Funding Program and rename/expand the online sting operations grant program to better support investigations, training, technology, and personnel. The bill was supported as a timely tool to combat online child exploitation and was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee also passed SB 892, which streamlines sentencing procedures for habitual felony offenders and related violent offender designations by clarifying notice and clemency-related paperwork requirements; it too was reported favorably unanimously. The remainder of the meeting focused on SB 164, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child. The sponsor said the bill is intended to recognize unborn children in civil law and allow recovery when a pregnancy is lost due to another’s negligence. Opponents from the ACLU, reproductive rights groups, medical insurers, and domestic violence advocates argued the bill is overly broad, could function as fetal personhood legislation, and could expose doctors, friends, family members, businesses, and abusive partners to lawsuits while chilling medical care, IVF, and pregnancy-related treatment. Supporters from pro-life organizations urged broader language and stronger protections for unborn children. No vote on SB 164 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will just say when it comes to paint, paint is a protective system not only for noise walls but for
• system not only for noise a protective system not only for noise walls<00:10:51.440><c> but</c><00:10
• Deficient bridges, crumbling pavements, and traffic congestion all cost businesses real money as they
• Deficient bridges, crumbling pavements, and traffic congestion all cost businesses real money as they
• congestion all cost businesses traffic congestion all cost businesses real<00:38:06.960><c> money</c

Bills: HF5

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Ratepayer Protection Act.
• You know, we do protect our children in all different ways.
• You know, we do protect our children in all different ways.
• All of that's about the battle for AI and protecting us.
• Second, data protection.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It seemed like that's a great space as far as traffic is concerned, and visibility, and obviously it's
• And, of course, with a high-traffic area, regardless of which direction you come from, if you go around

Transcript Highlights:

• community has grown in population, the pressure on the other ways across the Arkansas has, you know, the traffic
• community has grown in population, the pressure on the other ways across the Arkansas has, you know, the traffic

Bills: HB3443 , HB2123 , HB3757 , HB2445

Committee: House Transportation

Summary: The committee took up several transportation-related bills. House Bill 2123, as amended, would change an existing statute authorizing the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to build a bridge crossing the Arkansas River between Tulsa and Bixby by removing self-sufficiency language. Representative Tedford said the bridge has been contemplated for decades, that traffic and safety concerns have increased as the area has grown, and that local, state, and federal officials discussed the project and potential funding for connector roads. Members asked about fiscal impact and funding sources; Tedford said there was no appropriations fiscal impact and that local governments and possible federal dollars could help with connector roads. The bill passed 10-1. House Bill 3757, as amended, would extend the time before the Turnpike Authority’s authorization sunsets, changing the construction deadline from five years to seven years. Representative Wilk said the bill was intended to give the project more time to begin construction. A member raised a question about what happens if bonds are already issued before the deadline, but no answer was provided. The bill passed 7-4. House Bill 2445, with a PCS adopted, would extend the work of the Route 66 Centennial Commission and continue state efforts tied to the Route 66 centennial beyond the initial celebration period. Representative Hill said the goal was to preserve and build on investments already made along Route 66, including signage and related improvements, and to continue that work for the next 100 years. Members discussed maintenance and ongoing investment in the corridor. The bill passed 10-0. The committee also reported one earlier bill out of committee by a 10-0 vote before moving to HB 2123.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it established protections against algorithmic discrimination.
• You know, we do protect our children in all different ways.
• You know, we do protect our children in all different ways.
• All of that's about the battle for AI and protecting us.
• Second, data protection.

Committee: Joint Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• For people like me that are in recovery for 36 years, these kinds of bills really help protect us in
• The Blue Envelope Program creates a blue envelope to support effective communication during traffic stops
• This training saves lives and it protects officers and individuals with autism. Thank you.
• This training saves lives and it protects officers and individuals with autism. Thank you.
• This training saves lives and it protects officers and individuals with autism. Thank you.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and reported several bills favorably. SB 646, by President Gates, would allow the use of drug testing tools such as test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants like fentanyl and xylazine; it was supported by Senator Osgood and others who said it could help prevent overdose deaths, and it passed unanimously. SB 418, by Senator Jones, creates autism-focused law enforcement training and a voluntary Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it drew strong support from Disability Rights Florida, parents, advocates, and committee members, who emphasized safety, communication, and de-escalation, and it also passed unanimously after extensive testimony.\n\nThe committee then considered SB 132, by Senator Polsky, which would require the Florida Commission on Offender Review to maintain a public database to help people determine whether they have completed the requirements for restoration of voting rights. An amendment making the database subject to legislative appropriation was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1734, by Senator Martin, would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law, extend training and certification standards, and provide officer-level benefits and protections; it passed without opposition.\n\nFinally, the committee took up SB 820, by Senator Bradley, on problem-solving court reports. A strike-all amendment expanded annual reporting requirements for specialty courts, set a January 31 reporting deadline, and phased in the new data collection. After support from the State Courts Administrator and others, the amendment and the bill as amended were adopted and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As policymakers, we have a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
• ><c> advocacy</c><03:49:28.800><c> program</c> state protection and advocacy program state protection
• We need to protect forward.
• </c> reduce traffic, and hasten our commutes. reduce traffic, and hasten our commutes.
• </c> protections that allowed me to be here. protections that allowed me to be here.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also protect those providing lifesaving measures under the good Samaritans up and ready to read
• We take a crucial step towards ending human trafficking and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.
• But this training is not just about protecting individual children.
• Let us work together to protect our children and power our educators and staff and create a safer future
• So this is certainly to raise awareness and protect our children.