Transcript Highlights:

• forward and happy to answer any questions that incredibly brief explanation of of the amendment was bar code
• That's a that's the bill. >> Thank you, Senator Avila, let the record reflect this is amendment bar code
• facility as a hazard walking condition, limited access facilities or those roads for the owners or occupants
• But without objection, we're shortages that Sir. >> Bar code 3, 8, 5, 3, 1, 6, by Senator Calatayud.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the maximum occupancy of the Capitol building? The maximum occupancy?
• It was not actually coded in the governor's recommendation. That is correct.
• The Capitol building and its occupancy load falls under special occupancy.
• There are different structures in the fire code. Assembly is a special occupancy.
• The Jefferson City Fire Department does not carry an occupancy load limit on this building, and much

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an amendment that's bar code number 941, Chair: 889.
• And I do see an Amendment Chairman: bar code number 718509.
• Chair: You are recognized to explain the strike-all Amendment bar code number 873707.
• Chair: Bar code number 897687. You're recognized to explain the amendment.
• I don't want to be Texas. We ought to be better than Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• to include the latest energy code.
• that then they've been updating the code that then they've been updating the code in<04:21:22.800
• <04:24:42.560> have And I think that the energy codes have And I think that the energy codes
• correct that uh that the this this code correct that uh that the this this code impacts<04:25:18.720
• The state of New Hampshire does have an energy code. It's just the 2018 energy code.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also developed the QR code. I'll show you that towards the end.
• This is exactly what we saw in Texas and Arizona. In Texas,...
• I just wanted to know the outcome of the case in Texas and Arizona.
• The Texas bill that we heard about, that's about their abortion laws.
• That is how Texas has decided to enforce their abortion laws.

Bills: S0164, S0656, S0892

Keywords: wrongful death, unborn child, civil liability, medical provider, parental rights, habitual felony offenders, violent crimes, enhanced penalties, criminal justice, recidivism

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:

• In fact, I'll note that it's already embodied in Penal Code Section 1473.5.
• A hug should not depend on the zip code of where a child is detained.
• She then asked whether there is already a Penal Code provision that would address this issue. Mr.
• The only current tools are basically code violations for land use.
• This sweeping occupational consequence would devastate the livelihoods of dealers and their employees

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're talking about making sure that your zip code, the color of your We're talking about fairness.
• We're talking about making sure that your zip code, the color of your skin, or how much you have in your
• Kent also helped open nine UC labor centers at all UC campuses and two labor occupational safety and
• health programs. ...campuses, and two labor occupational safety and health programs at UCLA and UC Berkeley

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and approval of the Senate journals. Members then considered several gubernatorial appointments to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Despite protest from Senator Grove over the lack of action on a separate rehabilitation appointment, the Senate confirmed Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, with each confirmation passing overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber next adopted Senate Resolution 86 recognizing Cinco de Mayo Week and the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino civic engagement, and solidarity across communities. The Latino Caucus then introduced the honorees, including leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and the legacy band Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, and SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day to honor veterans who died by service-related suicide and their families. Later, the Senate adopted SCR 123 for California Peace Officers Memorial Day after emotional remarks naming officers killed in the line of duty and honoring their families, and SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, with speakers citing racial disparities in health outcomes and maternal mortality. The body also adopted SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, with a guest recognition for a behavioral health advocate. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public participation, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 and SB 1195 on alcoholic beverage tied-house exemptions, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran and artist Victor Valar.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a process that is in Century Code that we are following.
• Another area: administrative code. Our new administrative code updates will go live April 1.
• And the yellow ones, it's color-coded as potential with limitations.
• And the yellow ones, it's color-coded as potential with limitations.
• And then there's also a $10 irrigated acre occupation tax.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under anhydrous ammonia, it updates reference code to 40 CFR, which is a Code of Federal Regulations
• Code Article 33-43 took effect.
• community, as North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-44 and North Dakota Administrative Code Article 33
• And so the sole purpose of this rule update is just to align the admin code with the new Century Code
• So the department moved the language from one section of code to another section of code.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, serving the children of Texas through the enforcement of the state's child support laws.
• I ask that you continue to support them in the work that they do for Texas.
• **General Paxton**: I ask that you continue to support them in the work that they do for Texas.
• I want businesses in Texas.
• It is only Texas. Other states can't afford it, and the federal government often won't do it.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, Attorney General, budget recommendations, funding swaps, salary increases, Landowner's Compensation Program, public testimony, law enforcement

Summary: The meeting focused on the budget recommendations for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), where key issues included the proposed decrease of $163.9 million for the 2024-25 biennium and various methodology swaps for funding. Attorney General Paxton discussed ongoing litigation expenditures and emphasized the need for continued investments in agency staffing to address rising demands within law enforcement. Notably, he requested a 6% salary increase for 2026 and 2027 to retain talented personnel amidst competitive job markets. Public testimony highlighted community awareness challenges regarding the Landowner's Compensation Program, indicating a need for enhanced outreach efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Texas developed land loss issues.
• And this code section that's brought forward is allowing airport authorities to do the same.
• And this code section that's brought forward is allowing airport authorities to do the same.
• And this the code section that's time.
• sections for procurements forward code sections for procurements um<00:25:44.000> that<00:25:

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2263, which would require Department of Marine Resources law enforcement officers to have probable cause before boarding or stopping a vessel or conducting a search at a marina. The bill sponsor said current law does not require probable cause for DMR stops, and members discussed complaints from constituents about boats being stopped and searched without cause, including checks for life jackets, fish measurements, whistles, and flares. Questions also raised whether the bill should be consistent with wildlife officers and other law enforcement standards; the sponsor noted a separate bill addressing freshwater officers was in another committee. The committee ultimately moved the bill forward with a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2264, a coastal restoration and conservation planning bill. The sponsor explained that Mississippi receives multiple streams of restoration-related funding, including RESTORE Act, GOMESA, tidelands, and other federal funds, but lacks a coordinated science-based plan for how those dollars should be deployed. The bill would create a technical advisory board with representatives from state agencies, universities, and an NGO to develop a strategic plan and annual report on priorities such as water quality, habitat loss, and Mississippi Sound restoration. Members confirmed the bill would not change executive branch control over the funds and that GCRF economic damage funds were not included. The committee adopted the bill and reported it out. Next, Senate Bill 2370 was taken up to allow airport authorities to remove abandoned vehicles using the same procedures available to municipalities and private landowners. The sponsor said airports were dealing with vehicles left in parking areas for long periods and needed authority to begin the abandonment process. The bill was reported out. Senate Bill 2618, which would authorize airport authorities to enter public-private partnerships for property on airport-controlled land, was amended with a reverse repealer so it could be studied further; the committee then adopted the amendment, passed the bill as a committee substitute, and reported it out. Finally, Senate Bill 2634, which would let DMR create and pay reserve officers for special events and other staffing needs, was also approved and reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our general contractors—everything that we build is to code: Florida building code, local building code
• So, our process is that once the general contractor gets the certificate of occupancy from the local
• The longer answer is we did a competitive procurement, and we are required per 2 CFR 200, Code of Federal

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably. The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs. The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• some that others have spoken about already today, such as impacts on labor, prioritizing single occupancy
• already today, such as impacts on labor, prioritizing<00:53:44.000> single<00:53:44.319> occupancy
• <00:53:44.800> vehicles, prioritizing single occupancy vehicles, prioritizing single occupancy
• reporting last month from *Fortune* magazine found that Tesla's self-driving robo taxis in Austin, Texas
• Robo taxis in Austin, Texas caused approximately four to eight times more crashes per mile driven than

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 5313, a bipartisan bill to create a statewide framework for autonomous vehicles in Minnesota. The author said the bill is intended to improve safety, provide regulatory clarity, avoid a patchwork of local rules, and support economic development and mobility for seniors and people with disabilities. The bill was described as a work in progress, and the committee adopted three author amendments: A12, a technical correction; A15, which states MDOT and Public Safety can absorb the bill’s incidental costs within existing resources; and A14, which added clarifying airport-related language requested by the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport/MAC. The Minnesota Department of Transportation testified in support of continued discussion but said the bill needs more work in several areas, including an annual MDOT permitting process for AV operators, defining operational design domains, adding stronger enforcement authority, clarifying remote assistance roles, and requiring fully automated vehicles to be registered with Public Safety. MDOT said it has worked with the governor’s connected and automated vehicles council and more than 70 stakeholders on recommendations. Industry and transit witnesses strongly supported the bill, citing existing AV deployments and safety benefits. Southwest Transit’s CEO said its Eden Prairie AV service has carried 27,000 riders over 112,000 miles with no accidents, strong customer satisfaction, and increased ridership. A Whimo representative said the bill would create regulatory certainty and help expand AV deployment. Several public witnesses emphasized accessibility and safety. A disability advocate described how autonomous vehicles could improve independence for people who cannot drive, including those with epilepsy and other disabilities, and urged passage of the bill. A former 911 dispatcher and state patrol employee said AVs could reduce crashes and protect drivers, pedestrians, and officers, contrasting a dangerous human ride-share experience with a safer autonomous ride. Another disability advocate and blind Minnesotan testified that AVs could help address transportation barriers, though he also noted ongoing discrimination problems with ride-hailing services for blind riders with guide dogs. After the amendments were adopted, the bill was moved to the Commerce Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Texas.
• The Texas Animal Health.
• , south Texas, and central.
• The Texas citrus industry is a cornerstone of South Texas agriculture.
• TVMA along with Texas A&M, Texas Tech and a coalition of agricultural groups including Texas Farm Bureau

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund pursuant to Texas statute.
• Business and Commerce Code.
• to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• We are the 3rd largest school district in the state of Texas.
• As a matter of fact, back in the 1980s and 1990s, there was an organization in Texas called the Texas

Transcript Highlights:

• A child's safety should never depend on their zip code or how well their parents know the system.
• I'm a parent, I'm an occupational therapist, and I'm school personnel as well.
• Oregon, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, and Texas require the teaching of the dangers of opioids.
• Training still depends on zip code.
• Training still depends on zip code because there is no statewide mandate.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals. A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements. The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.

Transcript Highlights:

• and to issue code interpretations.
• , the uniform fire code, the uniform building code, standards code, whatever it is, two feet is two feet
• The codes are updated every several years in the three-year cycle.
• The codes are updated every several years in the three-year cycle.
• rather than the California Building Code.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have this conversation about total taxes with people in Texas, you understand this.
• There's regressive taxes in Texas. There's no income tax.
• It is not just sales tax that counts; those income taxes from people in Texas count.
• And when we get a hold of them, we say, this is how you could have it in Texas.
• taxes in Texas there's regressive taxes in Texas there's<01:23:47.560> no<01:23:47.960> income

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> Uh the Uh the uh uh uh money<00:23:45.520> or<00:23:45.640> the<00:23:45.840> code
• that we all pay a lot money or the code that we all pay a lot of<00:23:47.400> attention<00:23
• To Licensing and Occupations and Administrative Regulations: House Bills 849 and 904.
• To Licensing and Occupations and Administrative Regulations: House Bills 849 and 904.
• > and To Licensing and Occupations and To Licensing and Occupations and Administrative<01:40:16.480

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• meet monthly to hear our investigations and to make determinations about whether a violation of the code
• And if the whole point of the code of judicial conduct and what we do is to promote confidence in the
• The state of Texas has gotten a ton of attention.
• The state of Texas has a dramatic need for employment of people.
• And so the state of Texas, I think quite wisely made the decision.

Keywords: 914, all