Transcript Highlights:

• Do I have a second? Senator Chastain seconds the substitute.
• Um, we have a motion and a second. Is that... Have a motion and a second. Is that correct? Okay.
• Second. You got that first. I move for a favorable report. Second. You got that first.
• Is that... ...amendment to the sub, I believe. Is that your amendment? Yes, sir. Okay.
• So, he is offering your... second the amendment. Okay.

Bills: SB191, HB84, HB79, SB132, HB108, HB109, HB110, HB114, HB118, HB120, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB128, HB129, HB131

Keywords: postpartum depression, mental health, Medicaid, screening, education, maternal health, Chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, license renewal, continuing education, election procedures, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, SB132, Alabama, controlled substances, Schedule I

Transcript Highlights:

• He has enjoyed it and is very enthusiastic about serving a second term.
• I respectfully request a second and yield for questions.
• Would you like to explain your amendment? It was a clerk's error.
• Do I have a second? Got a second by Senator Kirn. Clerk, call the roll on the amendment.
• Second, we have a due pass from the senator. A second from the chair. Will there be any questions?

Bills: HB2992, HB3183, HB3464, HB4170, HB4338

Keywords: HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, large load customer, electric rates, utility tariffs, cost causation, rate design, public power utility, municipal utility, electric cooperative, investor-owned utility, load growth, interconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• And the second is, can they... well, let me back up.
• And the second is, can they, well, let me back up.
• Senator Gildon suggested, One amendment.
• Mike or Jamie, do you remember that amendment? I do.
• Second. All right. We have a motion to... Thank you. Second. All right.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes as corrected and noted there were no employment disclosure forms. It then discussed a draft advisory opinion on legislative stickers, pens, business cards, and similar items. Members agreed the opinion should identify historically provided items as presumptively within normal legislative conduct, but add clearer language that such items still cannot be used in a campaign-related way or otherwise conflict with ethics rules on use of public resources. Staff said Legislative Support Services and administration would be the main points of review for questionable requests, and the draft would be revised for board review. The committee also reviewed a second advisory opinion request about legislative and caucus staff interacting with caucus social media posts. The discussion focused on whether staff may like or engage with posts about legislation or policy positions. Members generally agreed that liking or otherwise engaging with caucus posts could be viewed as support and could create ethics problems, especially because social media content remains online and could later be tied to legislation. The draft was to be revised to draw clearer lines for compliance. Members then discussed a long-running project to review and either retain or retire older advisory opinions, and agreed to continue and complete that review process. They also discussed the recently passed ethics bill and supported issuing an ethics alert summarizing major changes, including concerns about a House amendment affecting social media and website references during the election year activity period. Finally, the committee approved spending about $19,171 to digitize archived case files into searchable format, with members expressing support for moving away from paper records. After public business ended, the committee adjourned the public session and planned to reconvene in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• an A1 amendment you have a an amendment an A1 amendment I<00:55:38.960> do<00:55:39.160> Madam
• And you have an A1 amendment. Would you like to move that as well? Move the A1 amendment.
• And you have an A1 amendment. Would you like to move that as well? Move the A1 amendment.
• And you have an A1 amendment. Would you like to move that as well? Move the A1 amendment.
• So, I would also second Senator Clark's suggestion that we vote no on this amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion here is do pass as amended to Appropriations.
• Just to confirm, so the amendments, there are, I think, author amendments? Are your amendments?
• Are your amendments? Yes, yes, we are taking them.
• And that's reflected in the amendments here.
• And the committee amendments further that goal.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several natural resources bills, with most testimony focused on balancing conservation goals with transportation, utility, and local property impacts. SB 1393 by Senator McGuire updated Fish and Game Code provisions for steelhead trout and the Dungeness crab fishery, extending and refining management programs and vessel transit rules in closed crab areas. Supporters from The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited said the bill would implement longstanding task force recommendations, preserve a valuable fishery, and improve the steelhead report card program; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved out on a 4-0 vote to Appropriations as amended. SB 1250 by Senator Cortese would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning, including performance targets, coordination with Fish and Wildlife, and recognition of crossings, culverts, and fencing as transportation assets. Support came from a broad coalition of conservation, animal welfare, open space, and local government groups, who argued the bill would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve public safety, and save money by integrating projects into routine maintenance. The California Building Industry Association said it would move to neutral after amendments clarifying the bill would not create exactions or apply to private property; the bill was approved 4-0 to Appropriations after those amendments were discussed. Senator Jones presented SB 1212 to repeal California’s ban on kangaroo products, arguing kangaroo harvest in Australia is tightly regulated, does not increase killing, and would restore consumer choice and business opportunities in California. Opponents, including Humane World for Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and others, said the commercial kangaroo industry is cruel, raises animal welfare and public health concerns, and should remain barred. The bill was not advanced during the portion of the transcript provided. Senator Gonzalez presented SB 1268 to codify the state’s Outdoors for All initiative, which aims to expand equitable access to parks and outdoor recreation, especially in underserved communities. Supporters said many Californians lack nearby park access and that the initiative links outdoor equity with public health, climate resilience, and biodiversity. The committee chair expressed strong support; the bill was voted 3-1 to Appropriations, with Senator Grove voting no. Senator Ochoa Bogh presented three bills concerning the Western Joshua tree. SB 1061 would allow limited relocation of trees without triggering the same permitting burden as removal; SB 1062 would require Fish and Wildlife to consider proportionate, tiered mitigation fees for public utilities and infrastructure; and SB 1063 would create an expedited, fee-free pathway for certain residential utility, safety, and wildfire-hardening projects. Supporters from water agencies, local governments, and industry said the current framework imposes heavy costs on desert residents and ratepayers, while opponents argued the species still needs protection and that existing administrative processes can address fee and permitting concerns. SB 1061 and SB 1062 were each moved forward on 2-0 and 3-0 votes respectively, and SB 1063 was also advanced on a 3-0 vote, with the committee noting ongoing administrative fee and permitting reforms at Fish and Wildlife.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there amendments? On the desk, Mr. President. Please read the first amendment. Amendment.
• So I will withdraw this amendment. Show that amendment withdrawn. Please read the next amendment.
• amendment.
• amendment.
• amendment.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects. The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage. Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second point.
• We have an amendment. >> Chair: We have Amendment Barcode 382999.
• The amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.
• THOSE OPPOSED TO THIS AMENDMENT? 299 THE AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED. WE ARE BACK ON THE BILL AS AMENDED.
• 639 The amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended.

Summary: The House Education Employment Committee heard seven bills and reported each favorably. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School would remove a priority system, confirm access for all Florida students and eligible military dependents overseas, clarify teacher retirement status, allow local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct-support organizations; it passed unanimously after brief questions about audit-related updates and waitlists. HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Rep. Eskamani and Rep. Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and prevention plans for students who may leave supervised areas; testimony from autism advocates emphasized drowning and other safety risks, and the bill passed 16-0 with strong bipartisan support. The committee also approved CS for CS HB 753 on school counselors, which removes certain certification barriers while keeping the master’s degree requirement and sets evaluation criteria based on state counseling standards. Supporters said the bill would help address counselor shortages and align evaluations with the profession’s actual duties. CS HB 1253 on coach support for student-athletes, as amended, allows coaches to use personal funds up to a capped amount for student needs with written parental consent; members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and the need for clear guardrails, but the bill passed 15-0. CS HB 833 on private school facilities would make small private schools of 100 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of existing buildings if fire and code standards are met; supporters said it would reduce local barriers while preserving safety, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS HB 1325 would update the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund by clarifying matching contributions, allowing expansion or modernization of existing space but not new construction, and streamlining awards; it passed unanimously with broad college and health system support. Finally, CS HB 1437 on conversion charter schools would create clearer dispute-resolution options for facility maintenance issues and, via amendment, allow capital outlay funds for repairs if the charter assumes full responsibility; after debate over whether the amendment was premature, the bill passed 13-3. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I don't disagree with your second part of this, the amendment that you put in for this bill,
• Um, and I don't disagree with your second part of this, the amendment that you put in for this bill,
• Um, and I don't disagree with your second part of this, the amendment that you put in for this bill,
• Um, and I don't disagree with your second part of this, the amendment that you put in for this bill,
• Um, and I don't disagree with your second part of this, the amendment that you put in for this bill,

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference spent most of its time on Senate Bill 96, which deals with educator conduct and when information may be withheld from parents. The main dispute was over the House-amended language on violations and the “compelling state interest” standard. The Senate sponsor objected to extending penalties to third-party medical or mental health contractors and to language suggesting psychological or emotional injury to a child would not constitute a compelling state interest. The House side argued its draft was intended to keep the bill focused on credentialed educators and administrators, to include parents or guardians, and to avoid creating competing standards by relying on existing abuse definitions in statute. The House also added a requirement that any withholding of information be documented and reported to the school board in nonpublic session, and both sides discussed whether educators, administrators, nurses, and guidance counselors would be covered under the statutory definition of educator. The discussion also covered enforcement and penalties. The House draft proposed that an educator found to have willfully violated the law could have a credential suspended for a first offense and would face a minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, while the Senate raised concerns that this was too rigid and did not allow enough discretion or address revocation. The House later explained that the department would still have discretion on first offenses and that the one-year rule applied only to multiple offenses. Another point of disagreement was a three-year statute of limitations for investigations, which the House said was meant to prevent “witch hunts,” while the Senate noted New Hampshire’s constitutional prohibition on retroactive laws. After caucusing, the Senate rejected the House amendment, and the House then voted non-concur; the committee of conference adjourned without agreement. The transcript then moved to Senate Bill 87, concerning one-day liquor license requirements and allowing salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise licenses. The members discussed a House amendment that would allow two drinks instead of one, with supporters saying the change reflected the longer time customers may spend in salons and that alcohol service would still be covered by existing training requirements, including the EDGE course. Opponents worried that allowing multiple drinks would create over-serving and enforcement problems and could complicate business practices. After discussion, the Senate member agreed to go along with the House position, and the bill was reported ready for final sign-off.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it was a floor amendment. It was a floor amendment, not a committee amendment.
• committee offered a friendly amendment committee offered a friendly amendment that<00:25:49.120>
• /c><00:26:50.480> amendment.
• amendment, not a committee amendment. amendment, not a committee amendment.
• So, I think it's a nice amendment.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The Maryland House met in session with 122 members present, received the journal, introduced several House bills and Senate Bill 37, and referred bond initiatives and executive nominations to committee. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. House Bill 146, concerning on-site wastewater system inspection and pumping requirements and implementation dates, drew extended debate. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and water-quality measure, while opponents argued it would add significant costs to home sales and rentals, especially in rural areas. After discussion of septic-system costs, enforcement, and the pace of replacement approvals, the bill passed 93-36. House Bill 220, dealing with individual water submeters, also prompted debate over a $1 monthly administrative fee and a provision affecting unpaid water bills in eviction proceedings; members clarified that the eviction language had been struck by floor amendment. Some members argued the bill could raise housing costs, while the sponsor said it mirrored existing electric and gas submetering law. The bill passed 95-34. House Bill 236 on blood-testing timing for contestants before the State Athletic Commission passed 130-0, House Bill 241 extending sunset provisions for state boards and commissions passed 130-0, House Bill 242 on unemployment insurance confidentiality passed 130-0, House Bill 259 revising the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund passed 120-10, and House Bill 308 on private mailboxes for associations passed 120-2. During the floor session, members also discussed septic-system policy more broadly, including the cost of inspections, the need for timely repairs, and whether government should intervene in real-estate transactions. One member explained that a floor amendment had removed a disputed provision from HB 220, which is why it did not appear in the reprint. The House also received a gubernatorial message with executive nominations, referred it to House Rules, and then heard committee and subcommittee announcements about upcoming votes, budget hearings, and caucus meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• convention to propose amendments.
• to restrict the Second Amendment to say handguns are banned in the United States of America. ...to restrict
• the Second Amendment to say handguns are banned in the United States of America.
• Could Senator Chafee's amendment to the Second Amendment go before the convention because that deals
• All it does is propose amendments.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia. Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books. A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment.
• amendment one is passed. amendment one is passed.
• the title amendment. the title amendment.
• amendment to House Bill 66. amendment to House Bill 66.
• amendment three. amendment three.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:09 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:59 Report of Committees 07:10 Orders of the Day 08:11 HJR 25 08:26 HB 66 11:58 HB 305 16:20 HB 432 22:44 HB 313 27:29 HB 44 30:26 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 34:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 42:07 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:38 ConC/Rules Report 47:26 Floor Amendments 48:25 Adjournment 48:54, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 94 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 136 and 183 and requested concurrence. The journal was approved, and several bills were reported for second reading, including measures on vehicle wheels, proactive post-secondary admission, choking prevention in schools, state parks, background checks, public post-secondary employment, tuition waivers, veterans benefits, and a resolution urging a federal accreditation pathway for veterans-benefits assistance companies. Committee reports advanced a number of bills, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, members of the bar, and alternative high school diplomas. The House then adopted House Joint Resolution 25, which declares Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directs agencies to coordinate pilot studies and partnerships around nutrition, public health, and Kentucky-grown products; the resolution passed 95-0. The chamber also passed House Bill 66, as amended, on video teleconference meetings for agencies and boards. The bill requires posting board member contact information, permits video-only meetings for informational or routine matters, requires a physical quorum for final actions on law, regulation, taxation, and large grants, and allows agencies to set their own video-meeting procedures; it passed 95-0 after adoption of a committee substitute, floor amendment, and title amendment. House Bill 305, the grand jury service bill renamed the Crystal Rogers Act, was amended by committee substitute and floor amendment after a successful motion to suspend the rules for a technical correction. The bill strengthens grand jury confidentiality rules, prohibits knowing recording or disclosure by those present, and extends the statute of limitations for violations; supporters cited the Crystal Rogers case as the reason for closing a gap in the law. It passed 93-0. House Bill 432 on local purchasing also passed, 82-7, after committee substitute changes clarified the 75% threshold for used vehicles and equipment and updated rules for noncompetitive purchasing and local government flexibility. The House then passed House Bill 313, reducing the notice period for city utility franchise agreements from 18 months to 6 months, by a vote of 93-0, and House Bill 44, which creates a robotics program trust fund and grant program for grades 7-12 to support STEM and workforce training, by a vote of 91-0. The session concluded with motions and announcements, including the bringing up of House Resolution 60 from committee and a resolution recognizing February 11, 2026 as Recovery Advocacy Day in Kentucky, with remarks on overdose deaths, recovery efforts, and the importance of prevention and services. Members also announced upcoming receptions and meetings, and one bill, House Bill 372, was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cross's amendment. Nope. Seeing none, debate, we are in debate on this amendment.
• Show the amendment adopted. On to the second amendment to the strike-all amendment by Rep.
• Show the amendment adopted. All right. We are now back on the strike-all as amended.
• That'll be one second. Members, we are in debate. Debate on the amendment.
• All right, we're on public testimony on the amendment. Debate on the amendment?

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met and first took up CS/HB 567, a broad transportation bill by Rep. McFarland. The bill, as explained, covered a range of transportation policy changes including higher speed limits, local regulation of e-bikes and e-scooters, parking accommodations for pregnant women, advance land acquisition for DOT projects, changes to FDOT contracting, elevation of roads in capacity projects, MPO quality metrics, and repeal of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council. Two amendments were adopted: one added a prohibition on driving too fast through flooded roads and creating excessive wake, and another updated language to allow for future technology in traffic management systems. The strike-all removed several items from the original bill, including utility-right-of-way language, private-public-use airport funding, and an electric vehicle tax redirect, and added MDX board changes. The bill then passed favorably on a recorded vote. The committee next considered CS/HB 1535, also by Rep. McFarland, a lengthy hurricane recovery and preparedness measure. It requires local governments to post storm-preparedness and recovery information online, expands special needs shelter information, mandates emergency management training, improves debris removal planning, and adds provisions for fiscally constrained counties. It also addresses shelter access, rebuilding rules, permitting timelines and fees after storms, homestead rebuilding limits, and election flexibility after disasters, including a process for supervisors of elections to request emergency changes through the Secretary of State. Members asked several questions about local rebuilding ordinances, election “super sites,” and the request/approval process. The bill drew support from several groups, including disability advocates, builders, waste and recycling interests, crane owners, and restaurant and lodging representatives, and it passed favorably. The committee then heard CS/HB 561 and CS/HB 563 from Rep. Cobb on manufacturing. HB 561 would elevate a chief manufacturing officer within the Department of Commerce, create a voluntary Florida manufacturing promotional campaign, and require biennial reporting on manufacturing efforts; an amendment removed the grant portion of the program, and the bill passed favorably with support from industry groups. HB 563 established an annual fee, capped at $100, for participants in the voluntary manufacturing promotional campaign and also passed favorably. Finally, Rep. Spencer presented HB 827, which directs a statewide study on the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, to be updated every three years and developed with business, academic, and local input; it too passed favorably. The meeting then adjourned with notice that the subcommittee would meet again the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first amendment. The first amendment is technical.
• The second amendment, if you look at the bill, on the first page, line 11...
• Okay, so we're back on the second set of amendments, Ms. Stalder. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• amending, so to speak.
• So if you don't mind, Adopt the amendment that he was amending, so to speak.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded. The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably. Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: We're in amendment number 125 9947, that is the barcode number. Amendment.
• Chair: Questions on the amendment? Public testimony on the amendment? There is none.
• Chair Alvarez: Seeing none, we have amendment barcode 522475, Amendment Number One.
• We did the amendment.
• That is the amendment. Chair Alvarez: Questions on this amendment? Public testimony on?

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Murray seconds. All in favor? Thank you. Senator Cleare moves the bill.
• Second, Senator Murray. All in favor? Aye. Any without record negative?
• Second. Okay. The bill is moved by Senator Cleare. Second by Senator Murray. All right. Aye.
• Second. Okay, a motion by Senator Cleare, second by Senator Murray. Any negative or without rec?
• Second. Okay, a motion by Senator Clear, second by Senator Murray. Any negative or without rec?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Social Services met on May 12 with a quorum present and considered seven bills, with four sent to finance and three advanced to first reading. The committee discussed SB 1450A, which would raise shelter allowances up to 100% of fair market rent; several members questioned the impact on county budgets and sought clarification that the bill sets a maximum rather than an automatic requirement. Despite concerns, the bill was reported, with Senator White voting no. The committee also reported SB 2516A on a refugee resettlement program, SB 5505 on mental illness training and temporary housing, SB 6913 on the 211 essential community services online system, and SB 7005 on longer stays at domestic violence shelters, with members characterizing several of these as codifying existing practice or grant-related measures. The remaining bills were SB 7632, which would include households fleeing domestic violence in the family homelessness and infection prevention supplement program, and SB 7754A, which would address finger imaging for SNF benefit recipients. Both were moved forward without substantive debate and reported, with Senator White recorded without recommendation on SB 7754A. Across the meeting, motions were made and seconded by committee members, and the bills were advanced by majority vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, you have an amendment? I do. Any questions?
• So, members, on HB373, I would like to offer a friendly amendment.
• So, the amendment now is adopted, and we are back on the bill.
• So, I do offer that amendment. Is there a second? All those in favor say "aye." Amendment second.
• We have a second. I'm going to Representative Brown. Thank you. Second just...

Bills: SB90, SB255, SB268

Keywords: Green County, racing, pari-mutuel wagering, gaming regulations, commission appointments, historical horse racing, local tax, SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8

Transcript Highlights:

• Read the first amendment to the amendment.
• Show the amendment to the amendment is adopted. Now we are back on the main amendment.
• Show the amendment to the amendment is adopted. Now we are back on the main amendment.
• Read the amendment to the amendment.
• Show the amendment to the amendment adopted. We're back on the amendment.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures. Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0. The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee having an opportunity to amend committee having an opportunity to amend the<00:15:12.560
• So think about that for a second bill.
• Second reading house number 2435. files. Second reading house number 2435.
• Second<00:19:40.240> reading.<00:19:41.679> Second<00:19:42.000> reading.
• <00:19:42.320> House Second reading. Second reading. House Second reading.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Is there any discussion?
• <00:10:08.160> It's President, I second the motion. It's President, I second the motion.
• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded. Any discussion? Any objections?
• President, I second the motion. It's been moved and seconded.
• If there are no objections, seconded.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Debating the second amendment, not the bill yet. All right, perfect.
• Seeing none, Senator Simon, you're recognized to close on the second amendment.
• Debating the second amendment, not the bill yet. All right. Perfect.
• Is there questions on the amendment? Seeing none. Senator Simon to close on the second amendment.
• All those in favor of the amendment. Second five by saying, yay. All those opposed? Thank you.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including visiting student groups, chambers of commerce, and apprenticeship participants. Senators also observed a moment of silence for a fallen Walton County deputy and later for the late John Pasadoma. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading calendar and special order calendar, with most bills passing overwhelmingly and several amendments adopted along the way. Among the major measures, SB 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers passed 37-0 after debate and an amendment clarifying “good faith” in an officer’s duties; SB 7020 on open government and cybersecurity information passed 37-0; SM 1488 urging Congress to create a U.S. sovereign wealth fund was adopted by voice vote; SB 944 reducing insurance overpayment claim deadlines for psychologists passed 37-0; SB 878 expanding misdemeanor probation treatment provisions to controlled substances passed 36-1; SB 538, the state court system package, passed 37-0; SB 480 on nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans passed 32-4; SB 472 on correctional-facility education credit for licensure passed 37-0; and SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification passed 28-9 after extensive debate about enforcement, federal preemption, and the bill’s purpose. Later, the Senate passed CS/HB 421 on peer support for first responders 37-0 after substituting the House companion, and SB 164 on vessel accountability advanced with a technical amendment. SB 166 on administrative efficiency in public schools drew the most extended debate and multiple amendments; it changes testing, promotion, teacher evaluation, certification, and facilities rules, and passed 37-0. The chamber also passed SB 282 on warranty association financial requirements 36-0, SB 316 creating series LLCs 35-1, and SB 384 on annexing state-owned lands 36-0. At the end of the day, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all passed bills to the House, received budget schedule guidance from Appropriations Chair Hooper for SB 2500 and SB 2502, and adjourned until April 9.