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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-11 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Rep., are parents broadly demanding state intervention in local library decisions?
- And if they can't go to a public library, they can access the public library online, and they can download
- It's about the entire state, and it's about the future of our entire state, and that is the bill, Madam
- is a leader, and we should not share our state bird with four other states.
- Florida won't just be the Sunshine State. It'll be the... ...fantastic Flamingo State.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine organizational actions including approval of the journal and adoption of a special order report. The chamber then took up House Bill 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors, which the sponsor described as a measure to clarify and strengthen standards for removing obscene or pornographic content from public school classrooms and libraries while preserving educational uses and not targeting classical literature, LGBTQ content, or other protected viewpoints. Members questioned the bill’s use of terms such as “predominantly,” its relationship to existing local review processes, the impact on AP/IB and college-level materials, the applicability to voucher-funded schools, and the risk of additional First Amendment litigation and costs. The sponsor responded that the bill was needed because current standards were being bypassed and that the legislation was aimed at material harmful to minors, not general literary value.
The House considered numerous amendments, most of which were defeated. Amendments offered by Representatives Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris sought, among other things, to preserve parental choice during review periods, restore a whole-work constitutional standard, limit repeated objections, protect educational and abuse-prevention materials, prevent LGBTQ-inclusive books from being labeled harmful solely on that basis, shield school districts from funding penalties, and delay enforcement in districts already under litigation. Supporters of the amendments argued that the bill would encourage censorship, remove books with clear literary or educational value, burden districts with costs and lawsuits, and harm students who rely on school libraries for access to reading material and representation. Opponents of the amendments argued the bill was necessary to protect minors from explicit content and that the proposed changes would weaken that protection. All of the amendments described in the transcript failed.
After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. In closing debate, opponents repeated concerns about constitutional vulnerability, overbroad book removals, and the educational harm of limiting access to literature, while supporters framed the bill as a child-protection measure and a clarification of existing law. The transcript ends during the structured debate on final passage, before the final vote on the bill is shown.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill will allow the state to provide state employees with access to weight loss medications without
- may actually experience if the state were to move to a state cost share plan.
- We may actually experience if the state were to move to a state cost share plan.
- As I stated to Representative Tarver, I don’t believe it. More.
- Can I read the state? Yeah. Can I see you again? All right. Ms.
Keywords:
registrar of voters, parish registrar, chief deputy registrar, confidential assistant, election administration, elections, salary schedule, compensation, merit evaluation, population-based pay, census-based pay, Department of State, Secretary of State, State Board of Election Supervisors, redistricting, senate districts, Senate District 33, Senate District 34, Senate District 35, precincts
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- University of Oklahoma, Rogers State, Cameron University.
- Those are big economic drivers, the flagship university for the state.
- state.
- expansion or Daycare or any other state priority.
- has a backlog, and why does our state have a backlog?
Keywords:
emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'll look forward to serving our state.
- So we're doing good things for the state of Oklahoma.
- state.
- expansion or daycare or any other state priority.
- And two, our state has a lot of historical trauma in it.
Keywords:
emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan
Summary:
The Rules Committee met to consider a long slate of executive nominations and several bills. All of the nominations received broad support and were advanced to the floor, including Lori Burns to the Redlands Community College Board of Regents, Lisa Daly to the Oklahoma State Credit Union, Juana Ellison to the Forensic Review Board, Haley Frick to the Regional University System of Oklahoma, Michael Hillary to the Wildlife Conservation Commission, Dustin Hillary to the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, John Holt to the Used Motor Vehicle Dismantler and Manufactured Housing Commission, Brian Sweeney to the Capital Medical Center Improvement and Zoning Commission, and Cale Walker to the USAO Board of Regents. Most nominations passed unanimously; Brian Sweeney’s nomination passed 15-2.
The committee then heard and passed several policy bills. HB 1675 created a severe-weather preparedness framework for youth camps and passed 16-1. HB 3242, the Women’s Safety and Protection Act covering shelters, schools, and higher education, passed 15-2 after questions about enforcement and legal remedies. HB 1739 increased state police pension benefits and employer contributions to help retain officers, passing 16-1. HB 3320 overhauled the sunset review process for boards and commissions and passed 15-2. HB 3047 designated LOFT as the central recipient for legislative reports and passed unanimously, and HB 4434 required the governor or acting governor to notify the next successor before leaving the state, also passing unanimously.
The committee also advanced HB 4432, which would restore the ability to deduct gambling losses against gambling winnings for state income tax purposes; supporters said it would help ordinary taxpayers, while opponents raised fiscal concerns, and it passed 16-1. HB 3705 raised the parental choice tax credit cap from $250 million to $275 million and passed 13-3 after extended debate over school choice, public funding, and reporting. HB 3718 set timelines for school districts to process evaluations tied to the Lindsay Nicole Henry Scholarship program and passed 12-2, with critics arguing it could create a separate track and strain school psychology resources. HJR 1089, which would have sent voters a constitutional convention referendum, was laid over and not voted on. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final vote.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Rose State College already has such a policy in place, and the recommendation for this legislation came
- It simply says that the state regents must verify that all of our universities and colleges are adopting
- But there's could be up to fifty people that could be a recipient of this in our state.
- would just really appreciate a yes vote and honor him and everybody that's serving in our United States
- We Have it so that it only goes into effect should that state question make it to the ballot and should
Keywords:
firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Rose State College already has such a policy in place, and the recommendation for this legislation came
- This defines what academic basis is and defines the prohibitions and simply says that the State Regents
- the spouse and children of a Gold Star recipient with free tuition, fees, and room and board to a state
- Could be up to 15 people that could be recipients of this in our state.
- That state question make it to the ballot and should it pass, should the vote of the people pass that
Keywords:
firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee met and first recognized visiting students and staff from Putnam City North and Edmond Public Schools. The committee then took up several House bills, beginning with HB 3312, which would require annual age-appropriate firearm safety instruction in public schools starting in the 2026–2027 school year, with CLEET and the Department of Education developing the curriculum. The bill was advanced on a 9-2 vote after the author described it as a safety measure and cited a personal tragedy involving children and a firearm.
The committee also passed HB 3700, requiring colleges and universities to adopt policies ensuring grades are based only on academic performance, and HB 2981, requiring school districts to post school board meeting minutes within two weeks of approval. HB 2961, creating the Tech Sergeant Marshall Dakota Roberts Gold Star Surviving Act to provide tuition, fees, and room and board for spouses and children of Gold Star recipients at state public universities or career tech schools, passed unanimously after discussion of a possible fiscal impact. HB 3016, establishing a two-year pilot vision screening program for about 12 schools to identify convergence insufficiency disorders linked to literacy, also passed.
Later, HB 4478 passed to raise the daily deposit threshold for school districts and sites from $100 to $500 while still requiring weekly deposits. HB 4326, a cleanup bill related to Oklahoma’s Promise deadlines, certified teacher definitions, and a contingent T-SET-related provision, passed after debate about its unfinished status and funding concerns. HB 3025 passed with a change excluding donations from general fund collections for carryover balance purposes for one year, and HB 3710 passed to make a new higher education program cohort-based, requiring students to begin eligibility as freshmen. The chair closed by noting the committee had moved quickly, and announced upcoming executive nominee meetings and another committee meeting the following week.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- In this incident, if the state purchases something, a private...
- So, based on the amount that the state paid for the prison?
- It was an act of the state of Oklahoma in furtherance of a compelling state interest that.
- State and federal funds have nothing to do with your capacity to bond.
- large state-made loss and then very near future.
Keywords:
veterans, tax refund, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, capital improvement, donations, Oklahoma Emission Reduction, incentive, taxation, environment, revenue, investment, school funds, treasurer, education funding, financial policy, income tax, scholarship, tax credit, Oklahoma Tax Commission, school funding
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Someone loses a state property to the state for $500 million in this same year by happenstance, if it
- So whenever the state of Oklahoma going forward decides to physically acquire... ...size to the state
- The first one would be the state aid.
- large state-made loss.
- the state was trying to do a good thing.
Keywords:
veterans, tax refund, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, capital improvement, donations, Oklahoma Emission Reduction, incentive, taxation, environment, revenue, investment, school funds, treasurer, education funding, financial policy, income tax, scholarship, tax credit, Oklahoma Tax Commission, school funding
Summary:
The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee considered several House bills dealing with tax credits, fee changes, school funding, and investment authority. House Bill 4426 extended the sunset on the SIDE tax credit to December 31, 2032, and passed 7-2. House Bill 3704 elected Oklahoma into the federal income tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and passed 9-2. House Bill 4311 raised the unclaimed property division’s administrative fee from 4% to 6% to cover increased duties and costs; it passed 8-3 after debate over whether the increase was justified. House Bill 3044 reauthorized the veterans income tax checkoff and the associated capital improvement fund, and passed 10-0. House Bill 4191 revised the Smaller Employer Quality Jobs Act by lowering job thresholds, expanding qualifying locations and industries, and changing other eligibility rules; it passed 6-4. House Bill 3465 extended the emission tax credit sunset from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029 and passed 6-4, with opponents arguing it subsidized compliance with federal mandates. House Bill 3972, a title-off bill addressing ad valorem reimbursement issues tied to the state purchase of a prison, drew extensive debate over precedent and scope; an amendment to add a sunset failed 5-5, and the bill then passed 8-2 as amended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Michigan State. Michigan State.
- </c> librarians at the seven Minnesota State librarians at the seven Minnesota State Universities.<00
- </c> And for that reason, Minnesota State And for that reason, Minnesota State College<00:10:09.680><
- these state college systems.
- </c> state grant program. state grant program.
Keywords:
firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- To the state? Where do the funds revert back to?
- 1968 was the last strike in state of Florida.
- I'm a 21-year veteran educator in the state of Florida. I moved here from the state of Michigan.
- I'm a 21-year veteran educator in the state of Florida. I moved here from the state of Michigan.
- These unions are all over the state of Florida.
Bills:
S0042, S0688, S0762, S1168, S1296, S1298, S1300, S1318, S1332, S1376, S1548, S1570, S1574, S1632, S1634, S1750
Keywords:
child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, criminal defense, legal representation, death penalty, indigent defense, regional counsel, conflict of interest, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 42 on specific medical diagnosis and child protective investigations. A late-file strike-all amendment was adopted that made only stylistic changes to align with the House version. Supporters said the bill would help DCF and child protective teams better identify rare medical conditions and give parents a chance to defend against mistaken abuse findings. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1570, which restores a prior program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices and CARD centers, with nonrecurring funding included.
Members then advanced several education, disability, and public services measures. CS for CSSB 182 created a teacher training and mentoring program for high-performing current and retired teachers to mentor teachers in D- and F-rated schools, and CS for CSSB 794 required background screening for employees in residential and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities while directing APD to study support coordination quality, workforce issues, and service gaps. Testimony on SB 794 strongly supported better training, lower caseloads, and more consistent support coordination. The committee also favorably reported CS for CS SB 1168 on background screenings, CS for CS SB 214 to allow rural special districts to pay verified invoices directly, CS for SB 1376 to create grants for genetic counseling education, and SB 1574 (Maddie’s Law) to add newborn screening for biliary atresia; the latter drew emotional support and testimony that early screening could save lives and reduce transplant costs.
The committee heard and passed a number of other policy bills, including CS for CS for SB 1510, the DEP agency package, after environmental groups warned that one provision could delay basin management protections and allow more septic systems in impaired watersheds; the bill still passed favorably. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 598 on funeral and cemetery regulation, SB 688 to license naturopathic doctors, SB 1318 on scholarship account reversion rules, CS for CS for SB 682 on domestic violence injunctions and penalties, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local affordable housing update. Several bills were briefly postponed or taken up later in the meeting.
In the latter portion of the meeting, the committee approved CS for C.S. for SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria, CS for C.S. SB 762 on assigning conflict capital cases across regional counsel offices, SB 1332 on career offender registration requirements, CS for CS for SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a child, and CS for SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The committee also debated CS for SB 1226 on Public Employee Relations Commission procedures and union certification rules, including a late-file amendment setting a 60% threshold and 25% quorum for recertification; the discussion focused heavily on constitutional concerns, union rights, and differences between first responders and other public employees. The transcript ends while that bill’s debate is still underway, with the committee having already taken numerous favorable votes throughout the meeting.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> And to let you know, some of the states And to let you know, some of the states that<00:36:04.000
- Are you now going to force us to go back to the county and state to get this?
- Representative Drummond said, “I know.” the county and state to get this?
- Okay, the county and state to get this?
- And so at least this is where it's just applying just to the state taxes.
Keywords:
HB187, court fees, docket fee, sheriff's fund, sheriff's office, jail operations, law enforcement, county sheriff, court filing fees, Alabama Code 12-19-312, solicitor's fund, clerk's fund, forensic services trust fund, budget flexibility, public safety, municipal court, district court, circuit court, cosmetology, makeup application
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- Going to save lives with our state.
- the state of Alabama.
- the state of Alabama.
- </c><00:23:38.559><c> So</c> consolidation across state lines. So consolidation across state lines.
- </c><01:02:22.880><c> In</c> competition out of the state. In competition out of the state.
Bills:
SB170, SB177, SB207, SB208, SB215, HB27, SB219, SB247, SB232, SB81, SB170, SB177, SB207, SB208, SB215, HB27, SB219, SB247, SB232, SB81
Keywords:
health insurance, health savings account, high deductible plans, federal regulations, cost-sharing, insurance law, breast cancer, health coverage, deductible, copayment, insurance, captive insurance, captive insurer, captive insurers, insurance regulation, Alabama Department of Insurance, insurance commissioner, premium tax, capital requirements, surplus requirements
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- of Texas or people within the state of Texas take training.
- Um, the state of Texas previously housed inmates from other states on a very regular basis.
- There's 254 counties in the state of Texas.
- than any other individual in the state of Texas.
- fastest growing counties in the state of Texas.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 50 (3-19-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The state government emergency.
- And would they be able to state?
- </c> rules to our state? rules to our state?
- This need was brought to me by my local judge executive. library board members with local library library
- </c> State Legislatures, no other state State Legislatures, no other state no<01:34:01.400><c> other<
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- To that end, Texas Game Boards continue to stand by and be ready to respond to the state of Texas.
- Together we can do more as the state of Texas, and we look forward.
- Since 1903, we've seen a lot of disasters across the state of Texas.
- As Texans know, Texas is a huge state.
- here in Texas and across our great state.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- To that end, Texas game wardens continue to stand by and be ready to respond to the State of Texas.
- I am designated by the governor as the Texas State Historic Preservation Officer.
- state of Texas.
- As Texans know, Texas is a huge state.
- and tourism industry here in Texas and across our great state.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite the overwhelming majority of progress made by other states and regions, Texas has taken a unique
- Across Texas, we're witnessing an alarming trend. Books are being pulled...
- Across Texas, we're witnessing an alarming trend.
- And today, that is the Texas Capitol.
- , to more than 1,000 superintendents and legislators in the state.
Keywords:
student advocacy, SB12, SB13, public education policy, youth engagement, marginalized communities, legislative representation
Summary:
Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) held an advocacy event at the Texas Capitol focused on youth participation in policymaking and opposition to recent education-related legislation. Speakers, including student organizers and SEAT leaders, argued that students should have a direct voice in decisions affecting public schools, curriculum, and school governance. Representative Donna Howard briefly attended to support the group, praised their advocacy, and referenced the idea that if young people are not given a seat at the table, they should “bring your own chair.”
Several student speakers criticized the newly passed school vouchers bill as a threat to public education and said it would divert resources from public schools. Others opposed bills such as Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13, describing them as harmful to LGBTQ+ students and inclusive education. One speaker also condemned book bans and library censorship, arguing that students need access to diverse books and truthful, inclusive curricula. The speakers framed these issues as matters of student rights, belonging, and free expression.
SEAT executive director Cameron Samuels closed by describing the organization’s history of student-led activism against book bans and exclusion from school policymaking. Samuels said the group had distributed challenged books, pursued legal action over blocked internet resources, and delivered a Student Bill of Rights to superintendents and legislators. The event ended without any formal legislative vote or committee action, serving instead as a press conference and advocacy rally urging lawmakers to listen to students.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- By Representative Hefner designated Cannon as the official state gun of Texas, we voted out HCR 89 by
- It is my hope that Unplugged Texas Day will encourage Texans from across the state, uh, to go outside
- states.
- Uh, I'm sure you would, yes, in the state of Texas, yes, but, but we don't, we can't do these types of
- bring that back into the state of Texas.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Leadership Division Jun 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- The State Library gave up some space in the Liberty Memorial Building, and Parks and Rec was interested
- The State Library gave up some space in the Liberty Memorial Building, and Parks and Rec was interested
- The State Library gave up some space in the Liberty Memorial Building, and Parks and Rec was interested
- All of the savings are returned to the state per contract. ...the state per contract.
- And that will be, I believe, hosted at the current state facility or state hospital facility.
Summary:
The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline.
Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns.
OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 3506 by Paul Dyson relating to the withdrawal of the State of Texas from the Interstate Mining Compact
- to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact within the state.
- This bill was referred to the Committee on State Affairs.
- This bill was referred to the Committee on State Affairs.
- This bill was referred to the Committee on State Affairs.