Transcript Highlights:

• a response that directs the user to crisis service providers.
• Chairman, we're trying to provide protection for children under 18, or people under 18.
• And the bill also provides that any governmental entity in the state may provide facilities to host the
• If they don't want to provide a facility, but they may, right?
• a public notice and provided at least one opportunity for public testimony.

Bills: HB2311, HB2371, HB2409, HB2410, HB2456, HB2457, HB4005

Keywords: artificial intelligence, disclosure requirements, data privacy, minor protection, online safety, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation doesn't provide any framework because that's not the purpose of the bill.
• Suppose a parent is not effectively providing instruction or meeting requirements for their child.
• He said the purpose of the bill is to provide truth and transparency to parents, students, and teachers
• Florida's current school grading system is an A through F letter-grade system, established to provide
• On the contrary, I'm looking at providing the supports and providing the tools that they're Providing

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

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to call this meeting to order, and I appreciate everybody's flexibility. to be able to meet
• I provided just general advice and thoughts with respect to policy. is that within the Clean Air Act
• Senator, I provided advice. I provided advice to Project 2025.
• Senator, I provided them advice and in a number of ways, including ways that we're in writing.

Keywords: Environmental Protection Agency, David Fatui, nominations, climate science, environmental policy, public testimony

Summary: During this committee meeting, members engaged in substantial discussions regarding the nominations for key positions at the Environmental Protection Agency. The nominations for David Fatui as Deputy Administrator and another nominee received favorable reviews, with several members expressing support for their qualifications and the importance of their roles in addressing environmental issues. Notable conversations highlighted concerns about the current administration's stance on climate science and regulatory practices, particularly focusing on a controversial statement made by one of the nominees that undermined established climate science. Senator Whitehouse expressed deep frustration over the implications of this viewpoint on future environmental policy and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Senate Bill 655 allows flexibility So, Senate Bill 655 allows flexibility by<00:09:28.560>
• to provide that to the committee. to provide that to the committee.
• Teams are flexible.
• We provided that information. event. We provided that information.
• providing that excellent service. providing that excellent service.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened its labor hearing on SB 655 and outlined the day’s schedule, including a later working session on SB 416 and an executive session planned for 2:30 p.m. Senator Dan Innis introduced SB 655, describing it as a technical bill affecting employee leasing companies/professional employer organizations (PEOs), workers’ compensation coverage, and a Senate-added minimum wage exemption for minor league baseball players covered by a collective bargaining agreement. He said the PEO change would let either the PEO or the client business hold workers’ comp coverage, while still requiring coverage, and argued it would align New Hampshire with most other states and reduce barriers for small businesses and multi-state employers. He also said the baseball provision would clarify wage treatment for minor league players and support the Manchester team. Justin Warell of Insperity testified in support of the PEO portion, explaining that PEOs provide HR, payroll, benefits administration, and workers’ compensation administration through a co-employment model. He said the bill would preserve mandatory coverage while allowing flexibility for the client or PEO to maintain the policy, which could help clients who already have preferred coverage or who face cost or administrative issues in multiple states. He noted that most clients would still remain under the PEO’s policy and said Insperity would submit written comments. Committee members asked about how the arrangement would work, whether the client or PEO would pay, and whether the bill would affect liability insurance packaging; Warell said the employer still bears the cost and that the bill mainly gives larger clients an option. One member asked him to remain available for possible follow-up after hearing from the labor department. Stephen Gonzalez of Major League Baseball testified in support of the minor league baseball exemption. He said MLB and the MLB Players Association negotiated a collective bargaining agreement that already provides players with salary, housing, meals, per diems, health and retirement benefits, disability continuation, tuition assistance, and signing bonuses. He argued that treating players as hourly workers creates impractical time-tracking problems because players do work-related activities on their own time, and said the bill would recognize them as salaried workers and avoid litigation over what counts as hours worked. Committee members questioned why the exemption was needed if players are already salaried and whether MLB could simply amend its CBA; Gonzalez said the bill would help prevent wage-and-hour lawsuits and noted that similar exemptions have been enacted in other states. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair indicated the bill would be considered for executive action later that afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• because their intent was just to provide because their intent was just to provide basic<00:05:30.680
• <00:12:54.920> homeowners Authority so it could provide homeowners Authority so it could provide
• It's old and brittle, not flexible, and it has many limitations.
• It's old and brittle, not flexible, and it has many limitations.
• <00:27:09.039> it<00:27:09.240> has<00:27:09.480> many flexible it has many flexible

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in cases where it's more flexibility in cases where it's more appropriate<00:14:09.360> to<00
• This bill will provide local government entities better, more flexible financial tools while assisting
• This<00:46:00.359> provides<00:46:00.760> for<00:46:00.880> local<00:46:01.160><
• It's the only place I can go to get those services that local government provides.
• It's the only place I can go to get those services that local government provides.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I feel that this bill is a very unique Wyoming solution for enabling more flexibility and giving
• unique Wyoming solution for enabling unique Wyoming solution for enabling more<00:08:56.880> flexibility
• c> uh<00:08:59.279> and<00:08:59.600> giving<00:09:00.160> junior more flexibility
• in uh and giving junior more flexibility in uh and giving junior water<00:09:01.040> right<00

Bills: SF0050, SF0068, SF0084, HB0087, HB0029, HB0061, HB0090

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 808, Health Insurance Provider Panels, Requirements.
• for an interim and final report provides for an interim and final report for<01:00:16.440> the
• Why not give them flexibility to say, "We still don't think that's really appropriate."
• Why not give them the flexibility in that case?
• flexibility in that case? flexibility in that case?

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, quorum call, and a brief visit from Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, who thanked delegates for their work on the budget and legislation. The chamber then handled several conference committee and Senate messages, including House Bill 153 on residential rental apartment air conditioning requirements. The conference report changed the bill from four to 10 units, removed preemption language, and required existing units with air conditioning to keep it; the report was adopted and the bill passed on third reading with 90 affirmative votes. The House also took up a number of Senate bills on third reading. Among those passed were measures on digital asset and blockchain task force establishment, franchise registration and disclosure law changes, professional licensing portability for foreign service members and spouses, medical cannabis protections for fire and rescue employees, workers’ compensation presumptions for Carroll County correctional deputies, speed monitoring systems approval timing, veterans cemeteries interment, motorcycle safety awareness in driver testing, IT investment fund uses, child care credential funding, school bus fire safety standards, local stop-sign monitoring pilot programs, stalking penalties, divorce records under the Public Information Act, local boards of elections qualifications, local sourcing database creation, and mutual insurance holding company conversions. Most passed overwhelmingly, though several drew notable dissent, including Senate Bills 10, 223, 439, 467, 757, 775, and 877. Members used vote-change time to shift positions on several bills, and the floor leader and committee chairs answered questions on the record. On Senate Bill 10, delegates discussed the bill’s “shot clock” for State Highway Administration responses to local speed camera requests; the chair later clarified that if State Highway does not act within 120 days, approval is deemed granted. On Senate Bill 775, the Judiciary chair explained that the bill requires destruction of firearms in gun buyback programs and serial-number checks to identify stolen or evidentiary firearms, with some firearms potentially returned if stolen. The House also adopted a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 949, which the floor leader said mirrors House Bill 1069 and would allow Maryland to count state-level ballots if federal action prevents counting federal ballots. The chamber also handled an amendment and conference committee process on Senate Bill 141 concerning election misinformation, disinformation, and deep fakes, with the House and Senate appointing conferees after each declined to recede. Several bills were passed by large margins, including Senate Bills 46, 68, 85, 314, 371, 426, 480, 512, 654, 808, 968, and 982, while a few had narrower margins such as Senate Bills 443 and 757. No final adjournment or sine die action occurred in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciate them, depend on them, and there's times that we run late, and we miss meals or have to be very flexible
• appreciate them, depend on them, and there's times that we run late, and we miss meals or have to be very flexible
• , and so we appreciate you all. ...to be very flexible, and so we appreciate you all.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A funding model aligned with the K-12 system, based on enrollment levels, would provide a more stable
• I appreciate your flexibility and accommodation in appearing remotely.
• And the funding that goes with that the state has provided has made the difference.
• It provides tuition and fee waivers for active Florida State Guard members for up to six credit hours
• Institutions to partner with online providers for adult education and career instruction.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education first took up a block of confirmation hearings for trustees and board members at several public universities and state colleges. Appointees from Florida A&M University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, South Florida State College, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Florida described their backgrounds and emphasized themes such as governance, student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, research growth, and institutional reputation. Members asked a few questions, but most nominees received no substantive opposition. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of the group of appointees on tabs 3 through 18 and forwarded them to Ethics and Elections. The committee next heard Senate Bill 114 by Senator Trumbull, which would create the Florida Center of Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at Florida State University, move the public hurricane loss projection model from FIU to FSU, and provide funding for the effort. Trumbull said the bill is intended to strengthen the state’s insurance research capacity and broaden study of insurance lines beyond wind risk. Senators asked about the impact on FIU and the distinction between the new center and existing FIU work; Trumbull said FIU’s Wall of Wind would remain and that the state-owned model would simply be contracted to FSU instead of FIU. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1624 by Senator Calatayud, a wide-ranging higher education bill addressing tuition, workforce programs, institutional operations, and naming changes. Amendments were adopted to create state college regional consortium service organizations for rural colleges, remove a proposed out-of-state fee change for nonresident online students, extend university master plan update cycles from five to 10 years, and rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough College. The bill also changed several references from specific minority categories to “underrepresented,” revised aid and waiver provisions, adjusted adult education and career program rules, and made other technical changes. Senators Smith and Davis questioned the shift away from enumerated categories, arguing it could obscure disparities affecting groups such as Black students, women in STEM, and students with disabilities; Calatayud said the intent was to focus on socioeconomic access and flexibility for institutions. After debate, the committee voted 6-2 to report the bill favorably, with Senators Davis and Smith voting no, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it does allow for that flexibility for companies that are very young and don't have a lot of revenue
• It also provides a quicker value back to the company.
• Because the state of New Mexico has provided the foundation for that research to happen.
• And so what happens here, the Transferability is the mechanism that is providing them with the capital
• So if you can provide a list as this process moves forward of where we would actually be bringing this

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think with the changes here, you would not see that same flexibility.
• Um, and so, you know, I flexibility.
• wonderful opportunity uh to provide wonderful opportunity uh to provide technical<01:23:23.520><
• Representative Lab provided data of the number of schools that are not compliant in 2024.
• the costs associated with providing the costs associated with providing special<02:11:03.840>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, it provides, again, for a person in lieu of an agent to be able to have authorized access just
• Are there other providers of that service in the market? Yes, sir. I'm one of many stakeholders.
• The Transportation Commission may provide financial assistance to support construction and repair of
• Right now, it's for this fiscal year, 25 and 26, and providing the...
• It established a framework for AVs to operate on public roads, provided they comply with federal laws

Bills: SB1493, SB1598, SB1895, SB1919, SB2039, SB2226, SB2243, SB2425

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity for me to provide input. Next, we have remote testifier Greg Abbott.
• We don't believe there's any evidence that this flexibility has created problems or confusion.
• This will provide broad perspectives and voices that will represent the community.
• If that would provide comfort to people, we would be willing to do that.
• If you could provide a high-level answer to the question, that would be great.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we provided incentives.
• I know we provided incentives.
• I know we provided incentives.
• I know we provided incentives. down. I know we provided incentives.
• <03:28:37.920> like lowincome housing providers like lowincome housing providers like Alliance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROGRAM AND THE FACT THAT IT IS SUSTAINABLE AND COST EFFECTIVE AND PROVIDES 24, 7
• DOOR TO DOOR SERVICES LED US TO BECOME NATIONALLY RECOGNIZE AND WE PROVIDE SEED MONEY FOR OTHER AREAS
• AND MANY PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, FOR EXAMPLE COULD PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION FOR
• PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BUT REALLY THE ONLY PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS TO GET
• AN AREAS AROUND THE STATE TO PROVIDE DOOR TO DOOR PARATRANSIT TRANSIT SERVICES TO CONSTITUENTS.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today to provide you a variety of updates.
• This is what you had provided us last session.
• This is what you had provided us last session.
• So they provide 133,000 residents.
• Thank you both for this information provided to the committee.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CS for HB 1295 requires memory care providers and facilities to follow certain baseline standards of
• operation in providing memory care services.
• CS for HB 1295 requires memory care providers and facilities to follow certain baseline standards of
• operation in providing memory care services, clarifies requirements for resident contracts, and prohibits
• facilities from holding themselves out as memory care providers unless they meet the specified criteria

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met to hear three member bills before turning to budget discussion. First, the committee considered HB 1295 on memory care, which would set baseline operating standards for memory care providers and facilities, clarify resident contract requirements, and restrict facilities from advertising themselves as memory care providers unless they meet the bill’s criteria. AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Florida Senior Living Association supported the measure, and it was reported favorably with no debate. The committee then heard HB 1235, which would authorize Florida to join the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. Representative Conerly and a representative of the Florida Society for Respiratory Care said the compact would improve workforce flexibility and patient access while preserving state oversight and using licensure fees rather than taxpayer dollars. The bill received favorable testimony and was reported favorably. Next, HB 933 was presented by Representative Rosenwald to add two new children’s initiative sites, one in Bay County and one in Broward County, expanding a program that coordinates education, health care, employment, and housing supports for children in disadvantaged communities. The bill had support from Florida Children’s Initiative and was also reported favorably. After the bill presentations, members were told the agenda would move to budget discussion, and the chair noted that budget recommendations had been submitted to Chair McClure. With no further business, Representative Redondo moved to recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• autism spectrum disorders and provides autism spectrum disorders and provides educational<00:46:
• <01:39:49.760> safe purpose of this pool is to provide safe purpose of this pool is to provide
• <01:48:27.119> to bankers can provide accountability to bankers can provide accountability
• And I did provide testimony here, but I'm going to just be very brief.
• but I I believe they're just providing but I I believe they're just providing advice<02:14:01.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To their committees, so we're going to just be a little bit flexible about the order.
• It provides a pipeline of talent for businesses and requires the department to review its processes to
• track and adapt to changes in the labor market, and a more nimble system should have the ability to provide
• The uncertainty about their future weighs on them, but North Star Promise provides something invaluable
• But she worked around the clock to provide me and my siblings with a better life.

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data