Video & Transcript : 'texting while driving' :
Page 15 of 500
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Jan 21st, 2026
State Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Senator Bale, I guess um I'm [clears throat] getting some texts from one of my funeral homes that
- from one of my funeral homes some texts from one of my funeral homes that<00:18:14.160><c> I</c><00:
- while he was sitting there.
- Um, but, you know, my concern was how do we notify people who are just driving through the state?
- something to to individual driving something to to protect<00:41:00.960><c> them.
Bills:
SB7 , SB22 , SB39 , SB40 , SB45 , SB46 , SB86 , SB95 , SB107 , SB7 , SB22 , SB39 , SB40 , SB45 , SB46 , SB86 , SB95 , SB107
Committee:
Senate State Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
voting rights, absentee ballot, protected classes, Alabama Voting Rights Act, felony conviction, election integrity, preclearance, Alabama Jobs Act, incentives, job creation, economic development, recapture provisions, capital investment, employment, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor, legislative leaders honor Melissa and Mark Hortman 2/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- many laughs, a joint love for jalapeño Cheetos, and a need to consume more protein, and countless texts
- many laughs, a joint love for jalapeño Cheetos, and a need to consume more protein, and countless texts
- many laughs, a joint love for jalapeño Cheetos, and a need to consume more protein, and countless texts
- to see if we were and countless texts to see if we were going<00:16:57.360><c> to</c><00:16:57.519><
- But it was mostly about protecting the safety of our staff and those drives home in the early hours,
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Some schools simply lack the knowledge or resources to fully implement these laws, while others face
- He died, we discovered, that while in crisis, he had texted a friend.
- The last text to a friend for help was just 15 minutes earlier.
- hotline. you can't text a 988 number. there is a text option, a call option, it is something that is
- And texting is a great way to do that. The 988 number does allow that.
Committee:
House Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on California's Mental Health Crisis Dec 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Just a quick question: I was wondering whether you can text 911.
- This one is our text and chat volume in California.
- The red is text and chats that flowed out of state, and the dark blue is the text and chats that we were
- So most texts and chats from Californians are going out of state.
- Texts and chats, I think, threw a wrench in our planning because an average text or chat takes 43 minutes
Summary:
The hearing focused on California’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system, with members and witnesses emphasizing both the system’s life-saving role and the risks posed by funding gaps, rising demand, and uneven local implementation. Opening remarks highlighted the personal impact of suicide and the need to strengthen crisis response so calls are answered quickly and linked to appropriate care rather than defaulting to 911, emergency rooms, or law enforcement. State officials described the AB 988 five-year implementation plan, which sets goals around public awareness, equitable access, high-quality call/chat/text response, and better integration with ongoing behavioral health services.
State agencies reported progress on infrastructure, coordination, and related behavioral health investments. CalHHS said California has expanded mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, and youth behavioral health supports, and is preparing additional public awareness and grant programs tied to Proposition 1. DHCS explained that 988 is funded through a federal SAMHSA grant and the AB 988 surcharge, while Medi-Cal separately funds mobile crisis services; officials said the mobile crisis benefit is active in 53 counties and that statewide expansion remains a work in progress. Cal OES described the statewide technical buildout, including network infrastructure in all 11 crisis centers, interoperability with 911, and a pilot of next-generation routing and call-handling tools. The 988 California Consortium said call volume continues to rise sharply, missed calls remain a major concern, text/chat capacity is limited, and centers need more stable funding, better reimbursement, and stronger feedback loops with the state.
County and community witnesses stressed that local systems need more flexible, sustained support to match the demand. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law enforcement holds and increased housing placements, but said county-run mobile crisis teams still cannot reliably access 988 surcharge dollars and face reimbursement problems from Medi-Cal and commercial plans. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics, rapid call answer times, and a broad continuum of mobile crisis services, but said staffing and funding are strained and commercial reimbursement remains slow. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the peer-run warm line complements 988 by offering non-emergency support and warm handoffs, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language service, federation support, and hours. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; members mainly asked questions about surcharge levels, budget timing, coordination among agencies, data collection, and how to improve collaboration with frontline crisis centers.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, September 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They've texted our office.
- They they've They've text our office.
- And I hope my text of this amendment.
- , the actual text of the initiative, and arguments from folks on both sides.
- And while divergence in outcomes.
Keywords:
courthouse construction, federal regulations, urban development, government spending, judicial facilities, political violence, Charlie Kirk, civil discourse, freedom of speech, unity, political extremism, condemnation, Civic engagement, continuing resolution, appropriations, fiscal year 2026, omnibus, government funding, federal budget, USDA
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Driving unlicensed is no different than driving under the influence, in my opinion, of an intoxicating
- </c><00:12:08.959><c> the</c> pre-AC. while the pre-AC. while the offender<00:12:11.279><c> received<
- </c><00:12:18.399><c> unlicensed</c> offender had eight driving unlicensed offender had eight driving
- </c> time driving time driving unlicensed.<00:12:33.519><c> Since</c><00:12:33.839><c> that</c><00:12
- <c> different</c><00:13:10.399><c> than</c> Driving unlicensed is no different than Driving unlicensed
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> already do have things like text already do have things like text messaging<00:05:10.240><c> to<
- > from</c><00:20:57.880><c> a</c> I don't think you can text from a I don't think you can text from a
- </c><00:22:04.720><c> to</c> comes after that so that's texting to comes after that so that's texting
- I think texting was a huge one, and actually before I joined the board, I didn't know you could text
- I think texting was a huge one, and actually before I joined the board, I didn't know you could text
Committee:
Senate Government Operations
Summary:
The committee heard and discussed three nominations to the 911 Board: Matthew Kurara (Governor’s Message 505), Re Mahuna (Governor’s Message 614), and Rebecca Liberman/Weberman (Governor’s Message 661). Kurara, a Honolulu Police Department communications captain, said he would bring PSAP and dispatch experience to the board, with a focus on Next Generation 911, better coordination among PSAPs, and recruiting and retaining telecommunicators. Mahuna, a longtime Hawaiʻi Police Department officer and current board member, emphasized his emergency-response experience during disasters on the Big Island and his support for improving communication through Next Generation 911, including the new joint call center on Hawaiʻi Island. Liberman, the board’s VoIP representative and a Charter/Spectrum government affairs director, said she was continuing her second term and would keep working on legislative and government issues, including the statutory change removing “enhanced” from the board’s name to better support Next Gen efforts.
Members asked each nominee about rural coverage, redundancy, training, broadband, radio-system limitations, and how Next Generation 911 would affect service in places like Puna and other rural areas. The nominees generally said the system is designed with redundancy so service would revert to backup systems if new technology fails, and that the main challenges in rural areas are often broader communications or radio issues rather than 911 itself. Kurara and Mahuna both said each PSAP currently handles much of its own training, though there is interest in more standardization and national best practices. Liberman explained that VoIP calls generally work over the internet and may benefit from Next Gen, but that location/address issues for some internet-based calling services may still need further review.
The committee also discussed public education about text-to-911, the use of technologies such as FirstNet, and whether the E911 special fund ceiling needed to be raised again. Mahuna said he did not see a current need to raise the ceiling further. Written testimony was received in support of all three nominees, including support from public officials, law enforcement, county agencies, and private individuals. No opposition testimony was noted, and the chair said decisions would be made later with the other nominees.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- [No substantive transcript text; transcription artifact: "e".]
- [No substantive transcript text; transcription artifact: "e".]
- [No substantive transcript text; transcription artifact: "e".]
- </c> for uh for for that question um while for uh for for that question um while the<04:35:32.680><c>
- </c> attractions to be able to really drive attractions to be able to really drive the<04:35:43.240><
Summary:
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority officials, led by Executive Director Rob Dapice, briefed legislators on the agency’s structure and funding. They explained that the authority is created by state law but is not a state agency, its debt is not state debt, and it is governed by a board appointed by the governor and approved by the Executive Council. The discussion focused on the Affordable Housing Fund and the lead paint hazard remediation fund, including how state appropriations and federal resources are combined to finance affordable rental housing and lead abatement work.
Dapice said the Affordable Housing Fund is used as gap financing for multifamily affordable housing projects, typically alongside federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds, and that state dollars leverage roughly 2:1 to 10:1 in additional federal and private investment, averaging about 4:1. He said the fund has received historic appropriations in recent budgets, including $30 million over the last two biennial budgets and an annual $5 million set-aside from the real estate transfer tax. He also said the fund is usually structured as 0% interest, deferred loans rather than grants, with repayments returning to the fund if projects generate cash flow.
Members asked about rents, oversight, staffing, revenues, and whether the programs had added positions. Dapice said affordability restrictions generally last 30 to 99 years, rents are tied to income limits and capped so tenants pay no more than 30% of income, and compliance staff inspect properties regularly to verify income eligibility and rent limits. He said the organization has about 130 to 135 employees, down from about 145, with no new positions added because of the appropriations. He estimated total revenues at roughly $300 million, with administrative budget around $22 million, much of it pass-through grant money.
On lead paint remediation, he said the state first appropriated $6 million in 2019, plus $1 million in ARPA funds, and that the program has cleared more than 500 units. He said the federal grant program is not annual or predictable, with a recent award of about $7.75 million, and that the maximum federal grant per unit is $177,000, typically paired with up to $100,000 in state loan support. He also noted that the program can address homes before a child is poisoned if lead hazards are identified, but that cases involving an already exposed child are a higher priority. No votes or formal actions were taken.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The bottom line is 410 protects the while respecting deceased and their families.
- The bottom line is 410 protects the while respecting deceased and their families.
- The bottom line is 410 protects the while respecting deceased and their families.
- Haven't seen you in this room in a while. >> Thank you, Senator. I appreciate it.
- </c> mean that those fraudulent E-ZPass texts mean that those fraudulent E-ZPass texts that<00:50:30.760
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Urban and Rural Development Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Urban and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It gives you about almost an hour drive, or if you're on the end of Fort Morgan and you have to drive
- drive.
- The impacts... ...is about an hour drive, and the impacts.
- Matt Woods just sent me a text... ...quick.
- So it would just give us the opportunity to have agency while we look at it here. have agency while we
Committee:
House Urban and Rural Development
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
INSURANCE & COMMERCE - SENATE AND HOUSE Feb 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It feels like it's been a while, so great to be with you guys again.
- I'm sure we've all gotten a text message or a fake call there.
- If you get a text like this, if you get an email like this, here's what you should do.
- Don't click on links, emails, or text messages that you're not expecting.
- Our biggest issue are spoof calls and texts. We get hundreds of them every day.
Summary:
A joint House-Senate Insurance and Commerce meeting focused on the growing threat of financial fraud in Arkansas, with members and witnesses describing scams targeting seniors, small businesses, and working families. The committee first approved the November 3, 2025 minutes, then heard from the Arkansas Bankers Association, the American Bankers Association, banks, the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Arkansas Mortgage Bankers Association, the State Bank and Securities Department, the Insurance Department, and AARP. Witnesses described common schemes including spoofed bank calls and texts, government imposter scams, romance and investment scams, business email compromise, fake job postings, gift card scams, check fraud, wire fraud, reverse mortgage scams, identity theft, and insurance fraud. Several witnesses emphasized that cryptocurrency kiosks and crypto transfers make recovery difficult or impossible, and that artificial intelligence is making scams more convincing and scalable.
Witnesses repeatedly stressed education, verification, and coordination among banks, law enforcement, regulators, and consumers. Bank and mortgage representatives urged consumers to slow down, independently verify wire instructions, avoid clicking unexpected links, use tap-to-pay rather than chip or swipe when possible, and never share account credentials or one-time codes. The Attorney General’s office said it investigates consumer complaints, mediates disputes, works with social media platforms to remove scam ads, and recently created a Financial Fraud Task Force with bankers and other stakeholders. The State Bank and Securities Commissioner highlighted the Safe AR Act, the state’s crypto kiosk framework, and fraud education efforts such as “fraud bingo,” while the Insurance Department described its law-enforcement role and a range of insurance-related fraud schemes it prosecutes. AARP said fraud is widespread and underreported, especially among older adults.
Members asked about reporting scams, how losses are handled, whether tap is safer than chip, how crypto fraud works, whether Arkansas has model legislation to address telecom and social media impersonation, and how local law enforcement and state agencies coordinate investigations. Witnesses said banks generally absorb much of the financial loss under federal rules, while consumers bear the inconvenience and account changes. Several witnesses said Arkansas should consider additional legislation to hold telecom companies and social media platforms accountable for spoofed caller IDs and impersonation ads, and one witness said a federal Scam Act is moving in Congress. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the minutes, but witnesses agreed to share consumer education materials and model legislation with committee staff.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have, though, pretty much ignored it for quite a while.
- Ignored it for quite a while.
- Our obligation is to follow the text that you enact, and only that text.
- The only exception is if that text violates the Constitution.
- And we're bound not just by the constitutional text, but also by what the text meant to the people who
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended.
Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary.
Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 8th, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- While I understand the sincere concerns driving it, I respectfully urge a no vote on AB 412.
- Text, images, audio, video, software code, and other media all present different technical challenges
- Text files into things.
- We're going to take a brief recess while we await the arrival of our final author.
- To recess momentarily while we wait for our final author. All right.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> drive to Wilmer, Fergus Falls, St. drive to Wilmer, Fergus Falls, St.
- </c> times. where I drive home crying. times. where I drive home crying.
- </c> while on this earth. while on this earth.
- ><c> drive.
- </c> was torque drive. was torque drive.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on California's Mental Health Crisis Dec 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- While California has a long...
- And so while there is a pathway in through State General Fund.
- This one is our text and chat volume in California.
- The red is text and chats that flowed out of state, and the dark blue is the text and chats that we were
- Texts and chats, I think, threw a wrench in our planning because an average text or chat takes 43 minutes
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis held an informational hearing focused on the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system around it. Chair Pellerin and Assembly Member Schiavo opened with personal remarks about the importance of the issue and the need to strengthen California’s crisis infrastructure, especially as federal actions and funding uncertainty threaten services for youth and LGBTQ+ callers. The hearing was organized into panels covering state implementation, county coordination, and community crisis services, with public comment to follow.
State officials from CalHHS, DHCS, Cal OES, and the 988 California Consortium described progress since AB 988 and the five-year implementation plan, including governance structures, statewide network buildout, call-routing technology, public awareness campaigns, and integration with Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. They said California has created or enhanced more than 485 mobile crisis teams, built crisis stabilization and residential facilities, and expanded youth behavioral health supports such as BrightLife Kids and Soluna. They also noted ongoing work to replace lost Trevor Project support with enhanced LGBTQ+ youth training, and to develop a 988 resource directory and future public awareness campaign. Cal OES explained that the 988 surcharge is recalculated annually based on budgeted needs and fund balance, and that text-to-911 and next-gen 911 interoperability are being expanded.
County and community witnesses emphasized that the system is still strained by rising demand and uneven local integration. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law-enforcement holds and helped place residents into housing, but said 988 calls still do not reliably route to the county’s mobile crisis team and that rural counties need more flexible funding, vehicles, technology, and reimbursement support. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics and major growth in 988 call and text volume, but said sustained funding is needed to support staffing, text/chat expansion, and commercial payer reimbursement. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the California Peer Run Warm Line is a key part of the continuum of care, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language services, federation support, and hours, despite high demand.
Across the hearing, members and witnesses agreed that 988 is saving lives but still misses thousands of calls each month and needs more stable, multi-year funding, better coordination, and clearer roles among state agencies, counties, and crisis centers. Witnesses repeatedly called for stronger feedback loops, better integration between 988 and mobile crisis dispatch, and more investment in staffing, technology, and outreach so Californians can be connected to the right help without unnecessary law enforcement or emergency room involvement.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-19 (2:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and striking through of deleted text.
- You know, I live in Naples, and so I drive to, well, I used to drive; now I do the Delta and through
- And so I drive to, well, I used to drive; now I do the Delta and through Atlanta, but when I used to
- You know, I live in Naples, and so I drive to, well, I used to drive now.
- And so I drive to, well, I used to drive now, I do the Delta and through Atlanta, but when I used to
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing FSU Day at the Capitol, the Red Mass, visiting students, school board members, veterans, and other guests. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed before and during the day’s proceedings. Committee and executive reports were largely absent, and the Senate proceeded directly to floor action on the listed bills.
The Senate passed a number of mostly unanimous bills, including SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42 on Florida Statutes revision; CS/SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub and related research; CS/SB 116 on veterans, expanding benefits coordination, mental health training, adult day health care, and other veterans services; SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids to adults; SB 150 on abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters, amended to conform to the House; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice for certain serious cardiac conditions; SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process for removing unauthorized persons from commercial property; SB 348 on ethics, including false military rank claims and collection of delinquent ethics fines; and CS/SB 7012 on child welfare workforce recruitment, treatment foster care pilots, and data collection for commercially sexually exploited children. Senate Memorial 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure was also adopted by voice vote.
Two bills drew more extended debate. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions about local zoning, traffic, and whether the bill’s express preemption would limit county and municipal authority; supporters argued it would prevent local obstruction and help Florida attract a presidential library, while one senator said she would vote no because of concerns about local safety and planning issues. CS/SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services; supporters said it would broaden pathways into the CPA profession and address workforce shortages. CS/SB 108 on administrative procedures and CS/SB 110 on rural communities were temporarily postponed, then later taken up and passed after extensive debate, with SB 110 amended to prioritize certain rural transportation projects, expand housing, health care, broadband, and economic development support, and draw strong bipartisan praise for its focus on rural Florida. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and made several closing announcements and recognitions.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It has been a little while. They provide services to large... It has been a little while.
- Senators, this amendment enhances penalties related to the Florida ban on texting while driving law.
- The amendment changes texting while driving from a non-moving violation to a moving violation, including
- I mean, I don't even like to drive. ...places in line for driver's license.
- I mean, I don't even like to drive.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard three bills after temporarily postponing SB 1524. The committee first took up CS for SB 1264, a broad economic development bill covering law enforcement recruitment bonuses, venture capital tax credits, data center tax exemptions, military land transfers, Space Florida procurement exemptions, and changes to regional planning councils. An amendment was adopted to remove sections tied to emergency management shelter plans so the bill would align with another measure. The main debate centered on the proposal to repeal regional planning council statutes; supporters argued the councils are duplicative and bureaucratic, while opponents said they provide valuable regional coordination, technical assistance, and grant support, especially for rural communities. The bill was reported favorably 13-1, with Senator Sharif voting no.
The committee then considered CS for SB 1348, which streamlines motor vehicle services by expanding the role of tax collectors as DHSMV agents. Three amendments were adopted: one making the scalping of driver and motor vehicle appointment slots a misdemeanor, one increasing penalties for texting while driving and requiring a new distracted-driving course to remove points, and one allowing veterans with DV plates to use a sticker instead of a stencil or imprint. The bill received supportive testimony from tax collectors and law enforcement-related groups and was reported favorably without opposition.
Finally, the committee heard SB 936, which directs the Department of Commerce’s workforce research bureau to conduct a recurring statewide study every three years on the effects of automation, robotics, and AI on Florida’s workforce. The sponsor said the study would have minimal fiscal impact and would help guide policy recommendations. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and members.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (11-18-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Those texts are in the record list?
- </c> >> What about any uh I mean just while >> What about any uh I mean just while we've<
- </c><00:26:47.200><c> you're</c> be taking THC gummies while you're be taking THC gummies while you're
- Let's all drive said, "There's no law. Let's all drive 95." 95." 95."
- So, while that may not be others.
Summary:
The commission heard argument on a renewed motion to compel discovery and related sanctions in an ethics case. Enforcement counsel said the respondent had provided incomplete and inconsistent discovery responses, including no authenticated medical records, and asked the commission to compel full interrogatory answers, bar the respondent from relying on unsupported medical claims at hearing, allow subpoenas for medical records and an LRC report, and continue the December 2 hearing. Respondent’s counsel replied that the defense had complied with discovery, that medical records were being withheld for reasons previously discussed, and that no outstanding discovery remained.
The next matter was enforcement counsel’s motion in limine, which sought to exclude a wide range of evidence as irrelevant to the three ethics charges already found to have probable cause. Counsel argued the hearing should focus only on whether the respondent intimidated Fox’s, offered a favor in exchange for a donation, and engaged in inappropriate conduct while intoxicated in his office, and not on complainants’ motives, media coverage, bullying, religious discrimination claims, LRC policies, or other legislators’ conduct. He also argued that any claim of mental or physical condition should be excluded absent supporting medical proof. Respondent’s counsel opposed the motion, saying the excluded topics went to witness credibility, bias, motive, and context, and that LRC materials and testimony from additional witnesses were important to the defense.
Commission members questioned both sides about the breadth of the motion in limine and whether any topics could be agreed to as irrelevant. Counsel for the respondent maintained that some challenged topics, including Lexington media coverage and broader legislative practices, were relevant to credibility and context. Enforcement counsel responded that even if such conduct were common, it would not excuse a violation of the ethics code. No final ruling or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If they were under the influence, texting and driving.
- It is against federal and Texas law for him not to speak English while he's driving a motor vehicle.
- He was not... ...allowed to do interstate driving, only inside Texas driving.
- I drive 10,000 miles a year. They drive 150,000. And they're good.
- I'm from driving school.
Bills:
HB4011 , HB2680 , HB4325 , HB4327 , HB4944 , HB1761 , HB4688 , HB3453 , HB40 , HB1707 , HB4749 , HB2322 , HB3647 , HB4139 , HB4081 , HB2203 , HB2100 , HB4170 , HB3104 , HB4623 , HB40
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So when a TNC driver is driving to pick somebody up, driving negligently, and to say they can hit somebody
- There’s no lack of Uber or Lyft people driving.
- And then I drive all day, and then I log...
- If they’re driving home, I’m sorry, if they decide...
- They're on their phones while they're driving on the road.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and amendments, beginning with CS/SB 498 on trust fund interest for IOTA accounts. The sponsor said a 2023 Florida Supreme Court rule sharply increased interest paid into legal aid funding, creating a windfall and making participation difficult for banks. An amendment was adopted requiring savings institutions to pay the higher of 0.25% or the highest comparable rate offered on certain non-IOTA accounts, and the bill then passed favorably after testimony from banks, legal aid representatives, and other stakeholders both supporting and opposing the measure.
The committee also approved CS/SB 232, which clarifies Florida’s consumer collection law applies only to phone calls during restricted hours and not emails or text messages, after a delete-all amendment and supportive testimony from industry groups. It then approved SB 132, as amended, to designate gold and silver as legal tender and set rules for custody, audits, electronic transfer, and government acceptance of payments; supporters called it a sound-money measure, while the banking association said it still had unresolved technical concerns.
Later, the committee passed SB 1466 to create a trust fund for the My Safe Florida Home Program, with an amendment funding it from 20% of collected insurance premium tax revenue. It also considered SB 1206 on transportation network company insurance, reducing coverage during the “dead-leg” period before a rider is picked up from $1 million to lower limits; the bill drew sharp opposition from trial lawyers and support from insurers and some business groups, and the committee adopted a clarifying amendment before reporting the bill favorably. Finally, CS/SB 924 on fertility preservation for cancer patients was amended several times to narrow scope and clarify coverage rules, then passed favorably after debate over cost, preauthorization, and post-treatment storage obligations. The committee adjourned after allowing technical and conforming changes to implement the adopted amendments.