Transcript Highlights:

• > clerk voted everyone has voted and the clerk voted everyone has voted and the clerk will<00:
• play a vote for house file 12 is a vote play a vote for house file 12 is a vote for<02:23:51.520
• A vote for House File 12 is a vote for Laurel.
• <02:25:32.920> house<02:25:33.279> file vote for Laurel a vote for house file vote for
• sense vote to protect our girls vote for sense vote to protect our girls vote for fairness<02:27

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:15:21.239> with testimony trust me either to vote with testimony trust me either to vote
• <01:53:52.880> on we did CH the rules you voted on we did CH the rules you voted on it<01:
• I'm vote for... We don't need a second. Let's just vote. And for procedural, I'll second.
• I'm vote for... We don't need a second. Let's just vote. And for procedural, I'll second.
• am I'm vote am I'm vote for<02:02:28.159> we<02:02:28.280> don't<02:02:28.400>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote by acclamation that we're going to blame this on movers.
• But this is clearly an appropriation out of the road fund that we are going to vote on.
• How are we integrating that? I understand that.
• How are we integrating that? I understand that. Is AI figuring into this?
• How are we integrating that?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote no on these bills unless we invest in solutions that Please vote no on these bills unless
• Should it be something that's voted on?
• Should it be something that's voted on by a city council or select board meeting?
• By voting yes, you are saying yes that... ...community's addiction and medicalize another.
• Remember, with your vote, you choose who gets to live, and even worse, who gets to die.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery held a public hearing on several harm reduction bills, including measures to decriminalize simple possession and paraphernalia, authorize overdose prevention centers, and expand access to naloxone for first responders. Chair Mindy Domb and Senator John Velis opened by describing harm reduction as an evidence-based public health strategy and noting Massachusetts’ recent decline in fatal overdoses. They emphasized that testimony would help shape whether and how the bills advance, and explained the hearing process, including time limits and written testimony. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Rep. Kate Donaghue, Sen. Cindy Friedman, Rep. Marjorie Decker, Rep. Manny Cruz, public health professionals, recovery advocates, and people with lived experience, argued that harm reduction saves lives, reduces stigma, and can connect people to treatment. They supported overdose prevention centers and decriminalization as tools to keep people alive long enough to enter recovery, and several speakers described personal losses to overdose or family experiences with addiction. Some supporters also framed the bills as racial justice measures, arguing that criminal penalties for possession have disproportionately harmed Black and brown communities. Opponents, including Sen. Nick Collins and several South End residents, argued that overdose prevention centers and decriminalization would worsen public drug use, crime, and neighborhood disorder, especially around Mass and Cass. They said current approaches such as Section 35, diversion, and police leverage into treatment are more effective, and they urged more treatment beds and recovery facilities instead of harm reduction sites. Committee members questioned witnesses about research, local siting, crime data, and the relationship between harm reduction and treatment, and several members said neighborhood impacts must be considered alongside overdose prevention. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing; it continued receiving testimony and announced a later break before resuming on H. 2196 and S. 1393.

Transcript Highlights:

• years ago, they pulled me off television news and ended my career for standing up for truth and integrity
• I'll stop there, because the last time I went anchor man in this Senate, everybody voted against us,
• c><01:00:54.160> for<01:00:54.400> truth<01:00:54.960> and<01:00:55.160> integrity
• for standing up for truth and integrity for standing up for truth and integrity and<01:00:55.720
• I'll stop there, because the last time I went anchor man in this Senate, everybody voted against us,

Keywords: Order of the Day: PENDING, 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It really was about primary care, maybe integrated with behavioral health.
• Um maybe integrated with care.
• We all voted on it already in the interim, and I always like looking back to see how we all voted.
• Further discussion, amendments, seeing none, sensing the urge to vote. Mr.
• This is a roll call vote for Senate Bill 4. Representative Clouston: aye.

Bills: HB0004

Keywords: medical assistance, birthing centers, healthcare, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd ask that you please join me in voting in support of Senate Bill 89.
• voting in support of Senate Bill 89. voting in support of Senate Bill 89.
• I'd like to split my vote. Please do.
• Chairman, explain my vote. Please do. I think this is a great bill and I'm going to vote yes on it.
• Therefore, I'm proudly voting aye. Senator Williams, aye. And Chair Smith, I vote aye.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:28 Introduction of Guests 00:02:08 American Electric Power and Kentucky Power Presentation 00:03:31 SB 89 Discussion 00:53:55 SB 89 Roll Call Vote 01:07:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky. Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky. Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to believe I've done it with integrity, with the betterment of the people we serve in mind
• First, I'm going to say, you know, I understand that you guys, like us, you're voted in by your people
• First, I'm going to say, you know, I understand that you guys, like us, you're voted in by your people
• Now, the second largest expenditure for POST is information technology, and it is also integral to our
• We have reduced consultant reliance, controlled costs, and maintained fiscal integrity, but the work

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership. Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind. The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where there are hard choices, let there be integrity.
• Ninety-six members voting; a quorum is present, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened in special session with 96 members present, establishing a quorum. The meeting opened with prayer by Representative Andrade and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Valdez. The clerk then read Governor Ron DeSantis’s proclamation calling the Legislature into special session from June 1 to June 3, 2026. No bills, resolutions, committee reports, messages from the Senate, or other legislative items were on the desk. The Speaker announced the schedule for the special session, saying the State Affairs Committee would meet that afternoon to consider a property tax bill and related policy, followed by the Rules and Ethics Committee later in the evening. The House planned to return to the floor the next morning to take up both measures. Representative Garrison moved that the House receive reports and adjourn for committee and other House business, reconvening Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9 a.m. or upon call of the Chair. The motion was approved, and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where there are hard choices, let there be integrity.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum. 96 members voting; a quorum is

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They would have to vote on it by referendum.
• My name is Mary Margaret Harrell, and I represent Brad Hannah of applicants for an integrated facility

Bills: SB207, SB72

Keywords: cotton, agriculture, levy, assessment, referendum, Alabama law, medical cannabis, cannabis license, integrated facility license, Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, AMCC, medical marijuana, dispensary, cultivation, processing, license appeal, administrative hearing, judicial review, consultant selection, license denial

Transcript Highlights:

• I intend for the chair to lay out the bills one at a time, take invited and public testimony, then vote
• The bill passed with a 25 to 5 vote.
• We do have a public integrity unit with the Texas Rangers.
• One of my public integrity investigators is sitting in the back of the room.
• We'll proceed with voting.

Bills: HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB1024, HB1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667, HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings

Transcript Highlights:

• to ensure successful tree recruitment, both of which are critical to maintaining the ecological integrity
• of the preserve and fulfilling our obligation critical to maintaining the ecological integrity of the
• It's not just a vote for a bill; it's a vote for revitalizing and strengthening the resiliency of Texas
• Members, we're going to vote some bills out, so if you can stay with me about 10 minutes, we should be

Bills: HB43, HB519, HB 1275, HB1592, HB2842, HB3088, HB3479, HB4163, SB823, HB609

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with only four members initially present, so quorum was not established until later in the hearing. The committee heard several agriculture-, wildlife-, and food-labeling-related bills, including HB 3479 on expanding the Rio Grande vegetative management program beyond carrizo cane to other noxious vegetation, SB 823 on shrimp origin labeling and restrictions on misrepresenting imported shrimp as Texas or Gulf shrimp, HB 3088 on giving Texas Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to procure resale goods for park gift shops, HB 1275 on permits for non-bovine dairy farms in certain TB-affected areas, HB 519 on honey production and packaging rules, HB 609 on cleaning oyster cages in-bay with bay water only, HB 1592 on a voluntary AgriLife pest and disease alert system, HB 2842 on targeted urban deer depredation permits, and HB 4163 on limiting city requirements that agricultural operators maintain roadside rights-of-way. Testimony generally came from industry groups, agency resource witnesses, and affected producers, with most witnesses supporting the bills and several bills drawing questions about enforcement, labeling responsibility, and the scope of local authority. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 823, where Vice Chair Hancock and others questioned why wholesalers would be covered if they cannot relabel products. The bill author and restaurant association witness said the measure was intended to improve transparency and allow enforcement against intentional mislabeling, while preserving a good-faith defense and clarifying that the bill does not create a private cause of action. HB 519 also drew supportive testimony from beekeepers and a family farm, who argued that current rules treat honey extraction and bottling too much like food manufacturing and burden small operations. HB 609 was presented as a way to save time and resources for cultivated oyster mariculture by allowing cage cleaning in the bay without soaps or chemicals, and HB 1592 was described as a voluntary opt-in alert system for pests and diseases coordinated through AgriLife and other state agencies. HB 43 generated the most detailed policy debate. The bill would restructure and expand the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, update grant and loan programs, and create a pest and disease control depredation program. The committee substitute reduced some funding caps, changed references from predators to depredating animals, and made the financial provisions contingent on appropriations. Supporters from Texas Farm Bureau, cotton growers, grain and feed interests, and young farmers described severe drought, inflation, land loss, rising input costs, and shrinking infrastructure as major threats to agriculture, while one witness urged preserving priority for young farmers. After testimony, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported HB 43 favorably. The committee also voted HB 519, HB 609, HB 1275, HB 1592, HB 3088, HB 3479, HB 2842, and HB 4163 favorably, with several recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 823 was reported from committee on a 6-2 vote after adoption of the committee substitute. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would tentatively reconvene Friday morning and then recessed subject to the chair's call.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I need to see that in an amendment before I vote on it.
• We're currently working to implement a systems integrator right now and would intend to move...
• We're currently working to implement a systems integrator right now and would intend to move towards
• Chairman, you also get a vote. Yeah, you've been getting out of having to vote. So, Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met with all members present to review the medical services portion of the HHS budget. Sarah Aker, Executive Director of Medical Services, walked the committee through several budget items, including HCBS cost-to-continue adjustments, the DD bed assessment, expansion of value-based purchasing, targeted rate increases for home health and QSP services, and the cross-disability waiver. Members generally supported the targeted increases for home health and QSP, and Aker explained that the cross-disability waiver funding would support startup work, service design, and infrastructure ahead of a planned July 1, 2028 implementation. The committee spent significant time on rate-setting and provider payment issues. Members discussed ambulance rate rebasing, with several senators expressing concern that the proposed increase was too high relative to peer states; the committee ultimately moved toward reducing that item to $1 million rather than zero so it could be revisited in conference committee. They also discussed a House-added critical access hospital networking grant and similarly leaned toward reducing it to $1 million. Aker explained the department’s value-based purchasing plans, including use of a vendor selected through RFP, and clarified how the department’s existing Medicaid managed care and hospital value-based programs work. A major portion of the meeting focused on long-term care and basic care payments, including a House-added extension of the $5 per day basic care add-on and a proposed shift in nursing facility incentive grants toward a withhold-based model. Senator Mathern indicated he would bring an amendment to delay or modify the withhold change, and Aker said the department would prefer language that directly addresses whether a withhold may be implemented. Members also discussed 1915(i) services, FMAP changes, the Medicaid legacy system modernization carryover, and a House-added legislative intent section on medical assistance. The committee adjourned for the morning with plans to return later to continue Human Services budget work and revisit unresolved items in conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know BNC voting, health and human I think was doing, has some things going on.
• We generally don't adopt until prior to the vote, but my two bills, my committee subs aren't even back
• there are there are requirements for fluid test levels, there are requirements for a mechanical integrity
• And so that, with that group, lessens the chance of the, and by the way, doing the mechanical integrity
• trying to ameliorate that we're not here in finance to talk about your LAR, you know, but budgets being voted

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, show that the, I'm sorry, ma'am, in favor, let's vote in favor or opposed to the bill?
• I look forward to voting up on your bill.
• Representative Costa has closed on her bill, Isabel, please call the roll on HB 59 and announce the vote
• You know, if I want to have the right to vote restored potentially down the line, I have to meet all
• All right, having closed on his bill, Isabel, please call the roll on HB 243 and announce the vote.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 59, by Rep. Koster, would expand Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the statute’s clean hands provision, and allowing exonerees to choose between a civil lawsuit and the state compensation process. Supporters from criminal defense, innocence, civil liberties, and justice reform groups appeared in support, and members spoke favorably about the bill’s purpose. A technical amendment was adopted to align the bill with the Senate companion and remove conflicting statutory language. The committee then voted 17-0 to report HB 59 favorably as amended. The committee next heard HB 243, by Rep. Andrade, which would prevent cash bond funds posted by third parties from being automatically used to satisfy a criminal defendant’s fines, fees, or judgments. The sponsor said the bill protects third-party depositors, while some members raised concerns about clerk revenue, bail incentives, and whether third-party organizations posting bonds should be treated differently. Rep. Gottlieb indicated he would support an amendment allowing a cash depositor to authorize those funds to be used for costs at the time of posting, and the sponsor said he would accept that concept. Public testimony was in support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. After debate, the committee voted 15-3 to report HB 243 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For all these reasons, I respectfully urge you to vote no on SB 664 and partner with us to strengthen
• Today I would like to ask you that you vote this bill inexpedient to legislate.
• So, we're going to vote on the amendment. All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed?
• So, we're going to vote on the So, we're going to vote on the amendment.<02:57:57.279> All<02:
• That’s what we’re voting on right now: access to health care. >> Call the vote on Amendment 0776.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is a federally required item that's part of revalidation to support program integrity and making
• /c> of revalidation um to support the of revalidation um to support the program<00:11:33.920> integrity
• > and<00:11:34.560> and<00:11:34.880> making<00:11:35.120> sure program integrity
• and and making sure program integrity and and making sure that<00:11:35.600> you<00:11:35.680
• Um, with everything that's going on, I need you guys to vote yes on this bill because this bill needs

Bills: HF729

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and when explaining your vote, first cast your vote, then explain. Does anyone have any guests?
• Senator Elkins voted aye.
• uh to vote law. uh to vote law.
• I'm going to vote no.
• vote, Chair? Yes, please. Thank you. vote, Chair? Yes, please. Thank you.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:10 Attendance Roll Call: 00:19 HB 10 Discussion: 02:19 HB 10 Vote: 06:24 HB 139 Discussion: 08:23 HB 139 Vote: 19:50 HB 607 Discussion: 21:29 HB 607 Vote: 25:55 HB 642 Discussion: 28:15 HB 642 Vote: 32:06 Adjournment: 33:25, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, that's why I'll be voting no, but it's not integral to this amendment and if people feel the need
• voting no, but I it's not integral to voting no, but I it's not integral to this<01:29:44.320>
• votes I. And Senator Latz votes I. votes I. And Senator Latz votes I.
• Latz votes I. Senator Latz votes I. Latz votes I. Senator Latz votes I.
• votes no. votes no.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all