Transcript Highlights:

• south gallery, we have Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind, the Jackson and Hinds County delegation
• And so the lady uh from Humphreys and the Sunflower County delegation would like to make you all feel
• from Humphreys and the<00:07:41.080> Sunflower<00:07:41.520> County<00:07:41.800> delegation
• <00:07:42.360> would the Sunflower County delegation would the Sunflower County delegation

Keywords: MS House Floor - 24 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with a prayer by guest minister Lee Carson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After a quorum was confirmed, the journal reading was dispensed with and there were no reports from select committees or resolutions, petitions, or memorials. Members then introduced a large number of guests, with many of the introductions focused on pharmacists and pharmacy owners from across Mississippi, along with visitors from the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind and other local guests in the galleries. During the floor proceedings, members also announced that students from the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind would be available to meet legislators in Room 402, and the clerk announced a public utilities joint hearing with the Senate Energy Committee later that day. Representative Powell reminded members that the Beam office had broadband maps available in Room 204 for review. Representative Eubanks distributed information about the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, and Representative Ford announced an evening Builders and Contractors of Mississippi crawfish boil. On the legislative calendar, Representative Robertson moved to invite conference on House Bill 1395, and the motion was adopted. The House then recessed subject to call so members could wait for state championship teams expected from the Senate for recognition, but before that occurred, the chamber later adjourned on motion of the gentleman from Rankin until 10:00 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• section 3 under new law, it says when the speaker of the house or the pro tem of the senate or their delegates
• , lines 6 and 7, it says when the Speaker of the house or the pro tempore of the senate or their delegates
• Maybe that's that's A fair question, but you know, still, you'd have the speaker and his delegates would
• Yes, I think that the insurance share would or should be one of the delegates.
• your question that the Insurance Committee Chair should be one of the members that were with the delegates

Bills: HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977, SB397, HB1161, HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123, HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Just want to remind members of the Baltimore County delegation: 11:00 State Archives. >> 11:00 State
• /c><00:07:57.199> County members of the Baltimore County members of the Baltimore County delegation
• delegation 11:00 state archives. delegation 11:00 state archives.
• The Baltimore City Senate delegation will meet tomorrow at 9:30 in the Neil Conference Room.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 15, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And here's the alarming effect to the other delegations within our state.
• When we start dipping into one local delegation and making it statewide, local delegation, making it
• have had a really good conversation and had really good conversation and discussion with the local delegation

Bills: SB330

Keywords: water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It will not hurt if y'all want to get a list of any names you want to share with the whole delegation
• She is someone that even the judges wanted to keep on, and I really feel this delegation should recognize
• answer to this question, but who are our colleagues carrying this bill for our senator from our delegation
• Okay, so... senator from our delegation. Okay, so, has there been any attempt to try to negotiate?

Bills: SB46

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would uh could I have the<00:23:14.240> Madison<00:23:14.720> County<00:23:15.039> delegation
• c><00:23:15.679> join<00:23:15.919> me<00:23:16.080> at the Madison County delegation
• join me at the Madison County delegation join me at the<00:23:17.440> have<00:23:17.600> the
• <00:23:17.760> Madison<00:23:18.159> County<00:23:18.400> delegation the have
• the Madison County delegation the have the Madison County delegation join<00:23:19.200> me<00

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in congratulating the 2025 Senate Youth Delegate, Ethan Yang. Mahalo, Ethan.
• > me in acknowledging the 2025 Senate me in acknowledging the 2025 Senate youth<00:10:05.760> delegate
• <00:10:06.320> and<00:10:06.600> constituent<00:10:07.079> of youth delegate
• and constituent of youth delegate and constituent of District<00:10:07.560> 9<00:10:08.000>
• 10:51.720> youth congratulating the 2025 Senate youth congratulating the 2025 Senate youth delegate

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, today I have the high honor and privilege of welcoming a distinguished delegation from China's
• I met with the delegation, and I can tell you what: this is a province with only 1% of the population
• red-crowned crane named Crane, named after California, when it escorted Governor Newsom and his delegation
• Now, the video showed this crane walking in front of the delegation.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a series of privileges of the floor recognitions. Senators honored California Interscholastic Federation Scholar-Athletes Ryan Liu of Burlingame High School and Mona Sugawata of West Torrance High School for their academic, athletic, and community achievements, and welcomed a delegation from Jiangsu Province in China to mark the 15th anniversary of the California-Jiangsu sister-state relationship. The chamber also recognized the California Taxpayers Association on its 100th anniversary and welcomed Senator Ochoa Bogh’s district staff visiting Sacramento. Under motions and resolutions, the Senate referred AB 782 to the Rules Committee. A motion by Senator Menjivar to rescind the vote on AB 1457 and place it on third reading was debated, with Senator Valadares opposing; the roll call passed 28-9. The Senate then took up the consent calendar, adopting Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 129, 164, and 166 by a unanimous 38-0 vote, with the same vote applying to the remaining consent items. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjourn-in-memory tributes. Senators Becker, Wiener, and Rubio honored Clarence Jones, Rita Semmel, and Deputy Levi Vargas, respectively, describing their public service, community leadership, and lasting legacies. The Senate then announced that the next floor session would be Monday, June 8 at 2 p.m., and recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, without objection, will Representatives-elect Fine and Petronis and members of the Florida delegation
• <00:10:22.000> of<00:10:22.160> the<00:10:22.240> Florida<00:10:22.560> delegation
• and members of the Florida delegation and members of the Florida delegation present<00:10:23.440

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The delegation is here today to learn more about the legislative process, gain exposure to elected officials
• I want to take this moment to thank Fort Bend County Day delegation for being here today, advocating
• I want to welcome all our delegation here. Thank you. For a visit to your capital.
• Welcome delegates of Fort Bend County. It's my honor to stand up here today and welcome you.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment changes statute 464.0156, Delegation of Duties.
• Currently, that statute 464.0156 prohibits registered nurses from delegating the administration of all
• Currently, that statute 464.0156 prohibits registered nurses from delegating the administration of all
• Basically, it's limited in scope to the nurse delegation statute.
• It's limited in scope to the nurse delegation statute.

Bills: S0688, S1414, S0186, S0902, S0196, S1574, S0878, S1092, S1032, S1684, S1686, S1760

Keywords: cytomegalovirus, education, maternal health, newborn care, infectious diseases, student health, epilepsy, seizure disorders, school safety, training requirements, medical marijuana, low-THC cannabis, neurofibromatosis, healthcare, state regulations, child care facilities, public safety, grant program, uterine fibroids, health database

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills and confirmations. It first heard SB 1414 on congenital cytomegalovirus education, which would require the Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials to expectant and new parents through maternity, prenatal, newborn, and OB-GYN settings; an amendment removed a section on required instruction for medical professionals, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then approved a block of appointees on tabs 2 through 7 and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after her testimony on Medicaid accountability, transparency, managed care oversight, rural health, behavioral health, and the state’s technology modernization efforts. Senators asked Harris about Hope Florida, Medicaid redeterminations, the CORE project, an anti-marijuana ad campaign at DCF, and compliance with a federal Medicaid-related court order; she said she would follow up on some issues. The confirmation was recommended favorably, with Senator Berman voting no. The committee next passed SB 186 on student health and safety, which expands epilepsy and seizure-disorder training requirements to more school personnel, including bus drivers and charter school staff, and requires seizure-first-aid posters and updated Department of Health education efforts. It also approved SB 902 on Department of Health issues after amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and added provisions on medical marijuana regulation, early childhood intervention, practitioner accountability, and autism workforce development; one speaker raised concerns about marijuana dispensary location restrictions and low-THC ratios. SB 196 creating a uterine fibroid research database was also reported favorably after an amendment protecting patient privacy; the bill drew emotional testimony from a patient describing severe symptoms and the need for more research. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine was approved after committee discussion about scope of practice, referral obligations, and whether naturopathic care should be adjunctive to conventional medicine; supporters described complementary care and access issues, while opponents worried about delayed treatment for serious disease. Later, the committee passed SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” to add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening using the same blood specimen already collected at birth and to launch an education campaign; parents of a child affected by the disease testified that earlier screening could have prevented severe harm. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel was reported favorably to address staffing shortages by allowing Florida to rely more directly on federal CLIA standards for qualified lab workers. SB 1092 on podiatric medicine was approved after an amendment narrowed it to cellular/tissue-based products and podiatrists’ use of certain therapies; the bill also addresses continuing education, informed consent, and advertising disclosures. SB 1032 on medical marijuana was amended and passed, aligning physician certification and card renewal timelines, setting 70-day and 35-day supply limits, and reducing the fee for honorably discharged veterans while preserving funding for FAMU; Senator Harrell opposed it, saying the longer timeframes were too much of an expansion. The committee also heard SB 1760 on Medicaid coverage transparency from Senator Brodeur, who said the bill focuses on accountability and fiscal responsibility, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's advice to their congressional delegation that they would like to be two states. >> Sure.
• It's u advice to their congressional<00:08:02.400> delegation<00:08:02.800> that<00:08:
• 03.120> they<00:08:03.280> would congressional delegation that they would congressional
• HCR12 calls for the federal delegation HCR12 calls for the federal delegation from<00:59:16.640>
• <02:33:56.479> to calling on our federal delegation to calling on our federal delegation to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, this is the companion to House Bill 1207 from Delegate Sewell. Aye. Yes, Mr.
• Chairman, this is the companion to House Bill 1207 from Delegate Sewell, establishing a paid family medical
• Delegate Carr. Mr.

Keywords: House Committee Room 1200, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've passed this to council and also, with the support of our legislative delegation, have had it
• So we've been really trying hard within the city of Taunton, both the federal delegation, state delegation
• , and the local delegation, to... ...in the city of Taunton, both the federal delegation, state delegation
• , and the local delegation, to try to address some of the concerns.
• Because the need is so great across the Cape and Islands, six members of the Cape delegation and I sent

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We routinely welcome visiting diplomatic and business delegations who seek to work with us to advance
• Along with about 100 members of our delegation, we went to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe, signing important
• During the week-long summit, we welcomed heads of state and high-level delegations from 21 Pacific Rim
• To encourage all the Assembly Members to go to Japan, as you mentioned, a recent delegation organized
• I'm honored to sit on that council and participated with her in that delegation when we went to India

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Asia, California, Trade and Investment held its first informational hearing to examine California’s economic ties with Asia, the effects of federal tariffs, and ways the state can strengthen trade, investment, tourism, and subnational diplomacy. Chair Jessica Caloza opened by emphasizing California’s role as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a major exporter to Asia, and several members and guests highlighted the importance of AAPI communities, sister-city relationships, and coordinated state outreach. Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis described California’s trade missions, APEC hosting, and ongoing climate and trade partnerships, while Japan’s deputy consul general underscored Japan’s role as a major investor and trading partner and encouraged continued engagement. The first panel, featuring leaders from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation/World Trade Center Los Angeles, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Visit California, focused on trade, tourism, and investment trends. Witnesses said tariffs and federal uncertainty are disrupting logistics, manufacturing, business travel, higher education, and tourism, with particular concern about port activity, international student declines, and reduced visitation from Asia. They urged California to remain “open for business,” invest in promotion and infrastructure, and use trade missions, MOUs, and sister-city ties to maintain relationships and attract investment. The second panel, with economist Kyle Handley and trade expert Glenn Fukushima, focused on the mechanics and consequences of tariffs. Both said tariffs function as taxes on importers and consumers, raise costs for businesses, and create uncertainty that delays investment, hiring, and supply-chain decisions. They warned that California is especially exposed because of its ports, cross-border trade, and reliance on global supply chains, and said new federal vessel fees and shifting trade routes could divert commerce away from California. They argued that the long-term damage includes lost growth and reduced U.S. credibility, and recommended that California “tariff-proof” its economy through faster ports, better infrastructure, export assistance, and reduced permitting barriers. In the final panel, representatives from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Asian Business Association California, and the Small Business Development Center emphasized future opportunities and the needs of small businesses. They said California should deepen ties with Asia through conventions, tourism, and sector-specific partnerships in life sciences, clean tech, semiconductors, hospitality, and small business trade. The witnesses stressed that small and minority-owned businesses need more access to trade missions, capital, technical assistance, and state support, and that California’s economic strength depends on coordinated efforts across regions and industries.

Transcript Highlights:

• congressional HCR27 requesting Hawaii's congressional HCR27 requesting Hawaii's congressional delegation
• > petition<00:10:22.640> the<00:10:22.880> United<00:10:23.120> States delegation
• to petition the United States delegation to petition the United States Department<00:10:23.760> of
• recommendation will be to pass with tech amendments having to do with the petition to the congressional delegation
• recommendation will be to pass with tech amendments having to do with the petition to the congressional delegation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, Agriculture, and Environment hearing first took up HTR 28, which would reconvene the working group created under House Resolution 18 to continue addressing water and air contamination and remediation issues tied to the Pua Range Training Facility. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers describing long-standing community concern and alleged lead contamination near the shooting range and nearby beach areas. One testifier urged passage as a critical mechanism for protecting the community. The committees then voted to recommend passage of HTR 28 as is, and the motion was adopted. The committees next considered HCR 25 HD1, asking the Department of Agriculture to add a statement on desecration laws to the plant and animal declaration form, and HCR 200, concerning the Maui axis deer control and venison initiative. The Department of Agriculture and DLNR offered comments on HCR 25 HD1, and HCR 200 drew support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and others, who said axis deer pose economic and environmental threats. Both measures were advanced with technical amendments, and both recommendations were adopted. The hearing then moved to HCR 27, which asks Hawaii’s congressional delegation to petition USDA to address disparities affecting Hawaii’s agricultural exports, and HCR 42 HD1, encouraging each county to develop its own biosecurity plan. The Department of Agriculture supported HCR 27, and testimony on HCR 42 HD1 emphasized county-level invasive species prevention, the need for local biosecurity planning, and gaps in state and county authority over noxious weeds and invasive plants. After a brief recess to regain quorum, both committees voted to pass HCR 27 with technical amendments and HCR 42 HD1 as is; all motions were adopted and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Delegate White. Thank you so much for being here. Please share.
• Good afternoon, Delegate White. Thank you so much for being here. Please share.
• Thank you, Delegate. Questions for the delegate? The chair recognizes the senator from Brooke.
• Welcome, Delegate Leavitt. Good to see you.
• Thank you very much, Delegate Leavitt. Do we have questions for the delegate?

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up House Bill 4852, a strike-and-insert bill revising West Virginia’s food additive restrictions. Counsel explained that it moved the existing additive list into a new code section, kept the 2028 effective date, added exceptions for dietary supplements, alcoholic liquor, non-intoxicating beer, and small sellers under $5,000 per month, and created civil penalties for knowing violations. Testimony split between industry witnesses, who argued the bill and last year’s law would raise costs, burden interstate commerce, and conflict with federal regulation, and advocates who said the law is already prompting companies to reformulate and that the bill clarifies vague language tied to a federal injunction. Several amendments were offered to tie the law to FDA action or exempt soda, pepperoni rolls, frozen confections, and snack foods; some were adopted and others failed. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment as amended and reported HB 4852 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 5484, which creates felony offenses for interfering with a victim’s access to medical treatment or forensic care related to a sexual offense, or for forcing a victim of a sexual offense who becomes pregnant to have an illegal abortion, along with a conspiracy offense. Counsel said the strike-and-insert added clarifying language and definitions. Members raised concerns that the conspiracy language could be read to include the victim herself, and the bill sponsor said the intent was to target traffickers and abusers who keep victims from medical care and force abortions outside medical facilities. An amendment was adopted clarifying that nothing in the subsection imposes criminal liability on the victim of the sexual offense. The committee then adopted the strike-and-insert amendment, reported HB 5484 to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation, and adopted a title amendment. The final bill discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 4468, which narrows confidentiality protections for victims in criminal complaints by limiting redaction to names and addresses, while still allowing disclosure to other governmental entities and permitting victims to request redaction of addresses from appellate decisions after July 1, 2026. Counsel said the bill would replace broader existing confidentiality language and remove provisions allowing disclosure upon a showing of justice or by subpoena. Members questioned whether the change would weaken victim privacy protections, noting that identifying information can include much more than names and addresses. The committee then began hearing testimony from a county prosecutor on the bill, but the excerpt ends before any vote or final action on HB 4468.

Transcript Highlights:

• duties are specified in state law, and some community health boards assume other duties through delegation
• duties are specified in state law, and some community health boards assume other duties through delegation
• duties are specified in state law, and some community health boards assume other duties through delegation
• duties are specified in state law, and some community health boards assume other duties through delegation
• duties are specified in state law, and some community health boards assume other duties through delegation

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The meeting was an informational walkthrough for the Health Finance and Policy Working Group, focused on committee structure, budget basics, and major health-related accounts and programs. Staff explained the roles of House Research and House Fiscal, then reviewed key funds used by the committee, including the general fund, government special revenue fund, federal funds, the health care access fund, remediation account, and drinking water revolving fund. They also outlined the committee’s main budget areas, noting that medical assistance is the largest general fund item and that the Department of Health is a substantial agency funded by a mix of federal, general fund, and special revenue dollars. A major portion of the presentation covered subsidized health coverage programs. Staff described Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) as an entitlement for eligible Minnesotans, with no premiums or cost sharing, and explained its managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. MinnesotaCare was presented as a separate federal-state basic health program for people who are not eligible for MA, with income limits, premiums for adults age 21 and older, and cost-sharing requirements; staff noted that federal premium tax credit changes affect MinnesotaCare premium ranges. The presentation also summarized MNsure’s role in the individual market and in determining eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, and MA. The committee also received an overview of health-related licensing boards and occupational regulation. Staff said Minnesota has 16 health-related licensing boards, funded mainly through the state government special revenue fund and subject to legislative appropriation, and explained that health occupations may be regulated by the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or the boards under chapter 214. Interstate licensure compacts were briefly noted as a way to ease practice across states. No bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• of House Concurrent Resolution 2, amending Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates
• Message will be received. ...Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates.
• House Concurrent Resolution 2, amending Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate briefly returned to business and received messages from the House concerning two concurrent resolutions. House Concurrent Resolution 1 invited the Governor to deliver an address to the legislature and called for a joint assembly; the Senate dispensed with committee reference, took it up immediately, and adopted it by voice vote. The Chair then appointed the Senate members to the joint assembly committee and directed that the action be communicated to the House. The Senate next considered House Concurrent Resolution 2, which amended Rule 31 of the Joint Rules of the Senate and House of Delegates. Again, the Senate waived committee reference, considered the resolution immediately, and adopted it by voice vote without discussion. After completing those actions, the Senate agreed to a motion to stand in recess until five minutes after the joint assembly, and the chamber recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once applicants are admitted, the Florida Supreme Court delegates some of its authority to the Florida
• The bar also delegates to lawyers the duty to stay competent by satisfying their continuing legal education
• The bar also delegated the bar their responsibility to delegate to delegate lawyer duty to stay competent
• So the Florida Bar has delegated that authority to investigate and prosecute unlicensed practice of law

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and Senator Thompson excused. The committee first considered Senate Bill 48 by Senator Garcia on judicial sales and procedures. Garcia explained a delete-all amendment that would create clearer statewide procedures for alternative judicial sales, increase transparency, remove bidding credits, extend sale timelines, and add oversight for auctioneers and escrow agents to prevent fraud and collusion. After no questions or opposition, the amendment was adopted, Senator Pasadoma said the rewrite addressed many of his concerns, and the committee then voted CS for SB 48 favorably with unanimous yes votes from members present. The committee then received a presentation from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office on the effectiveness of Florida’s recent anti-squatting law, House Bill 621/SB 888. Presenters described several cases in which deputies used the new process to remove unlawful occupants, including a false landlord report, a long-term fake lease situation, and a more recent unlawful occupancy case. They said the law has helped protect property owners and potential victims, but suggested technical changes: clearer authorization for deputies to enter and use force if needed, and a fix to the affidavit penalty provision because false statements are currently being charged as false reports rather than perjury under the existing wording. The Florida Bar also presented on its role in regulating lawyers, lawyer advertising, and the unlicensed practice of law. Bar leaders explained that the Bar operates under the Florida Supreme Court’s authority, is funded by member fees, and handles complaints through a multi-step process involving intake, branch offices, grievance committees, referees, and final Supreme Court review. They described advertising review procedures, discipline statistics, consumer assistance, the Clients’ Security Fund, and enforcement against unlicensed practice. Senators asked about the Legislature’s authority over lawyer advertising, the prevalence of legal ads, the role of public members on grievance committees, and how those members are selected and used.