Transcript Highlights:

• know about, people like certified ophthalmologic technicians. the folks who run the machines that test
• to, for example, placebo effect or practice effects, where people just naturally get better at the test
• clinical trial has to go through the FDA IND approval process. which requires a lot of phase one testing
• costs associated with caring for residents, including the salaries of direct care staff, laboratory testing

Bills: SB128, SB640, SB672, SB904, SB1141, SB1263, SB1525, SB1528, SB2041, SB2306, SB2308, SB2357, SB2446, SB2695, SB2857, SB2891, SB2583

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• person in place, not just a system of artificial intelligence, and it deals with ensuring the blood tests
• So I'm assuming part of this is actually testing the court to see if we can do this.
• Martin, if you can address the Louisiana decision and what you're trying to do with the courts in testing
• Martin, if you can address the Louisiana decision and what you're trying to do with the courts in testing

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and reported favorably a series of criminal justice, corrections, and public safety bills. Among the measures approved were SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles; SB 1136, tightening age-related criminal offense provisions and clarifying that ignorance or misrepresentation of a victim’s age is not a defense in covered cases; SB 144, which was described as a broad public safety measure addressing law enforcement tools, AI/body camera use, concealed carry licensing exemptions for law enforcement, blood testing after exposure incidents, and related matters; and SB 1782, creating a dangerous excessive speeding offense for extreme speeding conduct. The committee also approved SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion on immediate arrest of individuals with significant medical conditions in nursing home or assisted living settings, SB 612 closing a loophole related to charging minors in drug-distribution deaths, SB 1838 protecting court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 716 imposing mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators. Several bills drew notable testimony and debate. SB 1804, which would make sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital offense, received strong support from the sponsor and some members who argued it was needed to address the most heinous trafficking cases, but it also drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and others who argued the death penalty should not be expanded to non-homicide crimes and would be unconstitutional, costly, and retraumatizing to victims. SB 1604 on corrections, which included provisions on inmate litigation, limitations periods, tracking devices, and involuntary mental health treatment, prompted questions about inmate rights, accountability, and possible abuse; the sponsor said the bill was intended to balance access to claims with institutional safety and to continue refining the language. SB 1838 also drew concerns from criminal defense lawyers about possible unintended effects on attorneys, and the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including a substitute amendment to SB 144 that removed some provisions for further work, added first responder-related provisions, and adjusted motor vehicle kill-switch language; an amendment to SB 1136 changing the age threshold and refining luring/enticement language; a strike-all amendment to SB 964 limiting retroactivity and focusing on presumptive parolees; and a delete-all amendment to SB 1604 that revised multiple provisions, including tracking devices and consecutive sentencing under 10-20 Life. Most bills were reported favorably by roll call, with SB 776 and SB 1804 passing despite recorded no votes from some members. The chair closed by noting it was the committee’s final meeting of the session and thanked members before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• He adds that sitting at home with positive COVID tests is not fun and that he wishes he were there.
• 53.199> COVID sitting at home here with positive COVID sitting at home here with positive COVID tests
• 14:56.079> trying<00:14:56.399> to<00:14:56.720> keep<00:14:56.959> up tests
• is not fun and trying to keep up tests is not fun and trying to keep up with<00:14:57.360> all

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• like that, so we're hoping we can pair up with the FACTS class to have our high school kids actually test
• landscape in southeast Minnesota was highlighted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's township testing
• , where they tested private wells across southeast Minnesota.
• This is not our grandfather's oats anymore; these are oats that have test weight and yield.

Transcript Highlights:

• Place you can go in South Carolina where IBHS has model homes where they literally do hazard testing.
• terms of the shingles, there's different materials that are used to compile them, and they actually test
• They do have this giant facility in which they test a variety of different building patterns.
• We get a lot of really important data out of what IBHS does in their testing.

Bills: HB778, HB 1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• We test all of our deer when they die. I've raised deer for 25 years. Had hundreds of deer die.
• <00:18:52.960> We<00:18:53.200> test<00:18:53.440> all<00:18:53.679> of
• We test all of our federal regulation.
• We test all of our deer<00:18:55.200> when<00:18:55.440> they<00:18:55.679> die.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 40, authored by Representative Burkel, was heard and laid over. The bill would remove the statutory requirement that farmed deer/elk facilities maintain a physical barrier preventing contact with wild deer, and it would also strike language allowing revocation of registration and seizure/destruction of animals for fencing or escape violations. Burkel argued the current law is unfair to deer farmers, treats them differently than other livestock producers, and amounts to a regulatory taking of a legal agricultural enterprise. Supporters from the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association and Minnesota Deer Farmers Association said the 2023 secondary-fence requirement is expensive, difficult to implement on long-established properties, and has pushed some breeders out of the industry. They described costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, said the DNR’s guidance is case-by-case and unclear, and argued that the penalty structure is too harsh for what they view as minor or unavoidable escape incidents. One testifier said the industry is being driven out of business and that the state should help pay for the fencing if it remains required. The DNR opposed the bill. Its enforcement representative said the physical-contact barrier is intended to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease transmission and that removing penalties would leave little incentive for compliance. He said the agency continues to work with the roughly 10 noncompliant whitetail farms and that the DNR provides case-by-case review because farm topography varies. In committee questions, members discussed whether wild deer commonly travel along fence lines, whether ear-tagged deer have been found, and whether there is a standard approved fence design; the DNR said there is no single standard fence, only suggestions and review. Representative Burkel closed by reiterating his support for the bill and the committee then laid it over.

Transcript Highlights:

• they normally like to, but they always say old sayings are old sayings for a reason—they stand the test
• 16:22.040> the old sayans for a reason they stand the old sayans for a reason they stand the test
• :23.399> all<00:16:23.560> have<00:16:23.639> heard<00:16:23.880> that test
• of time and we all have heard that test of time and we all have heard that old<00:16:24.399> saying

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard several measures focused on public safety and emergency preparedness. Senate Bill 266, sponsored by Vice Chair Aaron Reed, would allow Kentucky State Police troopers to engage in secondary employment under a policy set by the commissioner. Reed argued the change would improve morale, recruitment, retention, and compensation opportunities. Senators Boswell, Nunn, and Higden asked about when the extra work would occur and whether the commissioner had been consulted; Reed said the policy would be left to KSP leadership and cited examples such as convention centers and events like the Derby. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to the floor. The committee then adopted a committee substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 67, which creates a task force to study disaster preparedness, mitigation, and related issues such as flooding, wind events, insurance, communications, and coordination among state and local agencies. The sponsor described recent severe weather and flooding across Kentucky and said the resolution was intended to help the state identify risks and best practices, save money, and save lives. Senators discussed whether the National Guard should be included, and the sponsor said they would not object to adding a representative. The resolution passed unanimously. House Bill 234, presented by Representative Wade Williams with the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association, would add airport police departments to the list of agencies eligible for grants funded through confiscated or abandoned firearms sold through the Kentucky State Police auction process. Williams said the grants support life-saving equipment such as tasers and bulletproof vests and that airport police had been inadvertently left off the eligibility list. Senators asked whether the change would reduce funding for other departments, and Williams said he did not expect a detrimental effect. The bill passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with an invitation to legislators to attend a National Guard briefing and aerial flight event, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we had that test here in this chamber over and over again. We had a real emergency.
• So unfortunately, we have had the test that this bill put before us, and we failed that test.
• Testing operation was a national leader.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the litmus test. That's the mandate. So as That's the litmus test. That's the mandate.
• Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first and the lesson after.
• part of that job interview, and without advanced warning, he was asked to complete a physical fitness test

Summary: The Florida Senate convened for its organizational session with prayer, presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, followed by a moment of silence for the mother of Senator Fine. The chamber then received special guests and administered oaths to newly elected senators after reading certificates of election from the Secretary of State. Tracy Campbell Cantella was nominated and unanimously elected Secretary of the Senate, then sworn in. Ben Albritton was nominated, seconded, and elected as President of the Senate for the 2024–2026 term, and Jason Brodeur was later nominated, seconded, and elected President Pro Tempore. Both leaders were sworn in and delivered extended remarks about faith, service, Florida’s economy and education, hurricane recovery, insurance, rural communities, agriculture, water quality, Israel, veterans, and the need for data-driven, accountable government. After the leadership elections, the Senate adopted its rules for the new term and authorized the Secretary to make technical and conforming changes. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 2-O-RG, which establishes the joint rules of the Florida Legislature for 2024–26. A committee was appointed to notify the House that the Senate had convened for organization, and the committee later reported back that the House had been informed. The Senate then received a communication from the Democratic caucus certifying that Senator Jason Pizzo was elected Democratic leader and Senator Tracie Davis Democratic leader pro tempore for the term. The session included additional remarks recognizing Senate staff and security personnel, as well as tributes to the late John Pasidomo and a moment of silence for him. The meeting concluded with a performance of “Amazing Grace,” brief closing comments, and an attempted motion to adjourn sine die that was briefly tabled until the House confirmed it was convened and ready to transact business. The Senate then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• There’s no requirement that any recipient be means tested.
• <04:30:54.880> It's any recipient be means tested. It's any recipient be means tested.
• In the end, what counts is passing the written test and the road test at the DMV.
• <06:02:49.360> at<06:02:49.600> the written test and the road test at the written test
• Air Force general and renowned test Air Force general and renowned test pilot<06:39:57.840> Chuck

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• says objective evidence, such as a controlled study demonstrating increased proficiency and better test
• and better test scores is given<00:05:11.759> the<00:05:12.039> same<00:05:12.600>
• My question to you would be: would the state standardized testing qualify as a scientific study?
• prove it if you look at the Tims test prove it if you look at the Tims test we're<00:45:47.640><
• city in Nashua because you know the test city in Nashua because you know the test scores<03:35:06.600

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials. Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we will have some that will show up the first week that cannot pass the test that they had to
• that they had to pass to get the test that they had to pass to get in.<00:21:28.280> So,<00:21
• That includes our drivers, testing examiners, our lab personnel, uh, those types of personnel.
• uh testing examiners, our lab personnel uh those<00:26:50.920> type those type those type of<
• to the school on day one, you have your end-of-doc fitness test and not be able to pass it.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• folks that are coming from out of state and everywhere are still having to take the same licensing test
• still having to take the<00:08:22.480> same<00:08:22.720> licensing<00:08:23.240> test
• test that our in-state<00:08:24.920> folks<00:08:25.240> are<00:08:25.320> taking.
• <00:08:31.200> and<00:08:31.280> that's<00:08:31.480> come without taking the test
• and that's come without taking the test and that's come some<00:08:32.159> That's<00:08:32.360

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:02 Discussion HB 144 00:00:58 Vote HB 144 00:02:40 Discussion HB 169 00:03:21 Vote HB 169 00:05:02 Discussion HB 568 00:05:56 Vote HB 568 00:28:27 Discussion HB 627 00:32:26 Vote HB 627 01:00:26, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does this not put, as I read this, it treats in-person registrants who have to do the acid test exactly
• the same now as absentee ballot registrants who now would also have to pass the acid test?
• <00:40:22.400> They have to go through the acid test.
• They have to go through the acid test.
• Well, we'll see another<01:11:14.480> test<01:11:14.800> of<01:11:14.960> it<01:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and I don't see that the original bill changes that case law either, so it is still going to be a test
• and I don't see that the original bill changes that case law either, so it is still going to be a test
• <00:37:38.560> that it laid out a four-part test that it laid out a four-part test that communities
• <00:37:58.920> as<00:37:59.119> there um is still going to be a test as there um is
• still going to be a test as there should<00:37:59.520> be<00:38:00.359> uh<00:38:00.480

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He served as the initial command officer at hundreds of incidents, moments that would test anyone's strength
• He served as the initial command officer at hundreds of incidents, moments that would test anyone's strength
• As the highest-ranking civilian manager at the Eastern Test Range, he oversaw operations that supported
• As the highest-ranking civilian manager at the Eastern Test Range, he oversaw operations that supported
• For example, Warshaw faced criticism for the duration, high cost, and evolving compliance benchmarks.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be taken out of the orders of the day: An act authorizing the city of Melrose to establish a means-tested
• Third reading of a bill: An act authorizing the city of Melrose to establish a means-tested senior citizen

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several resolutions, including commendations for Healthy Birth Day, Incorporated, Empty Arms Bereavement Support, Incorporated, for recognizing September 19, 2025 as Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day, and for the town of Plymouth becoming the 451st International City of Peace. Both resolutions were adopted by voice vote. The chamber then advanced several local and private matters. A bill authorizing Lexington to grant ten additional on-premises wine and malt beverage licenses was read a third time and passed to be engrossed. A bill authorizing Melrose to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also suspended the rules to take up a House bill establishing a sick leave bank for John C. Murphy and ordered it to a third reading. The Senate additionally suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition establishing a sick leave bank for Kathleen Roderick, an employee of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, to the Committee on Public Service. The body adopted an order to adjourn on Thursday at 11 a.m. in full formal session without a calendar. It then agreed to adjourn in memory of K. Walsh, heard a tribute to her life and service in nursing and geriatrics, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair: TESTING. ALL RIGHT EVERYONE PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS.
• I REMEMBER SEEING SOMETHING IN THE BILL ABOUT CHEATING ON YOUR DRIVERS TESTS OR EXAMS.

Transcript Highlights:

• aggravating factors and creates the illusion of a lower option, 10 to 40 years, available only if a six-part test
• And one part of that test cannot be satisfied by the very nature of the conduct that results in a second-degree
• recent report shows that at the end of 2024, there were still 233 backlog sexual assault kits awaiting testing
• Under current law, the definition of awaiting testing includes language allowing a local law enforcement
• importantly, this bill And, just as importantly, this bill does not take away a survivor's right to decline testing

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, $120 million will go to PFAS remediation, including testing and cleanup of private wells
• from PFAS contamination, that would establish indemnity for farmers and set up a fund for farmers to test
• According to lead testing data from the DEP, more than 80% of the 62,000 taps tested from 1,700 schools
• and child care centers across Massachusetts have tested positive for lead since 2016.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on S.2542, the Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at climate resilience, water infrastructure, conservation, and related permitting reforms. Secretary Rebecca Tepper and administration officials described the bill’s major investments in flood control, coastal resilience, DCR roads/bridges/dams and parks, drinking water and wastewater upgrades, PFAS remediation, land conservation, food security infrastructure, and expanded Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness funding. They also explained proposed streamlining measures for environmental permitting, flood risk disclosures, a Connecticut River Resilient Commission, and a new Resilience Revolving Fund to provide low-cost financing for municipal resilience projects. Committee members asked about affordability, useful life of projects, how the revolving fund would be capitalized, and how the bill would help communities such as Lawrence, Methuen, and coastal towns; officials said the fund would initially use existing trust resources, not new fees, and could later support special obligation bonds once it has a track record. Several witnesses supported the bill but urged larger authorizations or additional provisions. Boston Harbor Now asked for more funding for MVP and the state’s resilient coast plan, and supported permitting reforms for nature-based and hybrid solutions. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance urged inclusion of drought-management language from separate bills, plus a statewide flood buyout program and a water reuse commission. Green Roots called for dedicated funding for outdoor and indoor air quality monitoring and indoor air quality improvements, especially in environmental justice communities affected by traffic and airport pollution. Conservation and forestry advocates requested more funding for urban tree canopy, local nurseries, and workforce training, while also raising concerns about PFAS impacts and the need for clearer municipal reforestation language. Agriculture and water infrastructure groups focused on food security and drinking water needs. The Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership and the Mass Food System Collaborative backed the food security infrastructure grant program and farmland protection funding, warning that the program needs continued support in fiscal 2027 and that farmland loss is accelerating. The Massachusetts Waterworks Association said the bill does not go far enough on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, citing large statewide capital needs and PFAS compliance costs, and asked for recurring funding and broader eligibility for climate resilience grants. A Product Stewardship Council representative also urged funding for a waste reduction needs assessment, citing growing landfill constraints and rising disposal costs. No votes were taken during the hearing."}{