Transcript Highlights:

• This creates a conflict with the allowed recovery of economic damages provided for in Chapter 768.21,
• Chris Newland, Florida Chapter American College of Physicians, is waving against. Mark Delagall...

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably. Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

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• taken care of and today I'm so excited to recognize some outstanding presidents representing various chapters
• It's chapter 161.001B10 of the Family code.

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• We are subject to Florida Statutes, Chapter 119, as those court rules provide, and they do provide some
• We have an entire set of rules in Chapter 10 that talk about the procedures and processes for prosecuting

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.

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• One, two, three, four, five, six FFA chapters from my area that are, I've already met with them this
• My name is Muhammad Abdel Aziz, and I'm the president of the Roswell Early College High School FFA chapter

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator DiCeglie: THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER CHAPTER OF LESSONS LEARNED WHEN IT COMES TO RUNNING A COMMITTEE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

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• So in the current law, which again, we have a case of you're not seeing the whole chapter, there is a
• It's really modeled after the cremation chapter, in which we're really carefully spelling out the same
• really cremation chapter in which we're really carefully<00:37:44.720> spelling<00:37:45.200>
• That's all. >> I can blame OS for not printing up the entire chapter, I guess. >> Thank you.
• That's all. >> I can blame OS for not printing up the entire chapter, I guess. >> Thank you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The thing about Frederick Douglass, with a chapter that I find really inspiring, because that's why we
• The thing about Frederick Douglass, with a chapter that I find really inspiring, because that's why we
• The thing about Frederick Douglass, with a chapter that I find really inspiring, because that's why we
• The thing about Frederick Douglass, with a chapter that I find really inspiring, because that's why we
• Thank you. about Frederick Douglas with a chapter about Frederick Douglas with a chapter that<06:26:41.160

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with House Bill 184, which would create a committee to study changing school start times. Members discussed Amendment 0394, which made the study committee’s duties more investigative and adjusted reporting recipients, including the Governor. Several members raised questions about whether the committee should review evidence-based studies, local district decisions, and existing district reports; supporters said the amendment would better allow the committee to gather information and recognize local control. The amendment passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Representative Litchfield noted that no one had testified in opposition and encouraged the future study committee to review an Oyster River School District report on school start times. The committee then took up House Bill 394, concerning cooperative school district budget committees and board member representatives. Amendment 0476 was adopted 17-0 after discussion that it clarified the bill’s language and reflected work with the School Boards Association. The committee then voted OTPA on the bill, which also passed 17-0. House Bill 738, requiring background checks for employees and volunteers at certain non-public schools or education service providers receiving public funds, was moved inexpedient to legislate. Supporters said the bill would create practical and legal problems for private citizens and homeschooling families, and the motion passed 15-2 with no minority report, placing the bill on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 235, which would amend the educator code of ethics and conduct to add responsibilities to parents. Supporters argued parents should be explicitly included in the code, while opponents said parents were already covered in existing ethics language and statute. The bill passed narrowly, 9-8. The committee then returned to House Bill 532 on alternate dispute resolution and individualized education plan team meeting facilitation. Amendment 0480H clarified that different rules would apply separately to neutral conference, mediation, and IEP facilitation; it passed 17-0, and the bill as amended also passed 17-0. Finally, the committee moved to House Bill 564, concerning adoption of school administrative unit budgets, and voted to retain the bill for further review because members said there was still confusion about how it would apply to single-district and multi-district SAUs.

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• Reference to our General Laws, Chapter 6, Section 15, paragraph L.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, suspended the rules, and referred a petition to the Committee on Health Care Financing. The chamber also recognized guests from Kingsley Montessori School and presented a citation to their teachers for visiting the State House and showing interest in civic history, including Patriots’ Day-related history and artifacts from Lexington and Concord. The Senate extended best wishes to the school and its teachers for continued success. The Senate then adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. A reference was made to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 15, noting April as Autism Awareness Month and the governor’s annual proclamation. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Ann Theresa Dwyer of South Boston, with remarks honoring her family, education, public service, and devotion to loved ones. Following a moment of silence, the Senate agreed to adjourn. The meeting ended with the Senate adjourning in memory of Ann Theresa Dwyer, and the next meeting was announced for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.

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• The report of the County Sheriff's Office pursuant to Section 84, Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018, submitting

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then received a filed report from the County Sheriff’s Office on its first quarter 2025 criminal justice reform report, which was ordered printed in the journal and placed on file. The chamber also received a message from the Governor recommending legislation to validate the special election held in the town of Hodgwick on January 18, 2025; the Senate concurred in referring that matter to the Committee on Election Laws. The Senate then recognized and welcomed ZIM CEO Eli Glickman and Massport officials, including CEO Rich Davey, for a citation honoring ZIM’s innovative shipping and data-driven partnership with the Massachusetts Port Authority. Senators praised ZIM’s investment in Boston and its support for Massachusetts exporters. In remarks, Glickman thanked the Senate and said ZIM had expanded service to Boston, while also expressing concern about new tariffs and their broader economic effects. After the citation presentation, the Senate took up a routine order to adjourn and adopted it without objection. The chamber then adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

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• Chapter 31, verse 8. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you.

Keywords: 914, all

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• HB 2407 addresses this issue by amending Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the

Bills: HB 2407, HB 3425

Keywords: sex offender registration, criminal penalties, law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, public servant, address disclosure, retrieval of information, electronic communication, criminal offense, retaliation, safety concerns

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• recognize that this month is not only Women's History Month, but under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened briefly with the Pledge of Allegiance, then recessed to recognize guests in the chamber. Senator O’Connor welcomed two young people connected to his office: Luke Donlin, a Situate High School junior who had been shadowing and previously served as a State House tour guide, and Oliver Hobson, a Cohasset intern who had been accepted to law school. The chair also noted the work of the 250th Special Commission, upcoming USS Hudner participation in Evacuation Day ceremonies, and the Commonwealth’s observance of Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Senator Tarr then moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of former Gloucester Chief of Police James Amar Sr. The motion was adopted after a brief tribute highlighting his long service to the Gloucester Police Department, his tenure as chief from 1989 to 2003, and his community involvement and honors. A moment of silence was observed for Chief Amar, and the Senate then adjourned in his memory.

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• like to take this opportunity, seated in the second division, to welcome to the chamber the Palmer chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then received a gubernatorial message recommending legislation to empower municipalities and local governments. The message was referred to the appropriate committees by subject matter, including Municipalities and Regional Government, Public Service, and Revenue. The House also acted on a Rules Committee report suspending Joint Rule 12 for several filed petitions, including proposals on vocational admissions policy, naming tennis courts in Boston, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, and a sick leave bank for a state employee; the rule suspensions were approved by voice vote. Members also welcomed visiting guests to the chamber, including the Palmer chapter of Operation Friendship with students from France and Sweden, and guests from the Green Team of the Southwest Boston CDC. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then reported several House bills for consideration, including measures on local journalism, assessor certificates, Machado Joseph Disease Awareness Day, a Seekonk charter amendment, a Dartmouth Fire District treasurer appointment, and a Wayland Free Public Library Millennium Fund. The House suspended Rule 7A, took second readings on those bills, and ordered them to a third reading by voice vote. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn to meet again Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

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• matter will be taken out of the Orders of the Day: an act authorizing the town of Marblehead to amend Chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several routine matters. It considered final passage of H. 4364, an act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne, requiring a standing vote for adoption of an emergency preamble. The chamber also adopted a resolution honoring Knights of Columbus Leo Council 508 on its 125th anniversary. The Senate then advanced two Marblehead local bills to third reading: one authorizing the town to amend its parking violations law under Chapter 37 of the Acts of 2004, and another increasing the membership of the town’s board of health from three to five members. The committee on rules reported several Senate petitions and recommended suspension of Joint Rule 12; the Senate also suspended Senate Rule 36 to allow matters to be considered forthwith, and Joint Rule 12 was suspended. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m., with the calendar printing dispensed with. Before adjournment, the chamber voted to adjourn in memory of Edward F. Kenney of South Boston, a World War II Navy veteran and retired Boston firefighter, and observed a moment of silence in his honor.

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• The provisions are chaptered by one year. No? Okay. Move the bill. Bill moved. Second. Sorry.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Cities 2 met for its first and last meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Senator Ryan presiding and members Walczyk, Fahey, and Baskin present. The committee took up three bills. The first, S.8283-A, would require additional notice before a city discontinues drinking water fluoridation; it was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. The second, S.8859, would extend by one year special bonding authority for the city of Yonkers. Senator Walczyk voiced concern about the repeated annual extensions and said he would vote no, arguing municipalities should address their finances without continued state assistance. The bill was then approved, with Walczyk recorded in opposition. The third bill, S.9839, would extend by one year provisions related to the city of Buffalo’s issuance of certain bonds or notes. It was moved and seconded, and approved, with Senator Walczyk again noting his earlier concerns. After the three bills were reported, the committee adjourned.

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• And then after Chapter of the Laws of 2025. I don't know. Thank you, Mr. Dabon.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The meeting was a committee vote session on a large slate of bills, with members repeatedly moving and seconding measures and then reporting them out. The bills covered a wide range of subject areas, including Education Law, Insurance Law, Internal Revenue Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Social Services Law, Executive Law, Financial Services Law, Tax Law, and other state law provisions. Many of the items were identified by bill number and sponsor, and the chair noted each one as reported after the vote. Most of the measures were approved with broad support, often described as “in favor” or “all in favor,” though several were noted as having some opposition or abstentions. A few bills drew more mixed responses, but the transcript does not indicate any bill being defeated; instead, the recurring action was that the bills were reported out of committee. Senators mentioned in motions and seconds included Sepúlveda, Ortt, Bado, Tedisco, Fernandez, Myrie, Harckham, Mayer, Liu, Comrie, Griffo, Gallivan, Sanders, and others. The session ended with the statement that none of the reported bills would be taken up on the floor that day. No substantive debate or testimony is included in the transcript, only motions, seconds, vote outcomes, and reporting actions on the listed bills.

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• HB 2407 addresses this issue by amending Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the

Bills: HB2407, HB3425

Keywords: sex offender registration, criminal penalties, law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, public servant, address disclosure, retrieval of information, electronic communication, criminal offense, retaliation, safety concerns, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Vice Chair, and thank you for creating another chapter of lessons learned when it comes

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met and first considered CS for SB 620, which authorizes a new specialty license plate for Miami-Dade College with a $25 annual use fee. The bill’s proceeds would go to the Miami-Dade College Foundation for student scholarships, and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimated implementation costs of $8,280. The committee adopted a substitute amendment that clarified how revenues would be allocated among administrative costs, marketing and promotion, student scholarships, and student success initiatives. The committee then heard SB 654, which designates the railroad overpass on State Road 100 in Starke, Bradford County, as the Heroes Memorial Overpass to honor those who have died in service to others. There was no debate or public testimony on either bill. Both measures were reported favorably by committee vote. After the votes, members were asked whether they wished to be recorded as voting on the bills, and no additional requests were made. The committee then adjourned.

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• It may be a chapter, but it doesn't speak to the true history. It may be a couple pages.
• It may be a chapter, but it doesn't speak to the true history.
• of every single religious holiday and then just actually include it all under the bill that was chaptered

Keywords: 987, senate, all

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• Chapter 257 rates go up.
• Well, Chapter 257 rates go up at each rate review, and because our services are so specialized, many
• We are, very briefly, for those who aren't familiar with us, we were established under Chapter 224 along

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony from Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, who said DMH serves about 29,000 people and is facing rising demand, higher operating costs, and uncertainty about federal funding. She explained that the FY26 budget prioritizes fully funding the state-operated inpatient system, which is at 100% occupancy and often serves people transferred from Bridgewater State Hospital, while making reductions in other areas to balance the budget. Those reductions include a 50% cut to case managers, a pause on closing the Pocasset unit pending a working group on Cape access, and changes to youth and contracted services such as right-sizing IRTP and CIRT, reducing Youth PACT from seven teams to three, scaling back flex and jail diversion grants as ARPA funds wind down, and preserving the behavioral health helpline and community-based crisis services. Members from Western Massachusetts and the Cape raised concerns about access, staffing, and the impact of cuts, and Doyle said the department would continue operating IRTP services, improve the referral process, and work with stakeholders on the Pocasset review and other access issues. The committee also discussed school-based mental health, 988, loan forgiveness for workforce recruitment, and the role of co-response programs for law enforcement. Secretary Robin Lipson then testified for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, describing a proposed FY26 budget increase of about 21% to support councils on aging, home care, elder abuse investigations, caregiver support, care transitions, and nutrition programs. She said the agency is managing rising demand, especially from the growing 80-plus population, and noted uncertainty around federal Older Americans Act funding after the federal disbursement agency was disbanded. To control costs, the office will manage intake and caseload growth in a fully state-funded home care program, but current clients will not lose services. Lipson also highlighted a new $1 million line item for local mini-grants to support age-friendly initiatives. In questions, members focused on elder scams, and Lipson said scams are increasing and the agency is working with banks, district attorneys, and public awareness campaigns. The Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz presented the agency’s FY26 request and said the biggest challenge is health care affordability, with family premiums near $29,000 annually and many residents delaying care because of cost. He emphasized that recent legislation significantly expands HPC’s role through a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis, which will examine the drug supply chain and pricing, and a new Office of Health Resource Planning, which will support statewide planning around closures and access gaps. The new law also creates task forces on maternal health access and primary care, and adds transparency and oversight for private equity in health care. Members asked about pharmaceutical costs, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, 340B, and maternal health closures; Seltz said the data show rapid growth in GLP-1 spending and that the new offices will help the state better understand cost drivers and access problems. The Center for Health Information and Analysis then began its testimony, describing its role as the state’s data hub for health care spending, utilization, quality, and affordability analysis.