Transcript Highlights:

• In such cases, incarceration serves not only as a deterrent, but as a necessary measure to reinforce
• In such cases, incarceration serves not only as a deterrent, but as a necessary measure to reinforce
• And when those penalties were raised, we saw a reduction in violence, so a measurable deterrent effect
• Deterrent and accountability, I feel, is part of the solution and an important part.
• We agree, or we obviously disagree, but that's the point of a deterrent.

Bills: SB60 , SB85 , SB323 , SB309 , SB465

Committee: Assembly Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• And coal and nuclear, well, we still have a couple coal units in Florida, not many, and some nuclear.
• So our nuclear fleet has stayed about constant over this time.
• Recently, we're starting to see a concept called small nuclear reactors, or modular nuclear reactors,
• Small nuclear reactors may be Small nuclear reactors may be 50 to 100 megawatts, somewhere in that range
• So small nuclear reactors are starting to evolve.

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> remember about this is the deterrent remember about this is the deterrent factor<00:03:48.720><c
• And by increasing that risk, I do believe is a deterrent.
• And by increasing that risk, I do believe is a deterrent.
• And by increasing that risk, I do believe is a deterrent.
• So I would hope it would serve as a deterrence; otherwise our work would be in vain.

Bills: SF0007 , SF0008 , SF0009 , SF0010

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Yes, it takes a long time to get nuclear Yes, it takes a long time to get nuclear up<00:48:27.040
• Of course, nuclear is a carbon-free source, but I think it's a good point that nuclear won that battle
• He's refurbishing three island nuclear He's refurbishing three island nuclear plant<00:53:10.960><c>
• Of course, nuclear is a that one, too.
• </c> dispatchable resources coal gas nuclear dispatchable resources coal gas nuclear uh<01:22:50.000>

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• They own more nuclear than any other company in the country.
• </c> costs if if not through nuclear? costs if if not through nuclear?
• They own more nuclear than any other company in the country.
• </c> MW of either natural gas or nuclear MW of either natural gas or nuclear power?
• I'm nuclear uh reactor would cost today.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• of a deterrence out of a misdemeanor than you ever would with a felony.
• of a deterrence out of a misdemeanor than you ever would with a felony.
• of a deterrence out of a misdemeanor than you ever would with a felony.
• of a deterrence out of a misdemeanor than you ever would with a felony.
• of a deterrence out of a misdemeanor than you ever would with a felony.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• But for that quote-unquote nuclear verdict, it would have never happened.
• All of this is under the banner of nuclear verdicts. And nuclear verdicts are crazy.
• In my 30 years of practicing, I have never seen a nuclear award. Never.
• It's based on fear of nuclear verdicts in neighboring counties.
• , and it's not just nuclear verdicts; it's the death by a thousand cuts.

Bills: SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the heart of this deterrence.
• Will your association be able to help in spreading the word of this law change for the deterrent value
• </c> change for the deterrent value? change for the deterrent value?
• I'll reach out to them and make sure that they're also willing to cooperate on that deterrence effort
• </c> to uh cooperate on that deterrence to uh cooperate on that deterrence effort.<00:21:13.600><c> Um

Bills: SF0009

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> basically defines advanced nuclear basically defines advanced nuclear resources<02:21:39.520><c>
• And as such, we nuclear power plant.
• </c> really closely with the US nuclear really closely with the US nuclear regulatory<02:27:48.720><c
• So I come to you future new nuclear.
• And it is a death knell in a project when you say nuclear.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> to renewables a mix of solar, nuclear, to renewables a mix of solar, nuclear, wind<00:55:46.720
• This enrichment makes nuclear fuel.
• That fuel enrichment makes nuclear fuel.
• And one thing that's upstream of nuclear energy is nuclear fuel.
• </c><01:02:02.160><c> energy</c> both AI data centers and nuclear energy both AI data centers and nuclear

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this means an accommodation of nuclear and batteries, but not so much of coal and diesel.
• We're a large, diverse power generator, energy supplier, and so forth—nuclear, natural gas, renewable
• This is happening at a much of reactors in order to incorporate nuclear energy.
• First, I would like to thank you for adding nuclear.
• I had met an energy expert from meeting together at the Nuclear Task Force.

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached. Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think in all of our analysis is always the same, which is the deterrent to crime.
• Chairman, Director Baker, that your mentor taught you back in the day: deterrence.
• There's two types of deterrence, as we all know.
• There's specific deterrence: punish that guy so that he never does it again.
• And there's also a general deterrence. And this is harder to grasp.

Committees: Senate Senate Judiciary , Senate House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the rise in nuclear verdicts, which are defined in my industry as a verdict over $20 million.
• But since 2023, there have been 10 nuclear verdicts over $20 million.
• Rising nuclear verdicts, as we've heard already, further compound the risk.
• And when you hear a nuclear verdict, that means gross negligence.
• A nuclear verdict means that a jury determined there was gross negligence and there..."

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults. Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability. After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> small modu small small modular nuclear small modu small small modular nuclear reactor<00:50:51.200
• This framework was nuclear reactors.
• </c> uh to apply to advanced nuclear uh to apply to advanced nuclear reactors.<00:51:08.000><c> Uh</c
• 15.200><c> as</c><00:51:15.440><c> those</c> nuclear reactors defined as those nuclear reactors defined
• </c><00:54:16.720><c> power,</c> structures for wind and nuclear power, structures for wind and nuclear

Committee: Joint Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• There's still no long-term storage solution for nuclear waste.
• I'm very excited about nuclear power, about the possibility for new nuclear technology to help spread
• These SMRs are nuclear power generators.
• waste, and nuclear weapons proliferation.
• It was the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, famously signaling underway nuclear power in 1955

Summary: The Senate met in multiple Committee of the Whole sessions and considered a large number of bills, many related to digital assets and cryptocurrency, including SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, SB 1045, SB 1432, SCR 1003, SCR 1033, and SCR 1028. Members discussed whether the state should accept cryptocurrency for payments, tax or exempt virtual currency, ban central bank digital currency, and support digital assets in retirement systems. Senator Epstein repeatedly argued against the measures and tried to offer amendments targeting data center tax exemptions, but one such amendment was ruled not germane and the ruling was upheld on a division vote. The bills and resolutions in that group generally advanced with do-pass recommendations, with SB 1043 and SB 1044 amended before advancing. The Senate also advanced several bills on family law, public records, scholarship organizations, property conveyances, underground facilities, and environmental and energy issues, including SB 1039, SB 1139, SB 1147, SB 1148, SB 1328, SB 1078, SB 1142, SB 1184, SB 1254, SB 1278, SB 1281, SB 1418, SB 1445, and SB 1566. Some measures drew discussion and amendments: SB 1254 received a clarifying amendment for deeds handled by title and escrow professionals; SB 1278 had a floor amendment withdrawn; SB 1281 was amended by committee and floor changes; SB 1418 prompted questions about small modular reactors and concerns about uranium mining and health impacts; and SB 1566 was amended to address malicious delay enforcement and judicial review. Most of these bills received do-pass recommendations. In the health and human services calendar, the Senate advanced SB 1052, SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, SB 1345, SB 1346, and SB 1631, with SB 1124 retained on the calendar. Debate centered on ACCESS and remote work, administrative deficiency cure periods, anonymous complaints, fee-for-service claims, and DCS-related hearings and investigations. Senator Gonzales opposed several ACCESS-related bills, arguing they lacked appropriations, could disrupt services, or conflicted with federal Medicaid law, while sponsors said the bills addressed agency performance and provider complaints. SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, and SB 1345 were amended before receiving do-pass recommendations, and SB 1345’s sponsor said ACCESS was removed from the bill. The final calendar included regulatory and veterinary-related bills such as SB 1137, SB 1144, SB 1205, and SB 1286. SB 1205, dealing with motor vehicle booting fees, received a floor amendment requiring an appeals process for private parking lots. SB 1286, on veterinary telemedicine and prescriptions, drew the most extended debate, with a committee amendment and a Kavanagh floor amendment restoring a 14-day prescription extension and adding flea and tick treatment; Senator Leach opposed the floor amendment, describing prior stakeholder negotiations and changes in committee support. The transcript ends while that debate is still underway, after several bills have already been reported out with do-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the tax or fee on nuclear casks has taken over $900 million from ratepayers and put it in the
• plant and I think it began nuclear plant and I think it began operations<00:06:43.440><c> in</c><00:
• First, I would like to say that the RDA is not a tax on nuclear.
• First, I would like to say that the RDA is not a tax on nuclear.
• First, I would like to say that the RDA is not a tax on nuclear.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe it will actually be used as a deterrence.
• Maybe it will actually be used as a deterrence.
• So we, um, ...a general deterrence that would come out of this bill.
• Do you have data that shows that increased penalties are a deterrent?
• Perhaps this is just punishment and not deterrence. Thank you.

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• to the 20th Security Police Squadron, RAF Upper Heyford, England, home to the F-111 NATO and USAFE nuclear
• deterrent to the former Soviet Union.
• to the 20th Security Police Squadron, RAF Upper Heyford, England, home to the F-111 NATO and USAFE nuclear
• deterrent to the former Soviet Union.
• deterrent to the former Soviet Union.

Bills: HR44 , HR43 , HR42 , HR33 , HR144 , HR164

Keywords: committee appointments, House of Representatives, agriculture committee, foreign affairs committee, natural resources committee, science and technology committee, member elections, legislative process, inauguration, Congress, House attendance, ceremony, legislative session, inaugural ceremony, President, Vice President, adjournment, committees, membership, election

Transcript Highlights:

• Dogs are a deterrent. The wolves eat the dogs. No matter what kind of dogs they are.
• That deterrent doesn't work. But you can respond if you'd like.
• That deterrent doesn't work. But you can respond if you'd like.
• So we're talking right now about practicability of these non-lethal deterrence.
• So that is an ongoing conversation. ...practicability of these non-lethal deterrence.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call. The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call. SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call. Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we want to make sure the funds for non-lethal deterrence are used judiciously.
• Dogs are a deterrent. The wolves eat the dogs, no matter what kind of dogs they are.
• That deterrent doesn't work. But you can respond if you'd like.
• That deterrent doesn't work. But you can respond if you'd like. Before we do that,...
• So we're talking right now about practicability of these non-lethal deterrence.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources and Water