Transcript Highlights:

• Silence all electronic devices.
• They're looking for listening devices.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices.
• I think we learned a lot, actually, during the pandemic when folks transitioned to devices remotely.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education received a Department of Education presentation from Deputy Commissioner Juan Copa on Florida’s K-12 assessment system, including FAST progress monitoring, end-of-course exams, science, writing, alternate assessments, English language acquisition testing, and VPK progress monitoring. Copa reported year-over-year gains in ELA and mathematics, noted that end-of-course and science results also improved, and explained how assessment data are used for school grades, third-grade promotion, graduation requirements, and other accountability measures. He also reviewed the independent study required by SB 1048, which recommended keeping PM3 as the primary accountability measure, proceeding cautiously on further test-length reductions and remote testing expansion, and using PM1/PM2 only as supplemental evidence in limited cases. Committee members focused on whether the new system is improving student outcomes enough, what supports teachers and schools need to use the data effectively, and how Florida compares nationally. Chancellor Dr. Burns said the department is emphasizing implementation of the new standards, high-quality instructional materials, coaching, professional learning, collaboration, and school improvement support, and also pointed to resiliency education standards and mental health supports. Copa said Florida’s latest NAEP results remain mixed but still generally outperform the nation in some grades, while members pressed for more information on best practices, other states’ approaches, and how districts are using the data. Several members requested follow-up information, including the independent review report, breakdowns of PM1/PM2/PM3 results by grade and subgroup, details on VPK outcomes by provider type and full-day versus half-day programs, and data on use of the CLT versus SAT/ACT for graduation concordant scores. The committee also discussed third-grade retention outcomes, computer-based testing, district assessment calendars, and whether some districts still administer additional local testing. No votes were taken on legislation, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I would like to move that the rules be suspended and pending entry onto the notice calendar that
• The Senator from Windsor has moved that pending entry to the notice calendar H. 775 be committed to the
• The Senator from Windsor has moved that pending entry to the notice calendar H. 775 be committed to the
• correctional facilities and in probation and parole offices to provide group and individual coaching, re-entry
• correctional facilities and in probation and parole offices to provide group and individual coaching, re-entry

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• behavior therapist for children on the autism spectrum while taking prerequisites and studying for entry
• while taking prerequisites and studying while taking prerequisites and studying for<02:21:45.280> entry
• > for<02:21:47.040> various<02:21:47.439> programs<02:21:47.920> I for entry
• exams for various programs I for entry exams for various programs I sought<02:21:48.399> to<02
• <02:33:28.560> You Every EFA grant is a new entry on the state's liability side of the ledger

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• how Medicaid integrates into whether it's Medicaid to schools or the adult and youth community re-entry
• and Medicaid to schools or the adult and youth<00:19:21.760> Community<00:19:22.159> re-entry
• ><00:19:22.840> or<00:19:23.000> the<00:19:23.120> healthy youth Community re-entry
• or the healthy youth Community re-entry or the healthy moms<00:19:23.720> and<00:19:23.880>
• The component regarding community re-entry is individuals who have the state has invested money while

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• All senators and guests in the gallery, please silence all electronic devices.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the Governor’s proclamation calling the session. The special session was called to consider property tax-related legislation, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and limits on county and municipal ad valorem taxes, along with related implementing measures such as ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority requirements for tax increases above the rolled-back rate, and a public website showing estimated savings for homestead properties. The bills filed within the call were read for the first time: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, both referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules and place both measures on the special order calendar for Tuesday, June 2, with an amendment deadline one hour before convening. The Senate also adopted a motion sending any bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who reflected on their service and thanked colleagues, staff, and constituents. Senator Hooper emphasized respect and kindness in public service, while Senator Polsky thanked local officials, staff, caucus members, and family, and noted the importance of bipartisan work. The Senate adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, or upon the President’s call.

Transcript Highlights:

• All senators and guests in the gallery, please silence all electronic devices.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the governor’s proclamation calling the session. The proclamation said the special session was for property tax relief measures, including a proposed constitutional amendment affecting assessment caps, homestead exemptions, and local ad valorem tax limits, along with related implementing legislation on ballot language, taxpayer notices, supermajority voting requirements for tax increases, and a public website showing estimated savings. The secretary read the bills filed within the call: Senate Joint Resolution 2F by Senator Avila, proposing constitutional amendments to Article 7 and Article 12 to revise annual assessment limits, increase the homestead exemption, limit county and municipal ad valorem taxes, and create a trust fund; and Senate Bill 4F by Senator Avila, relating to property tax administration. Both were referred to Appropriations. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet later that day, and the Senate adopted motions to waive rules, place SJR 2F and SB 4F on the special order calendar for June 2 with an amendment deadline one hour before convening, establish the special order calendar for the rest of special session by website publication and announcement, and send any bills filed outside the call to Rules for review. The chamber then heard farewell remarks from Senators Hooper and Polsky, who were leaving the Senate. Hooper reflected on his long public service and said he hoped to be remembered for treating others with respect and kindness. Polsky thanked constituents, staff, colleagues, and family, and spoke about his years representing communities in South Florida. The Senate then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. the next day, or upon the President’s call, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• All senators and guests in the gallery, please silence all electronic devices.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is not so much the copper, but when they take these devices off some of these units out in the

Bills: HB2992, HB3183, HB3464, HB4170, HB4338

Keywords: HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, large load customer, electric rates, utility tariffs, cost causation, rate design, public power utility, municipal utility, electric cooperative, investor-owned utility, load growth, interconnection

Summary: The committee first handled several executive nominations. It unanimously advanced Richard Allier to the Environmental Quality Board, Kevin Foreman to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, Gary Keel to the Air Quality Advisory Board, Megan Langley to the Oklahoma-Arkansas River Compact Commission, Jacob Bull to the Air Quality Advisory Council, and Tommy Colwell to the Oklahoma Mining Commission. In each case, the nominating senator described the appointee’s background and qualifications, and the committee voted to send the nomination to the full Senate without opposition. The committee then considered House Bill 2992, with Senator Green offering a technical amendment to correct drafting errors. The amendment passed 8-0, and the bill itself passed 9-0. Green said the measure would require large-load data centers and crypto mining facilities to pay their share of electric infrastructure costs so those costs would not be shifted to other ratepayers. Senator Boren asked whether municipal utilities and co-ops would be affected, and Green responded that the bill was aimed at the corporate shareholder utility model. House Bill 4338 was also heard and passed, though the roll call showed one no vote. Green explained that the bill concerns produced water and would create a framework for extracting elements from it, with House changes clarifying that it is not retroactive, adjusting flexibility for the produced water unit size, and allowing processing of brine before corporation approval. The committee also advanced House Bill 417, which addresses theft of copper fittings on oil rigs and related cleanup damage by making certain conduct a misdemeanor; it passed 10-0. The meeting ended after the committee approved the remaining nominations and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: Silence all electronic devices. Chair: Senator Bradley and Senator Pizzo are excused.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we begin, please make sure that all cell phones and other communication devices are turned off

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please make sure cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or set to silent

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered two bills. HB 705, by Representative Weinberger, would preserve the public records exemption protecting the address and telephone number of people using public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events. Representative Anderson spoke in strong support, citing the vulnerability of shelter residents after recent hurricanes and the need to prevent criminals from targeting them. The bill drew no public testimony and passed the committee by a 15-0 vote. The committee then heard HB 11, by Representatives Mooney and LaMarca, which would designate the flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. Sponsors argued the flamingo is an iconic symbol of Florida and tied the bill to Everglades and Indian River Lagoon restoration, while also noting the scrub jay’s status as Florida’s only endemic songbird. Members raised questions about the birds’ native range, regional representation, and possible future amendments, including suggestions for a pelican designation and preserving the mockingbird’s historical role. One support card was filed by Jose Romano of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. During debate, several members voiced support while noting they might seek amendments later. Representative Miller supported the flamingo but objected to elevating the scrub jay because of property-rights concerns. Representative Andrade said he would vote yes to allow a future pelican amendment, and Representative Tant said he would support the bill while seeking recognition of the mockingbird as a songbird. The bill passed 15-1, with Representative Miller voting no. After the vote, the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE ENSURE CELL PHONES AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DEVICES ARE TURNED OFF OR PLACED ON SILENCE.

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR THE COMMITTEE SHOULD COMPLETE AN

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence all electronic devices. Tomorrow, please call the roll. Chair Angolia: Present.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 480 before taking up four bills. SB 282, relating to home service warranty association finance requirements, was explained as aligning Florida’s home warranty solvency rules with the framework already adopted for motor vehicle extended warranties. Two amendments were adopted: one correcting a cross-reference tied to the $100 million net worth option and another making a technical title change. A representative of the Florida Service Agreement Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered two proposed committee bills preserving public records exemptions. SB 7008 would continue the exemption for certain records held by the Office of Financial Regulation related to financial technology sandbox applications, with staff explaining the exemption is narrow and intended to protect proprietary information. SPB 7010 would continue the exemption for sensitive records held by the Department of Financial Services when acting as receiver for an insolvent insurer, including policyholder personal information, claim data, and trade secrets; staff said the exemption mirrors existing protections and allows consumers to request their own information. Both measures were moved as committee bills and reported favorably. Finally, SB 592 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program was heard. The bill narrows eligibility to certain condominiums, changes owner approval from unanimous consent to 75%, and clarifies eligible roof mitigation techniques. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring the grant work to match the initial inspection report and comply with inspection requirements, and another limiting grants to work that results in a mitigation discount. Testimony was supportive, including from home inspectors and AARP Florida, and senators praised the program’s benefits for hardening homes and lowering insurance costs. SB 592 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please make sure your cell phones and other communication devices, including your laptops, are

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider three proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, each aimed at preserving a public records exemption that would otherwise repeal on October 2. PCB GOS 25-01, presented by Rep. Nix, would keep confidential property photos and personal identifying information tied to applicants or participants in housing assistance programs used for disaster recovery after a presidentially declared disaster. Members discussed the need to prevent fraud and protect distressed property owners from being targeted after disasters. The bill was reported favorably. PCB GOS 25-03, presented by Rep. Sapp, would preserve the exemption for certain sensitive business information submitted to the Office of Financial Regulation for the Financial Technology Sandbox. Supporters said the confidentiality is necessary to encourage companies to submit proprietary information and participate in the program. The bill was also reported favorably. PCB GOS 25-02, presented by Rep. Weinberger on behalf of Rep. Basabe, would continue the exemption for site-specific location information concerning endangered or threatened species. Members noted the importance of protecting Florida’s unique ecosystem and preventing poaching of both animals and rare plants. This bill was likewise reported favorably. Each bill received no amendments or public testimony, and the meeting adjourned after all three were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Theory of mind is an advanced form of AI that enables the device or system to achieve human comprehension
• Self-aware is the final form of AI, where the AI device or system becomes self-aware of its own existence
• No ASI devices or systems have been developed yet.
• And worst case, Barry, we can follow along on our—everybody's got a device here—and you can just advance
• A lot of schools are banning cell phones and other computational devices in classes.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, establishing its purpose as a study and policy-development body rather than one aimed at producing many bills. Majority Leader Hogue urged members to move quickly, focus on federal and other states’ AI laws, consider possible federal preemption, child protections, and the siting and economic impacts of data centers. Committee leadership echoed that the goal is practical, balanced governance that protects North Dakota while allowing innovation to continue. Legislative Council staff provided a background memo and NCSL presented a detailed overview of AI concepts and the current state legislative landscape. The presentations distinguished narrow AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and theoretical AGI/ASI, and summarized major state policy themes: comprehensive AI laws in states such as Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois; targeted laws on deepfakes, chatbots, health, education, notifications, and digital likeness; and growing use of appropriations and agency inventories. Members asked about Colorado’s repeal and reenactment, Texas’s sandbox and training provisions, oversight structures, and whether AI regulation is bipartisan; presenters said most issues cut across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfakes but more division on broader regulatory approaches. The federal update focused on executive orders, preemption, and congressional activity. NCSL described a White House framework favoring a single federal standard, a DOJ litigation task force, Commerce Department review of state laws, and possible funding conditions tied to state AI policy, though no formal state-law challenge had yet occurred. The presentation also covered a recent executive order creating a voluntary federal vetting process for advanced frontier models after safety concerns, and congressional proposals including a failed 10-year state moratorium, Senator Blackburn’s child-safety bills, the Kids Online Safety Act, a House-passed children’s digital safety package, a Senate data center moratorium proposal, and a House ratepayer/data-center bill. The committee took no formal action beyond receiving testimony and asking questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Theory of mind is an advanced form of AI that enables the device or system to achieve human comprehension
• Self-aware is the final form of AI, where the AI device or system becomes self-aware of its own existence
• No ASI devices or systems have been developed yet.
• “And worst case, Barry, we can follow along on our—everybody’s got a device here—and you can just advance
• A lot of schools are banning cell phones and other computational devices in classes.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.