Transcript Highlights:

• nay votes, and zero pass votes.
• Senate Joint Resolution 26, having received 20 yes votes, zero nay votes, and zero pass votes, will be
• nay votes and received 20 yes votes zero nay votes and zero<00:08:20.000> pass<00:08:20.280><
• House Bill 741 is amended by PHS 2, having received 20 yes votes, zero nay votes, and zero pass votes
• nay votes, and zero pass votes.

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:12 SB 28 Discussion 00:01:33 SB 28 Vote 00:04:05 SJR 26 Discussion 00:05:32 SJR 26 Vote 00:07:10 HB 741 Discussion 00:08:30 HB 741 Vote 00:14:00 HB 544 Discussion 00:15:40 HB 544 Vote 00:28:15 HB 775 Discussion 00:31:20 HB 775 Vote 00:56:00 HJR 33 Discussion 01:00:25 HJR 33 Vote 01:01:40, 958, all

Summary: The committee met on March 11, 2025, with a quorum present and first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28. The bill would create a framework for using $5 million previously set aside for agricultural economic development through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, including loan and grant programs. Members asked about changes in the substitute, and the sponsor explained that it revised the board composition to include members with more experience in finance, lending, and economic development. SB 28 was approved 20-0 and reported favorably. The committee then approved Senate Joint Resolution 26, which directs the Department for Medicaid Services to provide the Legislative Research Commission a report on pharmacist pay parity and the cost of allowing independent pharmacists and pharmacies to be reimbursed by Medicaid for services within their scope of practice. The sponsor and Kentucky Pharmacists Association representative described it as a request for information rather than a policy change. The resolution passed 20-0 and was reported favorably. House Bill 741, relating to public water and wastewater systems, was next. The sponsor said the substitute incorporated Kentucky Infrastructure Authority recommendations, clarified best management practices, and allowed storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration reduction projects to be scored more fairly alongside water projects. Members discussed how the bill narrows eligibility to systems most in need and refines the scoring process for the program created last session. HB 741 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and received a title amendment. The committee also considered House Bill 544, a branch budget bill amendment creating a new SAFE fund for the most recent Eastern Kentucky flood disaster, indexed to the relevant presidential disaster declaration. The bill would allow state money and other funds to support local governments, utilities, school districts, and other eligible recipients for recovery costs, planning, and short-term liquidity, with reimbursement provisions if FEMA or other sources later pay. Members discussed the amount of available funding, the use of prior SAFE fund balances, and the emergency clause. HB 544 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and a title amendment was adopted. The committee then began House Bill 775, relating to development areas, and adopted PHS 2 and a committee amendment; the sponsor started explaining the bill’s provisions on development areas, tax increment financing, brewers’ electronic filing, distilled spirits property tax language, income tax reduction conditions, tourism development incentives, and other tax-related sections, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being eight ayes, zero nays, House Bill 426 is favorably reported.
• There being eight ayes, zero nays, House Bill 632 is favorably reported.
• There being eight ayes, zero nays, House Bill 2399 is favorably reported.
• There being eight ayes, zero nays, House Bill 3748 is favorably reported.
• There being eight ayes, zero nays, House Bill 541 is favorably reported.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• allowed it to track 100% down to zero. allowed it to track 100% down to zero.
• Uh, and in the Senate position, zero.
• Now, under FAFSA zero AFC.
• measured as the neediest who have a zero measured as the neediest who have a zero or<00:56:58.160
• Um our caucus was pushing zero target.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward. The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time. Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. The amendment is passed.
• Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. The amendment is passed. We have the amended bill before us.
• Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. Thank you. Six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee reconvened to address House Bill 1247, relating to protection of a student who is a victim of sexual assault. Senator Axtman explained that a proposed amendment to extend suspension time in rare cases where a case remains active was not adopted because it could conflict with providing adequate educational access, and the committee agreed not to amend that provision. Members then clarified a separate amendment to HB 1247 that incorporated testimony-based changes, including language addressing notice procedures for juvenile and adult cases and students who are over 18 but still enrolled in high school. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0807.02001 to HB 1247 by a 6-0 vote. Afterward, the committee passed HB 1247 as amended on a 6-0 vote, and Senator Wobbema was assigned as carrier. The committee also briefly confirmed that HB 1223 was already good to go and did not require further action. At the end of the meeting, members discussed the schedule for the following Monday and agreed to start at 10:00 a.m. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's six to zero. Okay, we'll leave that on call for the absent members.
• The current vote is five to zero. Senators Allen, aye. Blake Spear, Perez, Rubio.
• That's six to zero. Okay, we'll leave that on call for the absent members.
• That's six to zero. Okay, we'll leave that on call for the absent members.
• That's nine to zero. Okay, nine to zero. That makes it through our calendar.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ayes, 1; zero nays.
• Zero nay.
• Declare the vote: 97 aye, zero nay. 97 aye, zero nay.
• Zero nay.
• Declare the vote: 96 aye, zero nay. I have received... 96 aye, zero nay.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• zeroed out and really where they'd be located.
• So they are zeroed out through the PRC.
• So how many are at zero because of both programs, and how many are at zero just because of the PRC?
• They're at zero because of both programs, and how many are at zero just because of the PRC?
• The goal of this zero-growth report...

Summary: The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap. The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the motion passed 17 to zero.
• So 17 to zero. The motion passes. >> Representative Jones.
• So 17 to zero. The motion >> All right. So 17 to zero. The motion passes. passes. passes.
• So, on a vote of 16 to zero, the motion passes. No minority.
• So, on a vote of 16 to zero, >> All right.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first continued its hearing on HB 1287, which concerns the definition of “veteran.” Representative Manion explained that the amendment would adopt the federal-style definition by including a general discharge under honorable conditions, while restoring documentation requirements such as a DD214 and removing a problematic reference to World War II allied veterans. The chair said the committee would close the hearing and take the bill up later in executive session. The committee then moved to HCR 13, a resolution calling for an Article V convention limited to proposing a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress. Representative Joe Alexander, the prime sponsor, said the measure is narrowly focused on congressional term limits, that 12 states have already passed similar resolutions, and that broad public support in New Hampshire justifies action. Members asked whether the effort would prompt Congress to act on its own, whether the resolution should also cover Supreme Court justices, and how many states are needed; Alexander said the goal is to pressure Congress, that the Constitution already treats Supreme Court justices differently, and that 34 states are required. Testimony in support came from former Representative Linda Masamela, who gave a history-based argument for Article V conventions as a constitutional check, and from Deborah Childs and Aaron Ducet of U.S. Term Limits. Childs said New Hampshire voters strongly support term limits and argued they would open seats to younger, more diverse candidates. Ducet said the application is single-topic and would allow only one amendment, described Article V applications as historically common, and argued that state pressure can force Congress to act. No vote was taken in the portion provided; the chair continued hearing testimony on HCR 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the 11 ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1191 to have passed.
• With 10 ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1314 to be passed.
• Ten ayes and zero nays. With 9 ayes and zero nays, I declare Senate Bill 1346 to have passed.
• Ten ayes and zero nays.
• SB1613 having received 10 ayes and zero nays, I declare SB1613 to have passed.

Bills: SB1191, SB1314, SB1319, SB1333, SB1346, SB1439, SB1509, SB1510, SB1613

Keywords: SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319

Transcript Highlights:

• That bill is out, ten to zero.
• That bill is out, 11 to zero.
• That bill is out, 10 to zero.
• Current vote is eight to zero. Archuleta? Aye. Smallwood-Cuevas? Aye. Umberg? Aye.
• Current vote eight to zero. Archuleta? Aye. Smallwood-Cuevas? Aye. Umberg? Aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've ay's zero nays.
• Having received five eyes and zero nays, I considered the nomination to be passed and it'll move to the
• I've ay's zero nays. Haven't received five eyes and zero nays.
• Ivey's zero nays. Haven't received Ivey's and zero nays.
• I've ay's zero nays. Having received I've eyes and zero nays.

Bills: HB3257

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been 10 ayes and zero nays.
• There being ten ayes and zero nays, House Bill 3112 is favorably reported.
• There have been two nays and zero nays.
• There being 11 ayes and zero nays, House Bill 3516 is favorably reported.
• Being 11 ayes and zero nays, House Bill 3092 is favorably reported.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have six present, zero absent. We have six present, zero absent. We have a quorum.
• We have six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. House Bill 1404 has passed.
• We have six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting. The amendment has passed.
• We have six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.
• We have five ayes, one nay, zero not voting. The bill has passed. I need a carrier.

Bills: HB1404

Keywords: HB 1404, North Dakota scholarship, scholarship eligibility, student aid, high school graduation, college readiness, career readiness, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, advanced placement, AP exam, International Baccalaureate, IB exam, ACT, SAT, WorkKeys, ASVAB, JROTC, Civil Air Patrol

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with six members present and first took up House Bill 1404, which would update North Dakota scholarship eligibility language by allowing the NDA Plus assessment to be used in place of ACT scores in certain pathways. The Department of Public Instruction explained that the bill does not eliminate the ACT entirely, but removes outdated references tied to ACT accountability testing that will no longer apply after this year’s seniors graduate. Members discussed how the change affects public and nonpublic schools, then voted 6-0 to give HB 1404 a do pass recommendation. The committee then returned to House Bill 1363, a bill dealing with school emergency response planning and automatic external defibrillators. Members adopted an amendment clarifying that the requirements apply to school-owned facilities and grounds, replacing language about school events and venues, and revising the planning language for school-based events not held on school-owned property. The committee also debated whether the bill should be mandatory or permissive; a motion to change “shall” to “may” failed, with members noting the bill’s liability protections. The committee then voted 5-1 to pass HB 1363 as amended, with Senator Gerhardt carrying the bill. Before recessing, the chair noted that House Bill 1533 would be taken up later in the day after additional information from DPI was received.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nine ayes and Zero nays. Haven't received. Nine ayes and zero nays.
• Nine ayes and zero nays.
• Stanley, nine ayes and zero nays. I have received nine ayes and zero nays.
• Wingard, by Sherwood's Chairwoman Stanley, ayes and zero nays.
• Chairwoman Stanley, 9 ayes and zero nays.

Bills: SB2026, SB1376, SB1355, SB2115, SB1533

Keywords: military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, Oklahoma National Guard, education assistance, military benefits, dependents, CareerTech Assistance Act, burial grant, memorial headstone, eligibility requirements, funding, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, fiscal management, state law, veteran burial, burial assistance, indigent veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 37 yeas, zero nays, Mr. President.
• Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 37 yeas, zero nays.
• Secretary will lock the board and record the vote: 37 yeas, zero nays.
• And I'm talking about people that are from zero to age 99.
• Announce the vote. 37, yay, zero nace, Mr. President. Show the bill passes.

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then took up a motion to reconsider the prior day’s failed vote on CS for SB 1080 (local government land regulation), which was adopted without objection, and moved into the special order calendar. A series of bills were debated and mostly passed, often after substituting House companions. Measures approved included funding for expedited DNA testing grants, additional aggravating factors in capital cases, fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, commuter rail indemnification, migrant vessel disposition, specialty license plates, an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign, relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter school changes, sexual offender registration updates, utility worker assault/battery penalties, juvenile justice revisions, student mental health outcome reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School changes, school readiness resources for children with disabilities, sexual images/child exploitation penalties, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county tax collector/property appraiser employees. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and brownfields. Debate centered on public safety, health care access, education, recovery housing, and government administration. Some of the most substantive discussion came on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered and defeated after extended debate over election-related communications and the proper scope of existing ethics laws. The certified recovery residences bill also drew extensive support and testimony about addiction recovery and housing stability. Most bills passed on strong bipartisan votes, with a few receiving notable opposition, including the charter schools bill, the aggravating factors bill, and the Office of Faith and Community bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Six ayes, one nay, zero not voting.
• Seven ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.
• Six ayes, zero nays, one not voting. Aye. Senator Bollick. Six ayes, zero nays, one not voting.
• Seven ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.
• Four eyes, three nays, zero not.

Bills: SB1021, SB1144, SB1164, SB1178, SB1181, SB1241, SB1247, SB1286, SB1415, SCR1011

Keywords: health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board

Transcript Highlights:

• votes in a negative, House Bill and zero votes in a negative, House Bill number<01:03:48.960> 842
• votes in a negative, House Bill and zero votes in a negative, House Bill number<01:10:08.080> 338
• votes in a negative, House Bill and zero votes in a negative, House Bill number<01:37:36.639> 193
• votes in the negative, House and zero votes in the negative, House Bill<01:41:50.080> number<
• You all are and zero votes in a negative, House Bill and zero votes in a negative, House Bill number<

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met in Annapolis with 107 members present and proceeded through the journal and a series of Appropriations Committee reports. Several bills were advanced on favorable reports without amendment, including measures on constitutional officers’ salaries, correctional officer retirement systems for Dorchester and Allegany counties, Carroll and Calvert County public facilities bonds, higher education financial assistance for incarcerated individuals, and a bill on community college promise scholarship eligibility for Delmar High School graduates. Other bills received amendments before being ordered for third reading, including measures on community college trustee membership, Frederick Community College board meeting and training requirements, Howard County school funding disclosures, courts administrative judges’ stipends, correctional officers retirement membership clarifications, the Children’s Cabinet Fund, and a law enforcement pension bill limiting military service credit eligibility to helicopter pilots in state aviation units. The chamber also considered HB 1581 on horse racing facility ownership, development, licensing, and operations. Amendments expanded the bill to include additional economic development provisions for the Prince George’s County Blue Line corridor, Pimlico-related funding and community input requirements, a larger lottery-fund distribution for the racing community development financing fund, and changes to the bus rapid transit grant program. The bill’s favorable report as amended was adopted, and it was ordered for third reading. During debate on a separate amendment to HB 894, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, members argued over project labor agreements: opponents said PLA requirements raise costs and limit competition, while supporters said the provision was optional, supported stability and predictability, and was part of a broader compromise. The amendment was rejected after discussion, and the bill remained amended. The House also took up HB 1430 on charter school facilities funding, adopting amendments that reduced the per-pupil amount and narrowed eligibility for certain districts, then advancing the bill as amended. In addition, HB 1248 was amended to convert a part-time state employment pilot program into a work group, and HB 680 was amended to adjust future appropriations for local management boards. Across the session, most actions were routine committee report adoptions and amendment votes, with no recorded roll-call counts in the excerpt except the initial quorum call.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment by vote of 13 eyes and zero amendment by vote of 13 eyes and zero nazs.
• >> 33 eyes, zero nays. The BR is adopted. >> 33 eyes, zero nays.
• Zero N. The BR is adopted. >> 33 eyes. Zero N. The BR is adopted.
• Zero naz. House Bill 181 >> 33 eyes. Zero naz.
• I zero nay. Senator session >> 33. I zero nay.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer by Pastor Jeremy Ward and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sophia Woods. A quorum was established with 27 senators present, and the Senate adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber also referred Executive Message 69, appointing Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, to the Committee on Confirmations. The Senate received several Judiciary Committee reports. House Bills 41 and 149 and Senate Bills 230, 87, 169, 238, and 233 were reported favorably, with amendments on Senate Bills 87, 169, and 233. Those measures received second reading and were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 31, commending Mackenzie Grace Stigel, and Senate Joint Resolution 32, recognizing the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science for its national ranking; guests from the school were welcomed in the gallery. The Rules Committee report was then adopted by a 33-0 vote, setting a special order calendar that included Senate Bill 71 on administrative rules, along with several other bills on dredging, county subdivisions, legislative matters, public corruption, rural hospital investment, minority affairs, campaign finance, and natural resources. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 71, the “sound science” bill, which would limit state agencies from adopting environmental rules more stringent than federal law and require science-based standards where federal law is absent. Senator Coleman-Madison offered an amendment to preserve stronger scientific and causal standards, arguing the bill could weaken protections in heavily burdened communities; the amendment failed on a roll call vote of 25 nays to 1 yea. Senators then continued debating the bill’s effect on ADEM’s authority, emergency rulemaking, federal standards, and environmental enforcement in Alabama.

Transcript Highlights:

• With a vote of 34 ayes, zero no, zero absent, and one excused, that motion is adopted.
• With a vote of 34 ayes, zero no, zero absent, and one excused, Senate Bill 74 is re-passed.
• <01:32:07.880> no,<01:32:08.080> zero With a vote of 34 eyes, zero no, zero With a
• With a vote of 34 ayes, zero no, zero absent, and one excused, those appointments are confirmed.
• With a vote of 34 ayes, zero no, zero absent, and one excused, those appointments are confirmed.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports and appointment recommendations. Committees reported favorably on a number of bills and appointments, including local government, health and human services, transportation and energy, business/labor/technology, and judiciary items. The chamber also announced a change on the Senate Finance Committee, with Senator Adrian Benavidez appointed to replace Senator Julie Gonzales for the remainder of the session. A major floor item was House Bill 1136, creating the Pathways to Public Service Program in the Department of Personnel and Administration to identify coursework that could qualify students for entry-level state government jobs. Supporters said it would help attract young people to public service and fill state vacancies using existing resources; opponents argued it promoted government employment over private-sector careers and could expand government unnecessarily. After debate, the Senate adopted the bill on second reading, and the Committee of the Whole report later reflected that HB 1136 passed second reading and was ordered revised and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 1023 recognizing Latino/Latina Advocacy Day after reading it at length and hearing remarks in support of civic engagement and Latino participation in policymaking. In addition, the chamber concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 74, which clarifies penalties and procedures related to excessive claims in public construction performance bond disputes; the bill then passed again on re-passage. Several other bills, including Senate Bill 63 and remaining calendar items, were laid over to later dates, and the Senate also considered and began processing consent-calendar gubernatorial appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 133 eyes's and zero nazs, the motion is passed and the amendment is adopted.
• <00:06:05.120> nazs, There being 133 eyes's and zero nazs, There being 133 eyes's and zero
• There being 133 ayes and zero nays, the motion is passed and the amendment is adopted.
• <00:08:33.760> nazs, There being 133 eyes's and zero nazs, There being 133 eyes's and zero
• There being 134 ayes and zero nays, There being 134 ayes and zero nays, the bill is passed as amended

Keywords: 1183, house