Video & Transcript : 'prosthetic devices' :
Page 19 of 284
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This was an Apple device. They make great devices that just work, so what could go wrong?
- This was an Apple device. They make great devices that just work, so what could go wrong?
- These devices can be made safe.
- So in addition to Family Link, this past year, we announced parental device controls right on the device
- So at the point of a parent having the device, they can set up things... ...controls right on the device
Summary:
The hearing focused on online safety controls and whether parental controls are sufficient to protect children on social media and other digital platforms. The chair and several members framed the issue as a child safety and public health problem, not just a technology issue, and said the goal was to understand what parental controls do, where they fail, and what policy solutions might be needed. Opening remarks also emphasized that California should lead on safer online spaces for children.
Victoria and Paul Hinks gave emotional testimony about the death of their daughter, Alexandra, saying that despite using screen time limits, content filters, app restrictions, and other parental controls, their daughter was still exposed to harmful content and found ways around the settings. Researchers and advocates from Stanford, Children Now, and other organizations said parents face major challenges because digital parenting is complicated, platforms and apps change constantly, children can bypass controls, and many tools are costly or inaccessible. They argued that parental controls are often incomplete, hard to use, and not enough on their own to prevent harms such as cyberbullying, self-harm content, eating disorder content, and exploitation.
Witnesses also discussed broader risks in digital spaces, including mental health harms, addiction, fentanyl-related contact through social media, and concerns about AI chatbots. Several speakers said safety should be built into products from the start, with stronger age assurance, clearer reporting systems, independent standards, and corporate accountability. Members asked about what “safe” means, whether other countries’ restrictions are effective, and which features are most harmful. There was broad agreement that no single tool is enough and that multiple layers of protection are needed.
The final panel featured representatives from Meta, Google, OpenAI, and Roblox, who described their companies’ teen safety features and parental tools. They pointed to default protections for minors, content limits, bedtime and screen-time tools, age assurance efforts, and new parent notifications for certain self-harm searches. They also supported legislation on age assurance and app-store parental approval. Members pressed the companies on whether their tools are truly effective, and several witnesses acknowledged that current systems still have gaps and that more work is needed.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 5th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- They have to install this device in my car, correct?
- How is the device uninstalled? Okay. How is the device uninstalled?
- How is the device uninstalled? At the end of the sentence?
- How many devices? How many devices? Because just because, like, I have two cars, right?
- How many devices? How many devices? Because just because, like, I have two cars, right?
Bills:
HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR68 , HB714 , HB762 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB56 , SB69 , SB115 , SB133 , SB151 , SB170 , SB235 , SB278 , SB330 , SB420 , SB438 , SB449 , SB489
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, May 5, and considered a long agenda of mostly transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Among the bills reported favorably were Senate Bill 420, which adds Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission; Senate Bill 69, which updates appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission after redistricting; Senate Bill 40, which expands Louisiana’s move-over/safety protections for emergency and disabled vehicles; and House resolutions from Rep. Dickerson urging DOTD action on Highway 16 widening, turn lanes on Highway 1024, and a roundabout on Highway 1019. The committee also advanced HCR 53 creating a study committee on oversized vehicle permits, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, SB 449 giving the New Orleans Public Belt more procurement flexibility, SB 115 allowing DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA duties to speed project delivery, and SB 489 authorizing third-party verification of vehicle insurance coverage.
Members heard testimony on several safety and enforcement measures. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples under CODIS-related criminal provisions; State Police explained it would help law enforcement collect required samples and aid cold cases. SB 48 would create driver’s license reciprocity between Louisiana and Ireland, and SB 235 would clarify payment and liquidated damages rules for public contracts, with contractors and industry representatives saying it would help ensure timely payment to contractors, subs, and suppliers. SB 55 clarified that seat belts must be worn across both the lap and shoulder, and SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement; committee members raised questions about due process, vehicle use, and how the devices would work, but both bills were reported favorably.
Several measures drew more extensive debate. HB 762, as amended, would give OMV discretion over referring certain debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or Attorney General, and the amendment passed 14-2 after discussion about relief for drivers who cannot pay. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement received an amendment preserving existing compliant pavement markings, but a separate amendment to exempt Shreveport, Gretna, Livonia, and Westwego from the law failed on a roll call vote. HB 714, as substituted, would have created a railroad commission and required railroads to address blighted or abandoned lines, but after concerns about federal preemption, definition of blight, and whether a new commission was needed, Rep. Phelps moved to defer the bill, and the committee agreed. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief recognition of committee staff and visitors.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Aug 11th, 2026
Governmental Organization
Transcript Highlights:
- devices and gaming facilities.
- It likewise provides additional flexibility to the tribe in terms of gaming devices and extra 500 devices
- It restructures the 500 devices and gaming facilities.
- and additional 500 devices here.
- This compact allows for up to 349 devices at up to 309...
Committee:
House Governmental Organization
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (2-24-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And it says you cannot knowingly possess a machine gun conversion device.
- machine gun conversion devices.
- </c><00:03:23.000><c> Two</c> machine gun conversion device. Two machine gun conversion device.
- </c><00:05:34.120><c> because,</c> machine gun conversion devices because, machine gun conversion devices
- There are devices known as forced reset There are devices known as forced reset triggers<00:10:01.160
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- The first question you might have is: What is a backflow device?
- A backflow device is essentially a device that would be installed inside a building that would prevent
- A backflow device is essentially a device that would be installed inside a building that would prevent
- The EPA recommends; it does not require these devices.
- The EPA recommends; it does not require these devices.
Committee:
Senate Executive
Summary:
The committee met in hybrid format, approved the June 24 and June 25, 2026 minutes, and then heard several bills and a joint resolution. On House Bill 382 with House Amendment 2, Senator Hoffer explained the measure as a technical correction to prior rental-car and peer-to-peer car-sharing law that would clarify when loss-of-use damages may be recovered while preserving recovery for intentional, willful, or criminal conduct. Avis Budget Group and Enterprise Mobility supported the bill, saying it resolved ambiguity and restored limited common-law recovery, while Allstate and Toro opposed it, arguing the bill could reintroduce unfair and unpredictable fees and leave too much discretion to rental companies. No vote was taken in the transcript, and Senator Townsend said he still had questions about how the bill would operate.
The committee then considered House Bill 476, a Frederica charter change that would reduce town council meetings from twice monthly to monthly and make ordinances effective immediately unless otherwise stated. Representative Postles presented it as a simple, noncontroversial change, though members noted Senator Buckson, the Senate sponsor, was not present at the time. No public comment was offered on that bill. The committee also heard House Joint Resolution 13, which directs the Department of Labor to study a Delaware health care apprenticeship degree program and report recommendations; the Delaware Health Care Association supported the resolution and urged coordination with existing workforce efforts.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 458 with House Amendment 1 on backflow devices in low-hazard buildings. Senator Pardee said the bill would exempt residences and office-type buildings from costly backflow retrofits until regulations are updated, and DHSS said the current regulations do not clearly define low hazard but that the bill’s list of exempted buildings would not raise immediate public health concerns. The Delaware Association of Realtors supported the bill, arguing the regulations were overbroad and costly, while the Delaware Rural Water Association opposed it, warning that weakening backflow protections could threaten drinking water and aquifers. The committee then adjourned without any recorded votes on the substantive bills in the transcript.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The assistant director for the Motor Vehicle Division must certify speed-inhibiting devices that meet
- Certify speed-inhibiting devices that meet outlined requirements for certification, publish and make
- qualifications for technicians, adopt a warning label affixed to each device, adopt rules that allow
- The device has to be used as long as the term of suspension would have been. Okay.
- They have to have this device installed. Okay. Thank you. They have to have this device installed.
Keywords:
procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology, security, speeding, speed limit, traffic enforcement, driver safety, speed inhibiting device, appropriation, law enforcement, task forces, funding, criminal justice, community supervision, rehabilitation, supervision fee, victim compensation
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- On second reading, there was a question about the cost for one of these devices.
- Are there any generating devices.
- </c> energy generation devices. energy generation devices.
- </c><00:13:00.880><c> And</c><00:13:01.040><c> I</c> cost for one of these devices.
- And I cost for one of these devices.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Feb 4th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- We even invented a term one-on-one with devices.
- We even invented a term one-on-one with devices.
- So we are literally spending more money to solve ...devices.
- This includes access through school-issued devices.
- The use of the school device as a personal device, both in and outside of school, both during school
Committee:
House Elementary and Secondary Education
Summary:
The committee first took up a combined substitute for House Bills 2115 and 1876, which would encourage cursive instruction and add a future cursive assessment. Members discussed that the substitute removed an immediate fifth-grade test and instead would phase in an assessment later, with no penalty for failure. Some members raised concerns about teacher training, costs, and added demands on elementary classrooms, while supporters said the measure was only a recommendation and could be improved on the floor. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the House Committee Substitute for both bills on a roll call vote of 13-9, with several members present or absent.
The committee then heard House Bill 2776, as amended and substituted, a teacher-certification bill aimed at addressing Missouri’s teacher shortage through a tiered associate certification system for pre-K and elementary grades. Sponsors explained that Tier 1 and Tier 2 certificates would be temporary and nonrenewable, with mentoring, literacy training, and a minimum salary floor, and that Tier 3 would lead to full certification and retirement-system participation. Members questioned the pay differential, the effect on teacher quality, the role of literacy training, and how the bill would treat leaves or incomplete years of service. After adopting an amendment and rolling it into a new substitute, the committee passed the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2776 by a vote of 12-5 with one present.
In open session, the committee heard House Bills 1698 and 2120 together, both anti-bullying measures that would strengthen reporting, parent notification, school-board awareness, and immunity protections for good-faith reporting. The sponsors described the bills as responses to a student bullying case that ended in suicide, and witnesses from the family gave emotional testimony urging immediate reporting and stronger accountability. Committee members raised questions about definitions of bullying, off-campus conduct, mandatory reporting to law enforcement, and the need to avoid sweeping in protected speech or sincerely held religious beliefs. No vote was taken on those bills in the portion provided.
The committee then began testimony on House Bills 2230 and 2978, the Hands-on Learning Restoration Act, which would limit screen time and one-to-one device use in K-5 classrooms and emphasize books, paper, pencils, and cursive. Sponsors and supporters argued that heavy reliance on Chromebooks and other devices has harmed literacy, attention, and child development, citing low NAEP scores and research on handwriting and screen exposure. Teachers, physicians, and parents testified in support, while some members noted the bill may be too prescriptive and would need work on implementation, testing, and local flexibility. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- , you have to enter into an interconnect. ...for solar, and you want to use one of these devices, you
- These are devices that you plug into an outlet, and you can put it on a balcony or somewhere else in
- The solar devices will rarely, if ever, export electrons beyond the dwelling.
- These devices are generation resources. They are not just appliances in our home.
- And then what is the cost for such device?
Committee:
House Utilities and Energy
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- PLEASE SILENCE ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
- INSTALLATION OR USE OF TRACKING DEVICES OR APPLICATIONS BY SENATOR TOM LEEK.
- SENATE BILL 1054 ON TAMPERING WITH AN ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEVICE.
- WITH ELECTRONIC DEVICE BASED ON THE SEVERITY OF THE CHARGE OF THE SENTENCE.
- SOME REASON THEY HAVE A PRETRIAL RELEASE CONDITION THAT HAS A MONITORING DEVICE.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government (11-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Writer ADA ballot marking device.
- device.
- device.
- be run on those devices.
- can actually be uh ran on those devices can actually be uh ran on those<01:27:45.280><c> devices.
Summary:
The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities.
Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf.
Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Please silence all electronic devices.
- You would have to use whatever the device is in a hands-free way.
- We want people to stop with their devices. Mr. Chair, follow up. Senator.
- Because that communication device cannot touch any part of your body.
- device and may not access that device without a warrant.
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government (1-22-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- These fees for every device in service.
- </c><00:06:33.199><c> count,</c> vary by vendor and device count, vary by vendor and device count, creating
- So you're looking at 7,000 devices total.
- So you're looking at 7,000 devices them.
- Each of these devices is locked down.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met to hear an update from the State Board of Elections on its Bluegrass Books electronic poll book system. Rachel Pointer and Richard House described the project as an in-house modernization effort intended to improve security, customization, integration with the voter registration system, reduce voter wait times, streamline supplemental and provisional ballot processing, and provide year-round local support to county clerks and poll workers. They emphasized that the system is already a working product, not just a concept, and showed a workflow demonstration of voter lookup, signature capture, ballot issuance, manual lookup, and handling voters who have already voted.
The agency also outlined the financial rationale for the project, saying the state currently lacks dedicated funding for replacing the iPads used for election-day poll books and that counties now bear vendor maintenance and support costs. Under Bluegrass Books, the state would seek to cover hardware replacement, maintenance, and on-site support through future appropriations, potentially using bulk purchasing to lower costs. When asked about the size of the appropriation request, the presenters said it was not yet finalized but noted roughly 7,000 devices are deployed statewide and replacement would likely be phased rather than done all at once.
Members asked about security and whether the e-poll book could affect vote totals. The Board explained that the e-poll book is separate from ballot casting, that voting machines themselves are not connected to the internet, and that the poll book is networked only to update check-ins and prevent double voting. They said the device is locked down to the poll book application and can operate offline until connectivity returns. A member also asked how to recruit more poll workers; the response suggested higher pay is the main incentive, along with outreach to schools, community colleges, and possible pilot programs involving professionals. The meeting concluded without any votes or formal action beyond approval of minutes, and the next meeting was announced for January 29, weather permitting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/12/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:17:13.960><c> for</c> utilize mobile tracking devices for utilize mobile tracking devices for
- ><c> big</c><01:32:43.159><c> issue</c> tracking device has been a big issue tracking device has been
- is that there are some narrow parameters around allowance of that device or those devices.
- is that there are some narrow parameters around allowance of that device or those devices.
- There are some narrow parameters around allowance of that device or those devices.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Devices, families are given more precious moments to bond, to make the memories, to invite family to
- I had with my daughter, because I had access to a cooling device, I was able to sing to her, read to
- The cooling device gave me time to hold my...
- Providing bereavement training and cooling devices...
- device.
Bills:
HB18 , HB742 , HB754 , HB1644 , HB2187 , HB1887 , HB 1275 , HB37 , HB1503 , HB1699 , HB1700 , HB2735 , HB1741 , HB1731 , HB1675 , HB18 , HB37
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting, good faith report
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- To address and size of the device, if the utility chooses to mandate registration.
- These devices have been used in Germany, where they're really ramping them up—more than a million of
- The solar devices will rarely, if ever, export electrons beyond the dwelling.
- These devices are generation resources. They are not just appliances in our home.
- And then what is the cost for such a device?
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, clean energy, and consumer access. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection and accountability measure, while utilities and industry groups raised concerns about municipalization language and data-request procedures. After discussion about the scope of the bill and existing guardrails from prior legislation, the committee voted SB 327 out on a due pass as amended basis to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later updated to 12-2.
SB 1350, a hydrogen bill, would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen in turbines. The author and supporters said it would help California meet clean energy goals, support the Lancaster hydrogen project, and create jobs, while opponents, especially environmental groups, warned about NOx emissions, the risk of paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on feedstocks and delivery. Members discussed amendments already taken and the need for continued work on environmental protections; the committee passed the bill 14-0 to Natural Resources.
SB 868 would create a framework for plug-in or balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar, with safety standards and a cap on system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar, while utilities and some others raised safety and backfeed concerns and asked for more review through existing interconnection processes. The author and witnesses said the devices are small, non-exporting, and covered by safety certifications; the committee approved the bill 17-0, later updated to 18-0, and sent it to Appropriations.
SB 1233 would require additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related information in existing reports to help inform rates and affordability. Utilities opposed the measure as duplicative of existing proceedings and potentially delay-inducing, while supporters said it would improve transparency for ratepayers. The committee passed SB 1233 10-3 to Appropriations. The committee also dispensed with the consent calendar, passing the remaining consent items, including SB 925, SB 667, SB 952, SB 742, SB 929, SB 943, and SB 1138, and noted that SB 905 had been pulled from the agenda.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, also we're adopting in the same section paragraph 8 sunscreening devices to the front windows and
- Uh we are also of sunscreening devices.
- Um, prohibiting license plate flipping devices.
- > mechanical</c><00:58:58.880><c> device</c><00:58:59.599><c> designed</c> electric or mechanical device
- ><c> material</c><00:59:30.079><c> film,</c> shield means a device material film, shield means a device
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (05/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um the vast device use, and bullying.
- </c><00:30:41.480><c> 83%</c> device use find it very disruptive. 83% device use find it very disruptive
- I believe that this is related to personal devices, whether it be cell phone devices or, yeah, Apple
- </c> would it be considered a personal device would it be considered a personal device though<00:34:49.679
- You can't use those devices, you know.
Summary:
The committee took up Senate Bill 206, which requires public schools to adopt policies limiting student cell phone use. Supporters argued that cell phones and personal devices contribute to student mental health problems, bullying, distraction, and disruptive behavior, and said teachers and administrators want a clear statewide rule rather than having to enforce policies themselves. Opponents raised concerns about local control, the breadth of the term “personal communication device,” and whether the bill would interfere with instructional uses of devices, especially in schools that rely on bring-your-own-device or have limited access to school-issued laptops.
Members debated Amendment 2249H, which added an exception for teacher-led instruction and clarified that superintendent-approved exceptions could still apply for medical, disability, or language-proficiency needs. After discussion about whether the amendment was too restrictive or too broad, the committee adopted the amendment on a 9-8 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then voted 9-8, with one not voting, to recommend Senate Bill 206 ought to pass as amended.
The committee then moved to Senate Bill 96, concerning mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents. The sponsor offered Amendment 2199H to replace language that would have required referral to DCYF whenever an educator withheld information due to concern about possible abuse at home. The amendment instead allows a district to withhold information if a reasonably prudent person would believe disclosure would result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and requires the decision to be documented in the student record. The amendment was discussed as a narrower, more workable safeguard, and the committee was still in discussion on the bill at the end of the transcript.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/12/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Our devices and technology is only going to get better and faster, and worse for consumers.
- Our devices and technology is only going to get better and faster, and worse for consumers.
- Our devices and technology is only going to get better and faster, and worse for consumers.
- Our devices and technology is only going to get better and faster, and worse for consumers.
- Our devices and technology is only going to get better and faster, and worse for consumers.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the journal, and took up a series of motions to discharge identical Assembly bills to the Third Reading Calendar, along with committee reports and amendments. The chamber also received an introduction from Senator Gonzalez honoring Maria Raine and her advocacy for guardrails on AI chatbots after the death of her son, and later adopted a Rules Committee report sending several General Business Law bills directly to Third Reading. The resolution calendar was adopted with some exceptions, and the Senate recognized several previously adopted resolutions honoring individuals and observances, including Barnabas McHenry, Arthur Jones Jr., Floyd Todd Peterson III, the Lexington School for the Deaf, Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Apraxia Awareness Month, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Prevention Week, Physician Anesthesiologists Week, and Golf Day in New York.
The Senate then considered and passed numerous bills, many on consumer protection and public policy topics. Measures included bills on General Business Law, Public Health Law, Correction Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Executive Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Public Officers Law, Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, Public Housing Law, Education Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills were laid aside, including a Public Health Law bill by Senator Fernandez and a Public Service Law bill by Senator Parker. The chamber also passed a concurrent constitutional resolution by Senator Stec proposing an amendment to Article 14.
During floor debate, senators explained votes on several measures. Senator Ramos spoke in support of paid sick leave for domestic workers, describing the bill as a long-overdue labor protection for a workforce historically excluded from such rights. Senator Fernandez described her bill as the Manufacturer Disclosure and Transparency Act, aimed at requiring notice and public disclosure of certain pharmaceutical patent settlement agreements to improve transparency and competition in prescription drug pricing. Senator Ryan and Senator Martins supported a bill restricting hidden algorithmic price manipulation online, and Senator May supported a bill limiting excessive rental car fuel charges as part of a broader consumer protection package. The Senate also passed a memorial highway bill naming a portion of Route 19 in LeRoy for Lieutenant Gary A. Scott, with Senator Borrello explaining the veteran’s service and sacrifice.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Please silence all electronic devices.
- Senators, today we have a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement.
- Micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement.
- Infrastructure does not support that type of device in these areas. Thank you.
- There's no education for these children that are on these devices.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations.
FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely.
The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.