Transcript Highlights:

• Sir, we've already heard for many years that VA has been struggling to fill all of its vacancies.
• And in Hawaii, just in Hawaii, in our system, we have 5,000 vacancies.
• But we're talking about hundreds of thousands of vacancies. The word crazy comes to mind.
• For example, one of the 25 SCID centers can only use half its beds because staffing vacancies exceed
• With total staffing vacancies hovering around 35%, the department has been considering its vacancy problems

Keywords: veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation

Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just looked, and it's like 40% occupancy, 40% vacancy on Laramie Street for businesses.
• Denver vacancy overall is 27 to 38. Uptown Denver, 45% occupancy for commercial buildings.
• It’s a high vacancy rate.
• You have a 40% vacancy rate in commercial buildings someplace.
• vacancy rate in commercial<01:52:16.719> buildings<01:52:17.119> someplace.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused. The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended. The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you tell me what the vacancy rate is at Workforce Solutions?
• Madam Chair and Minority Whip, I want to say last time I looked at the vacancy rate, we were at about
• And then there is a 16% vacancy.
• to reabsorb funds, ran out, reverted, and you had to absorb FTEs you accumulated, you have a 16% vacancy
• And then there is a 16% vacancy.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are concerned with our vacancy rate.
• Uh, we also are concerned with<00:13:39.839> our<00:13:40.079> vacancy<00:13:40.560>
• Right now, we're with our vacancy rate.
• :42.800> rate<00:13:42.959> amongst at a 47% vacancy rate amongst at a 47% vacancy rate
• And you said you're at a 47% vacancy rate, so at your current staffing...

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The public hearing was on an SP 15 replace-all, non-germane amendment to Senate Bill 15, a proposal to require hard labor for certain serious offenses in the New Hampshire prison system. Representative Jennifer Rhodess, the co-sponsor, said the bill is intended to make incarcerated people productive, help reduce costs, and serve as a deterrent; she also noted a two-year effective date for implementation and said anyone who refuses hard labor would receive a 50% sentence increase. She framed the work as ordinary labor already done by many people in the state and said the committee would later hear related testimony and possible amendments. Committee members questioned how the proposal would work in practice, especially for people already incarcerated, the difference between current prison work and the bill’s “hard labor,” and the impact on prison security and staffing. Rhodess said the bill only applies going forward, not retroactively, and that the Department of Corrections could better address operational details. Members also discussed the terminology, noting that “capital murder” is not a current New Hampshire charge and that the relevant offense is first-degree murder with mandatory life without parole. Department of Corrections officials Jane Graham and Nicholas Duffy testified in a neutral position but raised significant implementation concerns. They said the department would need more resources, vehicles, security equipment, and possibly armed supervision for higher-risk crews, and noted a 47% corrections officer vacancy rate. Duffy described current work programs inside prisons and in the community, including correctional industries, kitchen and education jobs, transitional work crews, and community service projects such as road work and landscaping. He explained that current community crews are limited by custody level, court approval, staffing, and safety, and said C1 and C2 inmates are already in transitional or work-release settings, while C3 and higher inmates would pose greater risks if taken outside the walls. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• currently exist and how those vacancies currently exist and how those vacancies uh work out.
• And so if for instance we the vacancy. And so if for instance we the vacancy.
• Each be each vacancy in an appointed board seat each vacancy in an appointed board seat each vacancy
• An individual appointed the vacancy. B. An individual appointed the vacancy. B.
• An individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring by death or vacancy occurring by death or vacancy

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vacancy rates are reported to be as low as 6%, when a healthy market is 5%.
• rates are reported to be as that vacancy rates are reported to be as low<00:41:52.200> as<00:
• As I mentioned, we have a 2% vacancy rate.
• vacancy vacancy rate<00:43:05.200> our<00:43:05.400> average<00:43:05.640> rent
• reading in the paper um that the vacancy reading in the paper um that the vacancy rate<01:33:58.239

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, moving on to section four on the applicability to vacancies, which I think we've established
• apply to positions as they become vacant because an existing term of office expires or because of a vacancy
• So, does that mean that current vacancies could be filled under the new rules immediately after this
• No, it means that upon expiration of the elected term or the appointed term, those vacancies would be

Bills: HB4248, HB4429, HB2588, HB3472, HB4317, HB3462, HB2035, HB3501, HB3127, HB3143, HB3144, HB3260, HB4321, HB3011, HB3522, HB3530, HB3940, HB3078, HB3043, HB3005, HB3007, HB3403, HB1907, HB3175, HB3986, HB3466, HB3411, HB4246, SJR49, HB3281, HB4319, HJR1086, HJR1024, HJR1087

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• it also makes this an emergency because of the position the Parole Board is in with having some vacancies
• 00:16:06.000> with<00:16:06.120> having<00:16:06.440> some<00:16:06.640> vacancies
• <00:16:07.400> at<00:16:07.520> the is in with having some vacancies at the is in with
• having some vacancies at the moment.<00:16:08.760> And<00:16:08.880> so,<00:16:09.040>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up three bills. First, it heard House Bill 264, which would add real estate scams to theft by deception law by covering fraudulent sale, lease, or rental of commercial or residential property. Representative Proctor said the measure responds to growing real estate fraud and was intended to help law enforcement address schemes where bad actors list property they do not own. The committee approved the bill 18-0 and reported it favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 58, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with automated license plate readers. Representative Hodgson said the bill would limit retention of ALPR data to 90 days, with exceptions for active investigations, subpoenas, and certain insurance or financial contract uses, and would restrict sale or sharing of the data to protect privacy while preserving public safety uses. Members asked about differences in the substitute and whether the bill would affect work-zone safety cameras; Hodgson said it would not. The committee adopted the substitute and passed the bill 19-0, with favorable expression. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 529, also with a committee substitute, concerning the Parole Board. The bill would set four-year terms for board members, allow a limited gubernatorial extension when needed to avoid too many expirations in one year, and permit panels of two or more members to decide parole cases. The Parole Board chair testified that smaller panels are needed to handle the board’s heavy caseload more efficiently and avoid administrative delays. Members discussed a minor wording change in the substitute and the emergency status of the bill due to vacancies. The committee passed HB 529 20-0 with one pass vote, then adopted a title amendment and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And my phone rings all the time with vacancies and folks not being in there.
• I'm going to ask what we've got in vacancy. It's a priority.
• And my phone rings all the time with vacancies and folks not being in there.
• I'm going to ask what we've got in vacancy. It's a priority.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• manner, and so this section is designed to provide more certainty in terms of filling a vacancy once
• <00:24:01.120> on<00:24:01.400> the<00:24:02.280> uh vacancies on the uh vacancies
• And if there are no that vacancy.
• in a timely manner and so this vacancies in a timely manner and so this section<00:24:58.760> is<
• filling an applica- or filling a vacancy filling an applica- or filling a vacancy once<00:25:07.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we had 346 vacancies within the agency. we had 346 vacancies within the agency.
• <01:32:16.320> Um probably two highest vacancies. Um probably two highest vacancies.
• > road you know, 80 vacancies on road you know, 80 vacancies on road maintainers, maintainers,
• But I wondered if you could give us an update on the vacancy rate.
• I know update on the vacancy rate.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's one vacancy, members, on the Opportunity Enterprise and Housing Development Review Board.
• Our Council is required to make the appointment to the vacancy.
• So, I'll offer Colleen Ruiz to fill that vacancy on the Opportunity Enterprise and Housing Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and another chart that I did not include here explores something called the vacancy rate.
• Um, our vacancy rate in both of those categories has been in a steady state of decline.
• <01:02:05.200> Um, something called the vacancy rate.
• Um, something called the vacancy rate.
• rate is um detail on this, but vacancy rate is um the<01:02:09.680> percentage<01:02:10.400><

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Major Tax Provisions in H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) 00:02:45 Kentucky’s Workforce 00:33:35, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and heard a brief member introduction before taking up an overview of major tax provisions in HR1, referred to by the presenters as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Representatives from the Kentucky Society of CPAs explained new federal deductions for tips, overtime, and car loan interest; a new tax-favored “Trump account” for children; expanded bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing for businesses; changes to R&D expensing; and a new limit on wagering loss deductions. Members asked several clarifying questions about the duration of the provisions, W-2 and 1099 reporting changes, and how overtime deductions would work. The presenters emphasized that tips and overtime remain subject to payroll taxes and that many of the business provisions are permanent, while the individual deductions are temporary through 2028 or otherwise phased in over time. The discussion then shifted to individual and nonprofit provisions, including the increase in the state and local tax itemized deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 with income-based phaseouts, the temporary senior deduction, and a new deduction for car loan interest with income limits and vehicle qualifications. On charitable giving, the presenters described a permanent nonitemizer deduction, new floors for individual and corporate charitable deductions, and a new scholarship-granting organization credit that would allow donors to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal credit up to $1,700, beginning in 2027. Members focused heavily on the SGO provision, asking about state implementation, oversight, whether churches would qualify, and whether the credit could support both public and private education. The presenters said the state would need to establish the mechanism and that additional federal guidance is still pending. After the tax presentation, the committee heard from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on workforce issues, with a focus on child care and housing as barriers to labor force participation. Chamber representatives said they were not proposing large new government programs, but rather targeted policy recommendations for the 2026 session. They described Kentucky’s long-term decline in workforce participation since 2000, attributing much of it to demographic change, an aging population, and fewer younger workers entering the labor force. The presentation continued into a broader discussion of workforce trends and the need for practical policy responses, but no votes or formal actions were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this position can step in and even provide frontline services as needed with those vacancies.
• 34.920> those frontline services as needed with those frontline services as needed with those vacancies
• . vacancies. vacancies.
• 00:20:24.320> to<00:20:24.480> retire,<00:20:25.520> other<00:20:25.800> vacancies
• <00:20:26.400> that choosing to retire, other vacancies that choosing to retire, other vacancies

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, and court facility projects. AOC leaders said they do not anticipate problems balancing the outgoing biennium or fiscal year 2026, and explained that the budget changes were driven by the need to reduce costs while preserving required constitutional, court-rule, and statutory services. They also said the new filing fee increases authorized by HB 504 took effect that day and are expected to generate up to $5 million, while the reorganization is projected to save about $3 million in general fund dollars. The bulk of the presentation focused on a major reorganization of the Office of Statewide Programs, which includes specialty courts, family and juvenile services, and pretrial services. AOC said the plan eliminates 170 positions and creates 109 new ones, mainly by reducing middle-management layers, expanding regional service delivery, and cross-training staff. Officials said 110 employees had already been offered or accepted placements, 24 had chosen voluntary separation, and the final number of employees leaving remains fluid until the process concludes around August 1. They emphasized that specialty court programs were not eliminated, but state-funded treatment court contracts and behavioral health liaison positions were removed, with treatment costs shifted to Medicaid or participants where appropriate. Members asked about the process, staffing impacts, specialty court participation, juvenile services, and how AOC will monitor the changes. AOC said the reorganization was developed by leadership, HR, and legal staff under direction of the Chief Justice and approved by the Supreme Court, and that it is intended to improve efficiency and frontline support rather than reduce services. They said specialty court participant levels are being watched closely, that CDW services will continue to use outside providers for programming, and that the agency will keep judges and stakeholders informed as the new structure goes into effect. No votes were taken, and the committee did not approve minutes because a quorum was not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• People really finding out about whether there's a vacancy and whether to do that.
• there any special provision or procedures beyond the norm for notice so that we'll know that these vacancies
• > whether<00:03:13.680> to<00:03:13.920> do<00:03:14.080> that there's a vacancy
• and whether to do that there's a vacancy and whether to do that and<00:03:14.959> and<00:03:15.280
• that these vacancies are open? that these vacancies are open?

Bills: HB329, HB8, HB353, HB329, HB8, HB353, HB50, HB78, HB225, SB75, SB209

Keywords: military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, tobacco regulation, vaping, sales restrictions, youth protection, tobacco compliance, public health, education programs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, computer science, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Public Safety currently sits with over 400 vacancies in the sworn ranks.
• While we sit at such a high vacancy rate, we're also 20th in pay, soon to be 21st to 22nd, as agencies
• There's a 20% vacancy rate at the Department of Corrections.
• First of all, every time I hear the DPS officers come up and talk about the vacancy, the 400 vacancies
• You know, every time I hear the DPS officers come up and talk about the vacancy, the 400 vacancies, the

Bills: SB1206, SB1254, SB1290, SB1421, SB1432, SB1515, SB1563, SB1641, SB1649, SB1670, SB1671, SB1747

Keywords: storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention, storm chaser, residential construction contract, workers' compensation, joint check, claim solicitation

Summary: The Commerce Committee heard and acted on a long series of bills, with several strike-everything amendments. SB 1421, dealing with restrictions on financial institutions, check cashers, and remittances involving undocumented immigrants, drew strong opposition on constitutional and economic grounds and support from the sponsor as a sovereignty measure; the committee rejected a Villegas affordable-housing striker and gave the bill a due pass recommendation. SB 1254, a continuation/cleanup bill for the Industrial Commission of Arizona and its divisions, was explained as mostly renaming and administrative changes and passed unanimously after adopting the chairman’s striker. SB 1515 created a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and corrections retention bonuses funded by investment earnings from the Budget Stabilization Fund; law enforcement witnesses supported it as a needed retention tool, while some members objected to using rainy-day fund interest, and it passed on a split vote. SB 1206 updated homeowner protection rules for adjusters and contractors after disasters, limiting certain conduct during loss events and emergency responses, and passed unanimously after amendment. The committee also approved SB 1563, which continues the Barbering and Cosmetology Board and lowers some fee caps, after testimony that the board protects public health and sanitation. SB 1649 established a Digital Assets Strategic Reserve Fund; a Ripple Labs witness discussed self-custody options for unclaimed crypto, while an Aguilar striker would have required reporting on employers whose workers receive public assistance, but that amendment failed and the underlying bill passed. SB 1290, originally about HOA closed meetings, became a major debate over transparency versus privacy; opponents warned the Carter striker would force disclosure of sensitive member and employee matters, supporters argued HOAs should not take secret action, and the committee adopted both the Aguilar consumer-protection striker and the Carter HOA transparency striker before passing the bill. SB 1670, preempting local contractor licensing and allowing certain journeyman licenses, was amended with a Villegas striker aimed at landlord algorithmic pricing and passed unanimously. The committee continued the Arizona Department of Gaming, Racing, and Boxing/MMA commissions in SB 1671, with the chairman’s amendment narrowing reporting requirements and adding aggregate complaint reporting; the department said it had worked with auditors and supported the bill, which passed. The meeting then moved into SB 1747, beginning discussion of social media application requirements for developers and covered companies, including age verification and parental consent, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one more vacancy. I tell you, it's very, very hard to hire. We've got three people hired.
• We have one more vacancy. I tell you, it's very, very hard to hire.
• So we have one vacancy there.
• you know, the 25 positions that we were given, almost all of them have been filled, with those two vacancies
• know, the 25 positions that we were given, that almost all of them have been filled with those two vacancies

Summary: The task force approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, striking language about contracting with a security vendor. Members then reviewed a draft bill on concessions procurement (LC 27.0161), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, update language for vending and merchandising machines, and clarify where concession proceeds are deposited. OMB explained the bill and said it was open to further changes, including language to address artificial fragmentation, clarify which government entities are covered, and possibly set contract-length limits. Members raised questions about whether the bill would apply to school districts, park districts, airports, and other political subdivisions, and about whether concession agreements could direct proceeds to nonprofits or other secondary recipients; OMB said the statute is intended to require proceeds to go to the government entity’s operating fund or general fund. OMB also reported on other survey suggestions. It said a proposed general authority for agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is best limited to high-volume agencies. On legal notices, OMB said it had made progress with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernizing online notices, improving ADA compliance, and discussing rate and definition changes. On click-through agreements, OMB and the Attorney General’s office concluded no statutory change was needed after revising internal guidance; the $20,000 threshold was described as a practical cutoff for adhesive, nonnegotiable software terms. OMB also said issues raised by the Center for Distance Education on alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures had been resolved through policy clarification. The University System gave a brief update on its collaboration with OMB and said it was continuing to review concessions, surplus property, and capital project statutes with all institutions involved. The task force then discussed a draft bill on requirements for new or expanded spending, intended to require agencies to identify program purpose, needs, alternatives, success measures, and budget details, and to report on outcomes over time. Members and staff debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how much should be real-time versus periodic, and whether the bill should include full implementation costs for pilot programs. Legislative Council staff said the new program evaluation division is still being built out, that staffing remains limited, and that the office plans to continue working with OMB and the executive branch to refine the proposal before the next meeting. No final action was taken on the draft bills beyond directing further work and follow-up for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I chose to apply for the Board of Registration because I've seen how vacancies can stall essential processes
• We both noticed there was a lot of vacancies, and I'm glad he stepped up to serve because I think that
• We both noticed there was a lot of vacancies, and I'm glad he stepped up to serve because I think that
• We both noticed there was a lot of vacancies, and I'm glad he stepped up to serve because I think that
• We both noticed there was a lot of vacancies, and I'm glad he stepped up to serve because I think that

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 572, the nomination of Kirsten Walker to the Commission on the Status of Women, and received testimony in strong support from representatives of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, and others. Walker described nearly a decade of community advocacy focused on women, gender-diverse people, homelessness, domestic violence, substance use, reproductive and gender-diverse health care, and support for criminalized communities. Members asked about the commission’s past work and future priorities, and Walker said it should continue supporting community initiatives, studies on violence, and women-led efforts. The committee voted to recommend advise and consent, with the measure adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee then considered Governor’s Message 685, the nomination of Arielle Castillo to the Board of Registration of the Island of Oahu. Testimony from supporters emphasized her civic engagement, volunteer work, and willingness to serve in uncompensated state work. Castillo said she had worked in local politics and voter engagement, including with Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, and explained her background in voter registration, election rules, and good-government efforts. Members questioned her on how she would handle close voting issues and whether her activism could affect her service; she said she would apply the law fairly, protect voting rights, and that her organization is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. The committee again recommended advise and consent, and the nomination was adopted. Finally, the committee heard Governor’s Message 686, the nomination of Jonathan Simons to the Board of Registration of the Island of Hawaii. Supporters described him as thoughtful and analytical, and Simons said he is a Hilo civil engineer with a strong interest in civics and good governance. He said his role on the board would be to protect the franchise by preventing improper disenfranchisement and ensuring votes are counted appropriately, citing his mother’s work enforcing the Voting Rights Act. Members asked whether he would apply election laws fairly and without partisan bias; he said he would. The committee voted advise and consent on GM 686 as well, and all three nominations were adopted before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• > votes Senator Pelton R. with a vote of 20 ayes, 11 nos, zero absent, three excused, and one vacancy
• With a vote of 20 ayes, 11 nos, zero absent, three excused, and one vacancy, Senate Bill 18 is passed
• 00:48:44.559> three<00:48:44.720> excused<00:48:45.040> one<00:48:45.200> vacancy
• <00:48:45.920> 18<00:48:46.160> is absent three excused one vacancy 18 is absent three
• excused one vacancy 18 is passed<00:48:46.880> co-sponsors passed co-sponsors passed co-sponsors

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 23, 2026 journal, and received several committee reports. Education recommended Senate Bill 67 be amended and sent to Appropriations, and Judiciary recommended Senate Bill 70 be amended and sent to Appropriations. The Education Committee also recommended confirmation of several Institute of Cannabis Research Governing Board appointments, and later the chamber confirmed a consent calendar of governor’s appointments, including members of the GOCO Trust Fund board, the Colorado Agriculture Development Authority, and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. On the floor, the Senate passed several bills. Senate Bill 85 and Senate Bill 25, both on the consent calendar, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 5, concerning state court remedies for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement, passed on a 20-11 vote after a brief reconsideration mix-up and was then repassed. Senate Bill 18, concerning legal protections for a minor and sealing a related name-change record, passed 20-11. Senate Bill 31, concerning lawful use of a prescription drug product containing a Schedule I controlled substance, passed 29-2. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole and took up Senate Bill 46, a property tax administration cleanup bill. After a Finance Committee report and adoption of amendment L003, the bill passed second reading and was ordered engrossed. The committee also laid over Senate Bills 53, 43, and 84 until February 25. Later, the Senate concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities and just transition money, and then repassed it. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and recessed until 11:00 a.m. after announcements and personal privilege remarks recognizing the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and Musical Therapist Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• inconsistency on how special elections are called by the Governor, ensuring that in the future all vacancies
• Currently, for vacancies in the Florida House of Representatives, Florida Senate, US House of Representatives
• bill addresses the problem by requiring the Governor to set special election days within 14 days of vacancy
• Special elections must be held within 126 days of the vacancy or 175 days of the vacancy if the election