Transcript Highlights:

• because, as of right now, KRS 49.2 only gives jurisdiction to the Tax Board of Appeals and executive branch
• KRS 49.2 only gives jurisdiction to the Tax Board of Appeals and executive branch agency to hear such
• something we really need to dive into, take good hard looks at as a legislative body, as an executive branch

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:10 HB 2 Discussion 00:01:00 HB 2 Vote 00:04:00 HB 544 Discussion 00:05:05 HB 544 Vote 00:06:15 HB 552 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 552 Vote 00:08:40 HB 605 Discussion 00:09:35 HB 605 Vote 00:11:35 HB 606 Discussion 00:12:10 HB 606 Vote 00:15:40 HB 695 Discussion 00:16:25 HB 695 Vote 00:34:05, 958, all

Summary: The Appropriations and Revenue Committee took up several House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 2, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, was described by Rep. T.J. Roberts as restoring a tax exemption enacted in 2024 by providing refunds with interest to those improperly taxed and creating a cause of action; the substitute also aligned state filing deadlines for certain flood-disaster counties with the federal November 15 deadline. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the bill with favorable expression. The committee also adopted a title amendment for House Bill 544, which Rep. Jason Petrie said was part of the state’s flood-relief discussion and would allow the guard cap to be used over the biennium rather than annually, effectively increasing the cap from $50 million per year to $100 million over two years; the measure passed with favorable expression. House Bill 552, handled by Rep. Josh Bray after Rep. Kim King’s absence, was described as simplifying tourist commission appointments. The committee substitute added creation of the Kentucky-Ireland Trade Commission and changed marina licensing agreements by exempting private contractors from the model procurement code. The committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 605, sponsored by Rep. Kim King, clarified which grants qualify for a grant program and allowed cities or counties to apply on behalf of water districts or other entities not directly affiliated with them; Rebecca Hearts of Grant Ready Kentucky said the program had matched $103 million of the $200 million allocation, generating about $469.98 million in total project value. The committee adopted the title amendment and passed the bill with favorable expression. House Bill 606, by Rep. Wade Williams, added a capital-oversight reporting requirement for school district general obligation bonds that had been omitted from prior legislation. The committee substitute also made several budget and program adjustments, including moving Regional Training Center funds, accelerating funding for the Grand Lyric Theater, correcting water funding language, removing Odyssey Inc. language from a treatment-related item, fixing a double appropriation to LifeWorks Transition Academy, clarifying carry-forward language, allowing SRO reimbursements for public and non-public schools, and authorizing an additional $10 million in agency bonds for Western Kentucky University athletic facilities. The committee adopted the substitute, approved a title amendment, and passed the bill with favorable expression. The committee then spent the most time on House Bill 695, a Medicaid-related bill. Rep. Adam Bowling said the bill was intended to stabilize Medicaid, create oversight and advisory mechanisms, and address growth in the program. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander and Medicaid CFO Steve Beckle said they were generally supportive of the transparency and reporting changes but flagged risks, including federal compliance concerns, budget growth from changing the drug rebate treatment, administrative costs tied to MCO rebidding and a managed long-term services study, and some data-collection challenges. Representatives from the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities opposed the section calling for a managed long-term care reimbursement study, arguing it would be costly, duplicative, and likely ineffective, and they warned against managed care models for long-term care. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the committee substitute by voice vote and moved the bill forward with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules of the two branches acting concurrently, to whom was referred the petition accompanied

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first took up committee reports on two bills. One was a petition by Senator Joanne M. Comerford concerning utility shut-off protections during periods of extreme heat; the rules were suspended, the matter was considered forthwith, and the bill was ordered to a third reading. The second was Senate No. 2508, a Judiciary Committee bill to establish a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera, a trial court employee; that bill also had its rules suspended and was ordered to a third reading. Later, the Senate considered an order related to the general appropriation bill. The order set a deadline of 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, for filing amendments electronically with the clerk and placed the Ways and Means version of the general appropriation bill on the calendar for Tuesday, May 20, 2025, for second reading as the only item on the calendar. The Senate suspended the rules, adopted the order, and then adopted a second order scheduling the chamber to reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m. in a formal session with a calendar. The Senate then adjourned to meet again on Thursday next at 11 o'clock a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, to whom was referred the petition accompanied

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a Rules Committee report concerning a petition by John F. Keenan to authorize the State Board of Retirement to grant creditable service to Roberta Wallens. The Senate suspended its own Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12, and the matter was referred to the Committee on Public Service. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. In addition, Senator Duner offered a motion to adjourn in memory of Private First Class Joseph R. Travers of Taunton, a Korean War veteran and former prisoner of war whose remains were identified and returned after more than 70 years. The Senate honored his service with remarks and a moment of silence, and the motion prevailed. The chamber then adjourned in memory of PFC Travers, with the next meeting scheduled for Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• in their capacities as the lead administrative leaders of either the legislatures or the executive branch
• in their capacities as the lead administrative leaders of either the legislatures or the executive branch
• in their capacities as the lead administrative leaders of either the legislatures or the executive branch
• in their capacities as the lead administrative leaders of either the legislatures or the executive branch
• In their capacities as the lead administrative leaders of either the legislatures or the executive branch

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations. Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses. In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the legislative branch was not a part of that, nor was there any discussion with the legislative branch
• So the legislative branch was not a part of that, nor was there any discussion with the legislative branch
• director and one of the co-founders of Step Up Louisiana, and also the education chair of the Banrooge branch

Bills: SB116, SB121, SB130, SB407

Keywords: redistricting, congressional districts, Louisiana, 2020 census, elections, precincts, voting, election, political representation, 2026 precincts, demographics, Louisiana congressional map, U.S. House, election districts, precinct shapefiles, Voting Districts, VTD, 2020 Census, 2026 Precinct Shapefiles, apportionment

Transcript Highlights:

• coming up with a coordinated and engaged set of priorities that include the legislature, the executive branch
• part of this job of this community investment office would be to engage us as well as the executive branch
• include the legislature,<00:19:22.320> the<00:19:22.480> executive<00:19:22.880> branch
• <00:19:23.200> and legislature, the executive branch and legislature, the executive branch

Bills: HF3732

Keywords: workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, economic development, grants, job creation

Transcript Highlights:

• So if it's a new development, it's the facilities development branch that would be working with libraries
• could use clarification considering there is no assistant superintendent for the exceptional support branch
• c> superintendent for the exceptional superintendent for the exceptional support<01:16:28.640> branch
• the<01:16:29.280> office<01:16:29.600> of<01:16:29.920> student support branch
• of the office of student support branch of the office of student support<01:16:30.480> services.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on March 19 and moved through several bills under time pressure, hearing mostly brief testimony. SB 2024 SD2 and SB 896 SD2, both concerning public-private partnerships for charter school facilities, drew support from the Department of Education, the Charter School Commission, White Kids Can, and Hawaii Technology Academy. DOE said any P3 model should apply only to charter schools on private land and not affect public schools on DOE land. Supporters argued the approach could speed construction, reduce costs, and keep public money in public assets, while UPW and HGA raised concerns about privatization. In response, SFA said the intent was to mirror the existing conversion charter school model, with public ownership of assets and unionized staff, and noted some regions have waited years for schools. SB 2613 SD1 on TMK transfers was heard next. DOE said the bill had originally been supported as part of the governor’s package but was amended to require DOE to convey lands for 13 libraries on DOE property, which DOE said would create “donut holes” in campuses and was unnecessary because existing agreements already govern library use. The State Public Library System supported the bill, saying it has long coexisted with DOE but needs clearer separation and more reliable control over its sites. The Attorney General’s office said the library system currently lacks express statutory authority to own real property and flagged implementation issues because some of the affected parcels are not currently owned by DOE. Committee members questioned both sides about current agreements, communication, and how the bill would change operations. SB 494 SD2, concerning charter school audits, received comments from the Charter School Commission, which said the bill was redundant because charter schools already undergo annual audits during the term of their contracts. The Office of the Auditor was also present. SB 2391 SD2, relating to automatic pay increases for teachers, drew strong opposition from the Office of Collective Bargaining, which said step movement and longevity increases are negotiated in each contract and do not automatically carry over when a contract expires; it warned the bill could affect upcoming negotiations with HSTA. HSTA and several other supporters argued the bill would standardize annual step movement, improve retention, and reflect existing contract language. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• really arguing is that the State of Alabama as a state doesn’t adequately fund an equal co-equal branch
• Alabama continues to reduce the amount of funding that goes to the court system and the third co-equal branch
• of government is begging another branch for more money, then all we end up doing is incentivizing prosecutors
• Government is begging another branch for more money.
• Funding the system because, as a co-equal branch of government, they would fund it.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is governed by the executive branch budget bill, the general fund surplus bill, the general
• <00:12:35.839> by<00:12:36.560> the<00:12:36.800> executive<00:12:37.279> branch
• <00:12:37.600> budget governed by the executive branch budget governed by the executive branch
• that 6%, which helps everybody. >> Is there anybody here not in favor and rooting for the executive branch

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 FY 2025 Budget Close Out 00:02:55 Impressions of H.R. – 119th Congress 00:28:15 SNAP Payment Error Rates 00:37:05, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the July minutes, and recognized Jennifer Hayes of the Department of State Budget Director for her retirement and long service. Secretary Hicks then presented a review of fiscal year 2025 closeout for the general fund and road fund, explaining that the general fund ended with a $313 million surplus and the road fund with a $61 million surplus. He attributed the general fund result to strong corporate income and LLC tax receipts, investment income, and lower-than-budgeted spending, while noting that individual income tax and sales tax underperformed estimates. He also described how the general fund surplus was allocated, with $62 million used for necessary government expenses and $251 million deposited into the budget reserve trust fund, which remained at historically strong levels. For the road fund, he said the surplus would be deposited into the Department of Highways construction account, and he highlighted record motor vehicle usage tax receipts despite lower motor fuels tax revenue due to a rate decline. Members asked questions about the pass-through entity tax, delayed filing deadlines, THC beverage sales, and income tax collection from undocumented workers. Hicks said the pass-through entity tax remains difficult to model because of timing issues and the first year’s unusual filing pattern, and that staff are still working with the Department of Revenue and other states to improve forecasting. He said the delayed filing deadline likely would not require a major restatement and that any related receipts would still be counted in fiscal 2026. On THC beverages, he said the issue would be considered in the next forecasting cycle. On the undocumented-worker question, he said withholding may capture some of the revenue but referred broader collection efforts to the Department of Revenue. The committee then shifted to an overview of the federal reconciliation act’s potential impact on the next biennial budget, with Hicks and Commissioner Lisa Dennis focusing on Medicaid and SNAP. Hicks said the Congressional Budget Office estimated roughly $900 billion in federal savings over 10 years, driven in part by work or community engagement requirements for the Medicaid expansion population and limits on state-directed payments. He emphasized that CMS still must issue regulations to define how the state-directed payment reductions will be calculated, making the exact fiscal impact uncertain. He referred members to a prior Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board presentation for more detail, and the discussion remained informational with no votes or formal actions taken on the federal changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• staff has gone through the work of finding agreement between the House, the Senate, and the executive branch
• after nonpartisan staff worked through agreement between the House, the Senate, and the executive branch
• the<00:40:15.760> executive the Senate, and the executive the Senate, and the executive branch
• 18.880> I<00:40:19.119> will<00:40:19.359> be<00:40:19.520> extremely branch
• . and I will be extremely branch. and I will be extremely disappointed<00:40:20.480> in<00:40:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules of the Two Branching Act and Carlinator, who has heard several Senate petitions

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first took up a committee report recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12 so several Senate petitions could be referred to their respective committees. The chamber suspended Rule 36 to consider the matter immediately, adopted the suspension of Joint Rule 12, and referred the petitions as recommended. The Senate then considered House No. 4399, an act amending the charter of the town of Middleton. Senator Tarr offered an amendment striking the bill’s text and replacing it with the language in Senate Document No. 3053; the amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended was passed to be engrossed. The Senate also briefly recognized visiting guests during the session. Later, the Senate took up House No. 4621, changing the name of the Board of Selectmen in Boylston to Select Board. The bill passed to be enacted and was ordered signed by the President and laid before the Governor. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.

Bills: SB27, SB8, SB15, SB30, SB268, SB568, SB650, SB1405, SB1540, SB1610, SB1637, SB1660, SB2024, SB2217, SB2308, SB2753, SB2878, SB2900, SB2972, SB3059, HB4, HB40, HB46, HB119, HB145, HB493, HB705, HB1545, HB2017, HB2516, HB2885, HB2963, HB2974, HB3642, HB3909, HB5138, HB5246, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks

Transcript Highlights:

• Joseph and Garcia, concerning limiting the age difference between parties to a marriage that requires judicial
• What came back from the House is a 10-year age gap cap on judicial approval for 16- and 17-year-olds
• The judicial pathway still exists. A minor can still petition a court. A judge can still say...
• So under current law, 16- and 17-year-olds can seek a marriage license with judicial approval.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• well as looking at, um, the financial circumstances of a person, but it really should be left to judicial
• should<01:19:18.840> be<01:19:18.960> left<01:19:19.360> to<01:19:19.640> judicial
• should be left to judicial discretion. should be left to judicial discretion.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the changes to the Compensation Council, the timing of their recommendations for judicial salaries
• compensation Council the timing of their recommendations<01:09:40.960> for<01:09:41.159> judicial
• recommendations for judicial recommendations for judicial salaries<01:09:43.279> um<01:09

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts being passed by an overwhelming vote of Massachusetts voters, it is caught up in the judicial
• Massachusetts being passed by an overwhelming vote of Massachusetts voters, it is caught up in the judicial
• Thank you. voters it is caught up in the judicial voters it is caught up in the judicial system<01:02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2543, comes from the Senate with the endorsement that it has been passed to be engrossed by said branch

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House adopted several resolutions under suspension of the rules, including honors for Dr. Russell D. Johnston, congratulations to Sean Keity on earning Eagle Scout, recognition of the 14th Dalai Lama, and a resolution marking Pepperell’s 250th anniversary. The chamber also welcomed guests of Representative Chan from Los Angeles. The House then considered House Bill 4182, establishing a sick leave bank for Jado Catalan, a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee. The emergency preamble was adopted by a recorded vote of 5-0, and the bill was later passed to be enacted. The House also received Senate Bill 2543, described as strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth. On motion of Mr. Michlewitz, the House suspended the rules and referred the Senate bill to the Committee on Ways and Means. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn and stood adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of the Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules of the Two Branches, acting concurrently

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a message from the Governor submitting fiscal year 2026 appropriation requests, including supplemental appropriations and other projects, and referred the message to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also concurred with a Senate petition to designate bar pizza as the official pizza of the Commonwealth, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two other petitions forward: one on virtual credit cards used by dental insurance providers and one regulating the sale of kratom. The House then took up House No. 2465, an act relative to athletic training. After suspending Rule 7A, the bill was ordered to a third reading. The chamber also considered House No. 4103, establishing a sick leave bank for Stephen Forgett of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. The emergency preamble was adopted by a separate vote, and the bill was then passed to be enacted. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• came out as they were coming into session this year from the agency, or what he called the quasi-judicial
• branch of the executive branch.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a legal challenge to the executive branch authority to make such a declaration, but that challenge
• it's appropriate that we're just going to legislate this as a fix to an open case and a different branch
• ability to impact the left and right limits of NICA from a legislative lens and outside of maybe the judicial

Bills: S0036, S0620, S0796, S0934, S1080, S1096, S1366, S1536, S1548, S1580, S1588, S1620, S1756, S7034, S7044

Keywords: nursing title, advanced practice registered nurse, advertising, professional standards, disciplinary action, candidate qualifying, federal office, election integrity, regulatory compliance, political candidacy, veterinary medicine, telehealth, veterinary professional associate, animal health, public safety, access to veterinary services, payment bond exemption, Habitat for Humanity, Florida Forever Act, land acquisition

Summary: The committee first took up SB 354, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which creates a framework for large planned communities on at least 15,000 contiguous acres with 60% reserved area and a streamlined local review process. Senator McLean presented the bill and a strike-all amendment, and members raised concerns about local control, conservation enforceability, data centers, concurrency, multi-county projects, and whether reserve lands could later be converted. Audubon Florida and 1,000 Friends of Florida opposed the bill, arguing the conservation protections were not permanent enough and that the reserve areas could be changed later; small-county representatives also worried about tax-base impacts. Supporters argued the bill would better manage growth, preserve green space, and provide a more orderly alternative to sprawl. After debate, the committee voted to report the bill favorably. The committee then approved SB 620 on candidate qualifying, which requires candidates for federal, state, county, district, judiciary, school, and school board offices to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship. Amendments added disclosure about whether federal candidates intend to trade stock if elected and adjusted 2026 congressional qualifying procedures in the event of redistricting, including a new qualifying window and petition rules. The bill was reported favorably after brief support from a member of the public and discussion about candidate vetting. The committee also reported favorably CS/CS/CS/SB 1452, a Department of Financial Services bill with amendments addressing My Safe Florida Home notices, condo pilot eligibility, firefighter hiring, unclaimed property, and related financial-services provisions. Next, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1620, a school board members’ bill of rights. A substitute amendment narrowed the bill to access to records, fiscal transparency, and nondisclosure agreements, while preserving board members’ rights to timely documents, budget information, and public comment, and setting deadlines for records requests. Superintendents and a school board member testified in support, saying the bill clarifies roles and prevents board members from being frozen out. The committee also passed CS/HB 245, which replaces the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material”; one senator supported the terminology change but warned about preserving legal precedent and avoiding appellate issues. The committee then reported favorably SB 1548, an update to the Live Local affordable housing law expanding eligible sites and clarifying setbacks, airport proximity, and fair-housing protections. Finally, the committee took up the veterinary medicine bill creating veterinary professional associates. The bill allows trained master’s-level VPAs to perform limited veterinary services under a veterinarian’s supervision, and an amendment tightened the standard to immediate supervision on premises. Supporters said the measure would expand access to care, especially in rural areas with vet shortages, while opponents argued it added unnecessary regulation. After testimony from veterinary educators and others, the bill continued with support expressed by committee members, including praise for the direct-supervision amendment.