Transcript Highlights:

• how it would read?
• <03:05:20.399> how >> could you read how it could you read how >> could you read
• how it could you read how it<03:05:20.880> would<03:05:21.040> read?
• it would read? it would read?
• How are you proposing that read? that? How are you proposing that read?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh I think this is the second or third uh I think this is the second or third time<01:42:56.800>
• This is the third or fourth time...
• This is the third or fourth time...
• This is the third or fourth time...
• This is the third or fourth time...

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We heard a little bit about money for a bunch of other things, but I just, you know, reading through
• He said that under this model, as he read it, that is a $1 million net gain maybe on an annual basis.
• I'm just reading the language here. Which part did you say that this was sort of an opt-in?
• the language here uh which just reading the language here uh which part<01:08:43.799> did<01:
• But the other stuff is not, and you know, I think we all hope that the data I just read off to you is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Richard, I think that you read from this, Mr.
• No, sir, I've not read it. I'm going to read you an excerpt from it.
• Anybody can read the transcripts.
• he was having trouble reading the last name because he was getting handwritten notes to read from.
• I still cannot believe I read those words.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , quote, 'to protect a peace officer or another from apparent death or great bodily harm,' and third,
• The same legislature that removed that word “apparent” also drafted this legislative intent that reads
• The same legislature that removed that word “apparent” also drafted this legislative intent that reads
• And I want to read for you guys here from KSTP.
• And I want to read for you guys here from KSTP.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is our third year, our third attempt, to try to get something done.
• Please bear with me as I read my testimony, as I'm not the most eloquent off-the-cuff speaker, and there
• Please bear with me as I read my testimony, as I'm not the most eloquent off-the-cuff speaker, and there's
• And third bullet point... It can be reviewed by appeals within the DOR. Yes.
• And third bullet point: If this legislation becomes law, many, thousands of residents and citizens of

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on several property and local tax bills. The main focus was H.56, the Municipal Empowerment Act, which the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, MAPC, and Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo supported as a package of local options and administrative reforms. Supporters said municipalities need more tools to relieve pressure on property taxes and fund services, citing proposed increases to local meals and lodging taxes, a new local vehicle excise surcharge, senior property tax relief, one-year override flexibility for emergencies, and central valuation of telecom and utility property by DOR. The administration said the bill was based on municipal listening sessions and was intended to give cities and towns optional, not mandatory, revenue tools. Opponents, including the National Federation of Independent Businesses, argued the tax increases would hurt restaurants, hotels, tourism, and small businesses and add to affordability concerns. The committee also heard testimony on H.3211, dealing with deeds excise receipts, from Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staidi. He said Norfolk County is financially stable but needs additional revenue for major capital needs at its agricultural school, especially a new cafeteria and other aging facilities, and also to support county programs such as veteran transportation services. On S.2020, a bill to allow settlements of tax liability, Greater Boston Legal Services, the Asian American Civic Association, and several individual taxpayers urged creation of a more workable offer-in-compromise process at DOR. They said the current system is too subjective, requires an unaffordable $5,000 threshold, lacks clear standards and appeal rights, and leaves low-income taxpayers stuck with unmanageable debt, license suspensions, or business closures. Supporters said the bill would give both taxpayers and DOR a practical way to resolve liabilities and bring people back into compliance. The committee also took testimony on S.1966, which would require nonprofits selling property to disclose any back-tax obligations to buyers. Senator Peter Durant said the bill was prompted by a personal experience in which a tax bill arrived after a nonprofit property purchase was already completed, and he argued the disclosure would prevent buyers from being surprised by retroactive tax liability. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed the session after hearing from all scheduled witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been asked today to read a statement on behalf of a parent whose child is in surgery this morning
• I believe this is the third one I've gotten in the past three or four months.
• I believe this is the third one I've gotten in the past three or four months.
• I'm reading here that you all have 421 athletic students, and I'm assuming that is males and females
• I'm reading it now, the total is for the football field, the track, and mandatory improvements.

Bills: HB30, HB120, HJR1, SB210, SB306

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hinojosa asked, when I look at, read the details of SB 2.
• I'll read this to you again, and you're a lawyer, so help me out with this and see what you think.
• And actually, a two-thirds vote in each chamber so that it becomes effective immediately because it's
• Even some of the old articles that I had read when full-ride scholarships were first announced in the
• Let me tell you, two-thirds of the class does not. And then, that brings us to allow or not allow.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• that the first-time offense against a child under 12 is raised from the first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree
• My name is Taylor Kindle, and I stand before you all as a third-year law student at Florida State College
• My name is Taylor Kindle, and I am a third-year law student at Florida State College.
• But I've seen some of these murder cases, read about them, and in my opinion, they do deserve... ...the
• As I'm reading the bill and hearing what you're saying, I'm interpreting the bill to limit, What you're

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and reported favorably a series of criminal justice, corrections, and public safety bills. Among the measures approved were SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles; SB 1136, tightening age-related criminal offense provisions and clarifying that ignorance or misrepresentation of a victim’s age is not a defense in covered cases; SB 144, which was described as a broad public safety measure addressing law enforcement tools, AI/body camera use, concealed carry licensing exemptions for law enforcement, blood testing after exposure incidents, and related matters; and SB 1782, creating a dangerous excessive speeding offense for extreme speeding conduct. The committee also approved SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, SB 1450 giving law enforcement discretion on immediate arrest of individuals with significant medical conditions in nursing home or assisted living settings, SB 612 closing a loophole related to charging minors in drug-distribution deaths, SB 1838 protecting court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 716 imposing mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators. Several bills drew notable testimony and debate. SB 1804, which would make sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital offense, received strong support from the sponsor and some members who argued it was needed to address the most heinous trafficking cases, but it also drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and others who argued the death penalty should not be expanded to non-homicide crimes and would be unconstitutional, costly, and retraumatizing to victims. SB 1604 on corrections, which included provisions on inmate litigation, limitations periods, tracking devices, and involuntary mental health treatment, prompted questions about inmate rights, accountability, and possible abuse; the sponsor said the bill was intended to balance access to claims with institutional safety and to continue refining the language. SB 1838 also drew concerns from criminal defense lawyers about possible unintended effects on attorneys, and the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee adopted amendments on several bills, including a substitute amendment to SB 144 that removed some provisions for further work, added first responder-related provisions, and adjusted motor vehicle kill-switch language; an amendment to SB 1136 changing the age threshold and refining luring/enticement language; a strike-all amendment to SB 964 limiting retroactivity and focusing on presumptive parolees; and a delete-all amendment to SB 1604 that revised multiple provisions, including tracking devices and consecutive sentencing under 10-20 Life. Most bills were reported favorably by roll call, with SB 776 and SB 1804 passing despite recorded no votes from some members. The chair closed by noting it was the committee’s final meeting of the session and thanked members before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, Senate Bill 1546 will be reported favorably, and hopefully the third time's the charm.
• But again, we're the third largest state, and it begs the question, Now, that's nationwide, but again
• , we're the third largest state, and it begs the question, what are we doing with a state like ours to
• But I'm looking at section one of the bill, and I'm reading the first line required. First line.
• It says, And I'm reading the first line required. First line.

Summary: The Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills. SB 1546 on background screening for athletic coaches was explained as another extension of the deadline for coaches to be added to the background screening clearinghouse; it passed favorably with support from athletic and youth sports organizations. SB 958 on type 1 diabetes early detection was amended to match the House version, requiring the Department of Health to provide school districts, school boards, and charter schools with informational materials for parents; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/SB 1070 on electrocardiograms for student athletes drew extensive discussion about sudden cardiac arrest prevention, implementation timelines, costs, funding through private and public sources, and whether insurance, KidCare, or Medicaid should cover screenings; after supportive testimony from school and athletic groups, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also heard SB 1060, which would create a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid managed care to review encounter data, financials, audits, and rebate calculations with assistance from an actuary and the Auditor General. The sponsor and several senators framed it as a transparency and verification measure in response to large mid-year Medicaid funding increases and concerns about network adequacy and vertical integration; it passed favorably. CS/SB 944, which shortens the insurer overpayment recovery look-back period for claims involving psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, also passed favorably with support from the Florida Psychological Association. SB 1370, moving ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute rather than under hospital licensure provisions, was supported by surgery center representatives and reported favorably. The committee approved SB 768, as amended, to narrow the foreign-country-of-concern licensure attestation for health care entities to direct controlling interests and clarify the “reasonable efforts” standard; it passed after questions about how the standard would work in practice. SB 1544 on opticianry prompted significant debate over whether the bill would limit nonlicensed staff in ophthalmology and optometry settings; after a proposed amendment was withdrawn and multiple witnesses spoke both for and against, the bill was temporarily postponed. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1808 requiring health care practitioners and facilities to refund patient overpayments within 30 days, with enforcement through AHCA fines or professional discipline, and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• and a third, and then we were 50%.
• And I, sorry, I'm reading the audience. I'll hear a little bit.
• Is, am I reading that right? I'm not saying you're reading it wrong.
• But I've read that a few times over the years and recently reading that, you know, as I read that in
• So if anybody wants to go read it, they can read what they have to say, and they can agree or disagree

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That I read in this backgrounder.
• I was asked to co-facilitate the third cohort.
• So today I'm going to read a testimony from one of our members on the inside.
• My name is Colby Lenz, and I'm also reading a comment from somebody at CCWF.
• I'm also going to read a statement from somebody inside at C.I.W.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The question is on engrossment and third reading of the bill. Those in favor say aye.
• Third reading.
• The question is on engrossment and third reading of the bill. Those in favor say aye.
• Third reading.
• Third reading. a bill to amend the Third reading. a bill to amend the Energy<03:21:10.720> Conservation

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:22.400> for third, when there's opportunities for third, when there's opportunities
• And the third one is the minority business accelerator program.
• But I wanted to read that mine as well.
• That's why I'm just going to read what I have to say.
• That's why I asked for a third them?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony focused on barriers facing minority-owned businesses and on local programs intended to improve access to capital and contracting opportunities. A representative from the U.S. Black Chambers described disparities in minority spending, argued for more intentional and transparent investment in Black communities, and emphasized the need to disaggregate data, hold officials accountable, and expand tools such as the byBlack certification directory. He also stressed that businesses need technical assistance, resources, and opportunities to grow through mergers, consortiums, and joint ventures. The main presentation then came from Larry Forester and Tyrone of Commerce Lexington, who outlined what they called eight major barriers for minority businesses, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship networks, discrimination and bias, bureaucratic hurdles, branding and visibility challenges, stereotyping, generational knowledge gaps, and limited financial literacy. They described several Commerce Lexington initiatives: the Access Loan Program, which brings small businesses before a pool of 26 lenders; a Minority Business Accelerator to help firms scale and connect with prime contractors; and an Opportunity Exchange for business owners to share experiences and lessons learned. They said the Access Loan Program has funded nearly $26 million in loans with an average loan size of about $62,000. Members asked about bias in lending and how to make contracting and certification easier for minority firms. Forester said applications are vetted by a subcommittee before reaching the full lender group, with attention to completeness and readiness, and that only one lender needs to say yes. On contracting, the witnesses said certification can be burdensome and suggested more hands-on help from the state, relationship-building events that include decision-makers, and incentives rather than mandates. They also relayed policy ideas from a business owner, including culturally informed underwriting, public-private matching grants, supplier diversity enforcement, and mentorship tied to capital access. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I, too, read the fiscal note, and the fact is that if TEA is going to use a third party to do it, why
• I just read it this morning, but you know. Thank you. As a joint issue, that's a suggestion.
• She asked if there was the possibility of me reading her testimony. ...testimony.
• I had something written out, but I'm not going to read that.
• Yeah, I'm reading the line here that you just read, the line, I believe.

Bills: SB604, SB843, SB1636, SB2395, SB571, SB1224, SB1832, SB2392, SB747, SB2623, SB2624, SB2185

Keywords: bonds, education funding, Texas Permanent School Fund, financial transparency, speculative rating, school funding, deferred maintenance, tax revenue, education budget, school districts, education, finance, Texas Education Code, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• Third division, 17. Fourth division, 12. 15. 12. 15. 12. 15. Fourth division, 12. 15. 15.
• Third division, 24. Fourth division, zero.
• Third division, 16. Fourth division, 21. Thank you. Fourth division, 21. Those opposed will rise.
• Third division, zero. Fourth division, zero.
• Clerk will read the order.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up two resolutions reported by the Committee on Rules: one commemorating the 100th birthday of Leona Dugas Barrett of Webster, and another commending the New England Hemophilia Association for recognizing March 2025 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions by voice vote. The chamber then considered House Bill 58, an amended fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The House first voted on and adopted the emergency preamble after a roll call, then reconsidered and adopted it again by a larger roll call vote. After that, a call of the yeas and nays was ordered on final passage. On final passage, House Bill 58 was passed to be enacted by a vote of 127 in favor and 23 opposed. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the Governor for appointing me to the third board during his term, and I want to thank
• There's thirds and fourths going up all over here. Paxton, you May continue. Thank you.
• Is it possible for these private schools to be teaching reading by using phonics only and not use the
• science of reading Thank you for the question.
• And then they can also do social promotion through third grade even for kids that can't read.

Bills: HB1675, HB3242, HB1739, HB3320, HB3047, HB4434, HJR1089, HB4432, HB3718, HB3705

Keywords: emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan

Transcript Highlights:

• from Goan Church Road to Third Street. from Goan Church Road to Third Street.
• Am I reading that correctly? That's how much we still owe on the arena.
• If if I'm reading this >> If I may.
• <00:54:48.720> Am<00:54:48.960> I<00:54:49.119> reading million.6.
• Am I reading million.6. Is that right? Am I reading that<00:54:49.520> correctly?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• third party in? third party in?
• Is it 60% or two-thirds?
• This is my third year supporting this bill.
• I was just reading the closed captioning.
• I was just reading the I could be wrong. I was just reading the closed<01:21:40.560> captioning.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes up about two-thirds of it.
• /c><00:49:19.520> from<00:49:19.760> the read a letter yesterday from the read a letter
• We all are aware of the third-grade holdback.
• Fourth-grade reading, you know, this legislature and this governor focused a lot on pre-K through third
• The legislature and this governor focused a lot on pre-K through third grade. A lot.

Keywords: 924, joint, all