Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Representative. Thank you, Representative Meeks. Any other questions? Very good.
• Representative McClendon. Thank you, Chairman.
• Representative Unger. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• We'll let Representative Meeks start with his question, and we'll move to Representative McElendon.
• We'll let Representative Meek start with his question, and we'll move to Representative McElendon.

Summary: The committee met with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of Arkansas Legislative Audit reports. Reports with findings were presented for the Department of Human Services, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Department of Corrections, and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with a special report on law enforcement racial profiling policy compliance. Several reports without findings were also filed without objection. For DHS, auditors reported apparent thefts involving false benefit claims in disaster nutrition assistance and Medicaid, a nearly $610,000 altered warrant cashed by a California auto body shop, and multiple asset-control issues, including missing equipment, inventory discrepancies, and improper sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members questioned DHS about the warrant fraud and whether other agencies or California officials had been notified. For Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, auditors cited missing museum receipts and problems with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium; department officials said they are considering cashless payment options and provided an update on the museum loss investigation. For Corrections, auditors reported unauthorized personal fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster recovery test for critical IT systems. Department officials said staffing has been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster recovery test is scheduled soon. For Veterans Affairs, auditors found improper pay for employees who were not working, duplicate vendor payment, and numerous overtime approvals that were not properly authorized; the department said it has tightened overtime approval procedures. The special report said only 203 of 383 law enforcement agencies had responded regarding racial profiling policies, and the Attorney General had notified the remaining agencies that they were not in compliance. The committee requested a list of nonresponding agencies and adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for March 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• God, I pray for these representatives as they strive to serve this great state and this great nation
• If there is no objection, the reports will be adopted.
• If there is no objection, the reports will be adopted.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail.
• Representative Niska. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any objection? Seeing no objection, Kim, please call the roll on SPB 7034. Thank you.
• We have a beautiful state.
• This bill is a common-sense bill, as our state senator stated.
• There are other parts of the state, however, that they might, There are other parts of the state, however
• Is there objection?

Bills: S0912, S1196, S1422, S1510, S7034

Keywords: battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Summary: The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you please state your name for the record? Patrick M.
• Uh, Representative Harless as well.
• TRA represents 57,000 food and beverage establishments across the state.
• It's gonna be all over the state of Texas.
• I'd also like to thank Representative Hunter and Senator Colehorst, who both are my state rep and my

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• great state of West Virginia.
• This morning, representing the people of the great state of West Virginia, Lord, I thank You for their
• God bless our great state of West Virginia and bless the United States of America.
• There's no objection.
• In the United States, it's age 70.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If no objection, seeing none, uh... ...role.
• If no objection, seeing none, HB262 receives a favorable report.
• Moving along, HB261 by Representative Ellis.
• If no objection... Not an objection, just making a... Objection?
• Not an objection, just making a statement.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the representatives, Both all of us, Representative Clark, Blackmon, and myself, I'd like
• Ladies and gentlemen in the south gallery, along with Representative McMillan and Representative Ford
• Is there objection? Change gentleman's vote.
• across the state.
• Is there objection? We typically don't go back more than a day.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 2 April, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of<00:08:05.680> the objection, further reading of the objection, further reading of the journal
• Hearing no objection, the chief clerk.
• If there is no objection, the reports will be adopted.
• Hearing no objection, the reports are adopted. Second reading of House files.
• Representative Niska moves the speaker.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone<00:59:33.040> object? Anyone object? Anyone object?
• Pass and retain. the word state. the word state.
• Anyone object? object? object? Voting<01:35:44.760> no. Voting no. Voting no. Present.
• Anyone object?
• Anyone object? object? object? Voting<02:28:41.160> no. Hold on one second, please.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Reginald Anderson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The journal and committee reports were dispensed with by voice vote. Early in the meeting, senators also introduced guests, including Dr. Adrian Gilliam Pierre as doctor of the day and several school groups and community visitors in the galleries. A major portion of the session was devoted to recognizing student athletes and coaches through commendation resolutions. The Senate honored the Northside High School Gators boys basketball team for winning its first Class 2A state championship, the Morton High School Panthers boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Class 4A title, East Rankin Academy teams for multiple championships, Simpson County Academy’s boys cross country team and Lily Overby, Brookhaven Academy’s fast-pitch softball team, and several other schools and programs. The chamber also recognized Mississippi artist Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp) for his music contributions, and later introduced the Meridian High School Choir, Brookhaven Academy fifth graders, and David Hoke, who has delivered Bibles to all 50 state legislatures. The Senate then took up nominations and approved three by advise-and-consent: Kent Gerard Nico to the Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority, Marcus Jones Martin to the State Tax Appeals Board, and Keith Allen Williams Jr. to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. After that, Senator Kirby moved to suspend the rules and take up a large block of commending resolutions, which the Senate agreed to consider together. The block included numerous resolutions honoring schools, athletes, educators, and community figures, and the Senate agreed to proceed to final passage by roll call with no objection noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dempsey. Representative Dempsey, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Now therefore, pursuant to the motion of Representative Eddie Dempsey and Representative Scott Fetgatter
• Pursuant to the motion of Representative Eddie Dempsey and Representative Scott Fetgatter, the Oklahoma
• Olivia Beaver here with Representative Fetgatter. Olivia Beaver here with Representative Fetgatter.
• My colleagues, Representative Deck and Representative Rosecrants, and I would like to welcome a group

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the association of domestic violence service providers throughout the state, representing 25 programs
• We are the association of domestic violence service providers throughout the state, representing 25 programs
• are there any objections or reservations no<00:46:27.280> noting<00:46:27.920> objection
• <00:52:19.319> or present are there any objections or present are there any objections or
• Are there any objections or reservations? No noting of objection from Senator Awa.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Plaza, Representative Raymond, Representative Swanson, Representative Toth, Representative
• Chair Wilson: Do you, who did you state that you represent this morning yourself? Dr.
• By World War One, many states had adopted a Representative Hayes: variety of absentee voting laws.
• that as long as the state continued to receive ballots, the election was ongoing and had not been Representative
• Justice Kavanaugh emphasized, to state the obvious, Representative Hayes: a state cannot conduct an election

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the objections?
• Without objection, the objections?
• Without objection, so >> Any objections?
• Without objection, the House objections?
• Without objection, three objections?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and first honored Nancy Crawford with a resolution recognizing her 46 years of state service, including 20 years as Senator Pam Beidle’s chief of staff. Senator Beidle then spoke at length about her own retirement plans and public service, reflecting on her career in the House and Senate, her work on the Finance Committee, and thanking her staff and colleagues. The chamber unanimously journalized the remarks. The Senate then moved into business on House and Senate messages, including House Bill 139 and Senate Bill 311, and adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 1532, the Utility Relief/Reducing Energy Load for Inflation measure. The report was described as a broad energy and utility package that had already passed the Senate 38-4 and was said to address short-, medium-, and long-term issues, including rate relief, in-state generation, data center policy, consumer transparency, and low-income utility assistance. During debate on the conference report, the majority leader explained several changes from prior versions: no legislative ban on forecast test years, instead deferring to the Public Service Commission; removal of gas programs from Empower to avoid inequities across service territories; modest opening of the retail supply market with guardrails; and rejection of some floor amendments, including a gas line extension provision and a study amendment. The minority leader argued the bill offered only limited relief, focused too much on talking points and short-term savings, and said many bipartisan amendments were not retained. The majority leader responded that the bill would save ratepayers real dollars through provisions on utility adders, executive bonuses, FERC-related returns, and new generation, and urged adoption of the conference report.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary of State, the Department of State, has the ability today to do this.
• Some out-of-state actors who are being prosecuted in other states.
• parks across the state.
• Is there objection? Without objection, show the motion adopted.
• Is there objection? Are there questions? Is there debate? Is there objection?

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a remembrance of former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special order bills. CS/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death was substituted for SB 138, amended to add warnings and penalties for refusal of breath or urine tests, and passed 37-0. CS/SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours access and network availability for Medicaid enrollees, also passed 37-0. The Senate then took up CS/CS/HB 913 on condominium associations, a major post-Surfside reform bill. Senator Bradley explained that the measure was intended to provide financial relief and flexibility while preserving safety and accountability. The bill was substituted for SB 1742, amended several times to limit milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies to buildings three habitable stories or more, and then passed 37-0 after extensive debate. Senators from both parties praised Bradley, Pizzo, Garcia, and staff for years of work on condo safety and affordability, with several members describing the bill as a balance between protecting residents and avoiding financial hardship. The final major item was CS/HB 1205, the bill on amendments to the state constitution and citizen petition drives. Sponsors Gates and Grohl argued the bill was needed to combat fraud, identity theft, and misuse in the petition process, citing a lengthy Office of Election Crimes and Security report. The House bill was substituted for SB 7016, and the chamber considered a long series of amendments and substitute amendments addressing petition circulator registration, volunteer participation, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and fiscal impact statements. Several amendments were adopted, while others were debated over whether they would protect access to the citizen initiative process or strengthen election integrity. The transcript ends during debate on the main substitute amendment, before final disposition on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• House of Representatives from the state of Texas.
• House of Representatives of the 120th Congress from the State of Texas.
• Representative Davis, are you aware that the state of Texas has more African-American population than
• As state representatives, we must consider how we see ourselves moving forward.
• Of the districts for the election of members of the United States House of Representatives from the state

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any objection, Chair? There's none.
• industries across the state.
• agencies and the United Mexican states and funding for infrastructure investment in the state writing
• Practice law in the state.
• and local taxes, including state.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Moore. House veterans. Representative Moore.
• Representative Moore. entrepreneurs. Representative Moore.
• Representative Bant. Assembly. Representative Bant.
• Representative Bant. House students. Representative Bant.
• Representative<00:13:55.760> Lewis. Representative Lewis. Representative Lewis.

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 06:52 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 11:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 12:27 Adjournment 23:47, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 86 members present, and approved the journal from January 8, 2026. Members also agreed without objection to excuse absent members and to suspend rules allowing co-sponsorships and vote modifications to be filed with the clerk. Under announcements and introductions, a motion was granted to withdraw House Bill 177. The House then received a large slate of new bills and resolutions, including measures on foreign transactions, cultured meat products, disabled veterans’ homestead exemptions, veteran entrepreneurs, plastic waste, legislative term limits, students, county law libraries, elections, special purpose governmental entities, vehicle wheels, delinquent tax liens, tenant screening, psychotropic drugs, peace officers, KEES scholarships for students attending non-certified schools, machine gun conversion devices, contractors, teacher retirement service credit, diaper access programs, and appropriations for the Transportation Cabinet and state government generally. Resolutions were also introduced recognizing Kentucky Mentorship Month, Hindu holidays and the resilience of the Hindu people, and honoring victims of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 and first responders. No bills were debated or voted on beyond the procedural actions noted. The session concluded with no committee business or floor amendments needed, and the House adjourned without objection until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think there's a consensus and I don't see any objection to allowing Representative Burton and Bricky
• So, I think there's a consensus and I don't see any objection to allowing Representative Burton and Bricky
• objection, can we allow Representative objection, can we allow Representative Burton<00:31:35.360
• <00:32:27.840> to<00:32:28.480> allowing<00:32:29.039> Representative objection
• to allowing Representative objection to allowing Representative Burton<00:32:29.919> and<00:32

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to consider eight bills, beginning with HB 443 on the terms of appointment for members of the Higher Education Commission. Department of Education Director Steve Applebee explained that the commission supported a language change to address a holdover issue, but members raised concerns that the bill did not solve the problem of inactive members and might not address the broader question of whether the commission should continue to exist. The committee agreed to retain HB 443 for further work and voted 18-0 to do so. The committee then voted on HB 137, which would allocate excess statewide education property tax funds for local school and municipal purposes. Supporters of ITL argued that using the statewide property tax to reduce the state’s school funding obligation could create a slippery slope and shift more burden to property taxpayers. The committee voted 15-3 to ITL the bill, with a minority report to be written. HB 237, which would prohibit the use of special education and differentiated aid funds on students not receiving special education services, was also ITL’d after members said federal law already governs how IDEA-related funds may be used and that the bill was unnecessary. That motion passed 16-0, with some members not voting because they were out for medical reasons. The committee next advanced HB 354, creating alternative certification pathways for career and technical education instructors. Members said the bill could help recruit qualified tradespeople and retirees to teach in CTE programs, and it was approved 18-0 and placed on the consent calendar. HB 491, establishing a committee to study alternative public education funding methods and reduce reliance on local property taxes, was retained for further study after members said the committee or a subcommittee could continue the work over the year; it passed 18-0. HB 656, concerning local school districts’ authority to accept federal grants, was also retained after discussion focused on transparency, grant conditions, and the need to avoid delays in services; it passed 18-0. The committee then moved on to HB 729, an appropriation for an attorney to recodify education laws, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any objection? Hearing no objection, so ordered. So ordered.
• Any objection? Hearing no objection, so ordered. Order.
• Are there any objections? No objections heard, so ordered.
• Is there any objection to the adoption? No objections, so ordered.
• Are there any objections? Going once. Going twice. No objections, so ordered.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• security breaches under existing state security breaches under existing state law<00:04:04.760><
• Let's see who is representing CDIA.
• make us different from all other states make us different from all other states and<00:08:31.639
• The Hawaii Association of Public Accountants represents CPAs practicing across the state and supports
• I'm not representing, uh, West Aahu; I'm representing my students.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 573, which would require condominium associations to repair defective common-element conditions that create health or safety violations. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, including from the Community Associations Institute and construction-defect counsel, who argued the bill could lead to piecemeal repairs and unintended damage in complex building systems. The measure was deferred. The committee then heard SB 1038 on privacy and data-breach notice requirements. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs supported the bill as a modernization of the law, while the Hawaii Financial Services Association, Consumer Data Industry Association, and other groups opposed it, mainly over the proposed redaction standard for Social Security numbers and concerns about making Hawaii an outlier compared with other states. Members discussed possible amendments, including harmonizing with other states and clarifying encryption and redaction rules. The committee later voted to pass SB 1038 with amendments, including changes from the Office of Consumer Protection, Hawaii Bankers Association, and State Privacy and Security Coalition, and deferred the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committee also took up SB 890 and voted to pass it with amendments and recommit it to the CPN committee for a hearing before the decking deadline. In a separate decision-making segment, the committee passed SB 1291 on CPA licensure with amendments after testimony from accounting groups, educators, and others described a shortage of accountants and supported an alternate pathway using public-accounting experience. The committee adopted amendments clarifying the education and experience requirements and then approved the measure. Later, the committee also passed several additional measures on a decision agenda, including SB 129 SD1, SB 140 SD1, SB 144 SD1, SB 1197 SD1, SB 1341, SB 411 SD1, and SB 1438, generally with amendments or as introduced, and all were adopted without objection.