Video & Transcript Research : 'majority voting'

Page 212 of 500
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE Apr 23rd, 2026

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I'm asking for a no vote on the substitute motion, and I'm giving my reasons why you should vote
  • And so if we did that, we would have a separate vote on that item.
  • So your vote is to pull this out and adopt the report.
  • Section 6 is a transfer of $43.7 million to the various general discretionary majority vote set-aside
  • Section 6 is a transfer of $43.7 million to the various general discretionary majority vote set aside
Summary: The committee met to consider a long caption of House and Senate bills, first announcing a list of measures ready to be passed out and then taking up a special language subcommittee report. The report covered several bills, including SB 63, SB 67, SB 73, HB 1089, HB 1090, and HB 1093, along with amendments to a larger group of bills. A motion was made to pull HB 107 out separately, but after discussion about the amendment’s impact on school districts and the process for further debate, the substitute motion failed and the special language report was adopted. The committee then considered the revenue stabilization law and schedule. Staff explained that the main changes from the governor’s balanced budget proposal were moving county operations and higher education allocations from category B to category A, and described several fund transfers, including $100 million to Medicaid sustainability, $70 million to the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom account, $43.7 million to discretionary set-asides, $5 million to the motor vehicle set-aside, and two $150 million transfers related to the Quick Action Closing Fund and highway improvements. After questions about the schedule’s funding changes, the committee adopted the amendment and then passed House Bill 1100 and Senate Bill 75 as amended. Representative McClendon then presented a bill to support expansion of the Bella Vista Veterans Wall of Honor, requesting $400,000, but withdrew the bill, saying he would seek alternate funding. The committee then moved through the remaining captioned House and Senate bills, including HB 105, HB 107, HB 1008, HB 1022, HB 1035, HB 1036, HB 1037, HB 1051, HB 1052, HB 1064, HB 1066, HB 1068, HB 1089, HB 1090, HB 1093, and Senate Bills 3, 4, 7, 8, 15, 20, 21, 30, 31, 36, 41, 43, 58, 63, 67, 73, and 77, approving them with or without amendments as noted. The chair also announced that all prior holds had been released and said the next meeting would be a Joint Budget Committee meeting focused only on peer issues before adjourning.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC Informational Briefing 08-14-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • have a vote.
  • You got to have the votes have a vote.
  • I think that um he is the votes.
  • , voting from overseas.
  • Specifically, it places additional hurdles in the way of mail-in voting, voting from overseas.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please vote against this bill.
  • Please vote against this bill. Thank you for your time.
  • Please vote against this bill. Thank you for your time. Our jobs.
  • business, major investment, and major deployment of assets within the state.
  • > major major business major investment major major business major investment major deployment
Bills: HF2103, HF2793
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/26/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:29:55.279> of prohibitive for the majority of prohibitive for the majority of Minnesota
  • ><01:04:18.559> a<01:04:18.720> significant majority or not a majority a significant majority
  • Any closing comments before we move to a vote?
  • Any closing comments before we move to a vote?
  • Any closing comments before we move to a vote?
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • That's why we got that strong vote, but she's done as much work in the House with members, both sides
  • That's why we got that strong vote, but she's done as much work in the House with members, both sides
  • That's why we got that strong vote, but she's done as much work in the House with members, both sides
  • And I think it is an issue that we're going to deal with if we have majority power again.
  • majority power again. majority power again.
Keywords: 918, senate, all
Summary: Senate leadership said members were working through a fast-paced, intense session before a break, with many committee hearings still scheduled and about 27 bills expected to be heard that day. The leader highlighted several priorities for when lawmakers return, including an independent Inspector General proposal, additional anti-fraud measures, and packages on gun violence prevention and the Metro Surge response. The Metro Surge package was described as roughly 11 bills dealing with masks in essential spaces, aid obligations for federal agents, civil-rights/Bivens issues, and BCA participation in investigations; the broader gun violence package includes school safety, mental health, an assault-weapons ban, and a ban on high-capacity magazines, though it still awaited Finance Committee action. The leader also said bonding remains a high priority and that the Senate plans to continue moving policy quickly after the break. On budget matters, the leader said supplemental funding is needed for Capitol and Senate building security, largely because of increased personnel and overtime costs. He also said HCMC needs a short-term financing step because it is under financial pressure, but that the issue points to broader instability in Minnesota’s hospital system, especially as other hospitals may face difficulties related to HR1. Other budget-related items mentioned included housing support, rental and heating assistance, energy assistance, small business aid, health care, and food support, with some governor-proposed tax and spending ideas possibly left out because they are not affordable. The leader said the Senate is still working on fraud legislation, including the Inspector General proposal and related enforcement and oversight measures, and expects House differences to be worked out in conference committee. He described the House as a question mark and said the two chambers are moving at different paces, but he hopes to resolve differences and send bills to the governor. He also noted a rough end to the Senate Jobs Committee, said Senator Champion is considering next steps, and said Senator Mohamed and other DFL members had sent the Attorney General’s anti-fraud bill through a different committee path. He added that legislator safety is a growing concern because members from both parties are receiving threats, and he is working with counsel on possible responses. On guns in the Capitol, he said the issue reflects broader divisions and that current law allows permitted carry after screening, though he is frustrated by those using the issue to provoke emotion.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 15th, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yeah, and major urban areas also tend to struggle with that the most.
  • private. ...proprietary by voting system vendors.
  • but died waiting to be voted on.
  • In fact, it was my sergeant major just... Hold on just a minute.
  • So I respectfully ask that the committee vote against the bill. Thank you.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives May 12th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, vote to the machine. Members, vote to the machine. Vote, members.
  • The bill—do you say vote yet, as opposed to a vote? No. Vote, members. Vote machine, members.
  • Members, vote to vote to motion members. Members, vote to machines. Vote to machine members.
  • May I have a vote? Members, vote. Vote machine. Members, are you through voting?
  • Members, vote. Vote machine. Members, are you through voting?
Bills: HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, SCR30, SB57, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB450, SB465, SB501, SB525, HR3, HR80, HR197, HR243, SCR5, SCR35, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB398, HB646, HR84, HR188, HR205, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB302, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, HCR72, HB633, HB603, HB940, HB251, HB775, HB998, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, HB842, SB149, SB382, SB441
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and several personal privileges recognizing visitors and special observances, including Transportation Day and a day without child care at the Capitol. Members also honored the Southern University Laboratory School track teams, early childhood educators, and later offered condolences and tributes, including a memorial resolution for Derek Butler’s family and birthday recognitions for members and staff. The chamber received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced or adopted several resolutions and bills throughout the day. A major portion of the floor was devoted to retirement-system cleanup and funding bills, including Senate Bills 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 21. Members and authors explained these measures as technical changes to simplify contribution formulas, separate funding for COLAs and benefit increases from debt paydown, and update reemployment or benefit rules for retirees in various systems. Most of these bills passed with large margins after brief questions about whether they would affect automatic debt reduction; authors repeatedly said they would not stop debt paydown. Other measures passed on topics such as emergency vehicle procedures, international driving reciprocity with Ireland, seat belt use, port commission appointments, GOHSEP cybersecurity authority, storage facility rental rules, biomarker testing coverage, DNA sample collection procedures, and a law-institute bill on movable-property leases. The House also adopted HCR 72, the Jonas A. Feeley Act, which memorializes Congress to expedite research and treatment development for acute myeloid leukemia in honor of a deceased veteran, and H.B. 1258, which directs the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on handling unlawfully possessed sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Another notable bill, Senate Bill 200, created a process for expropriating property tied to foreign adversaries near military bases, with amendments allowing voluntary divestment before expropriation. Most measures were adopted by wide margins, with co-author votes taken on some resolutions and bills tabled or returned to the calendar when requested. The most extended debate centered on Senate Bill 217, which would reduce the number of judges in Orleans Parish courts based on a statewide workload study. Supporters said the National Center for State Courts study showed Orleans had more judges than comparable parishes and that the bill would right-size the courts and save about $2.1 million. Opponents questioned the study’s methodology, the lack of Orleans delegation involvement, the counting of cases, the absence of uniform statewide clerk-of-court standards, and whether reducing criminal judges made sense given crime concerns. Despite the criticism, the bill was advanced after lengthy questioning, while the chamber continued to move other bills and resolutions forward.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's a major part of Florida's economy.
  • It's a major part of Florida's economy.
  • Yes, and by your vote, SB 1656 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, SM 1186 is reported favorably.
  • By your vote, C.S. for SB 1602 is reported favorably. All right.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up several measures. The committee first heard SM 1714, urging Congress to pass the federal No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act to prevent U.S. funds from benefiting the Taliban; after brief explanation and no testimony or debate, it was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1512 on Space Florida, which expands certain sales and use tax exemptions for qualifying tangible personal property and allows Space Florida to bypass competitive bidding for certain purchases when state funds are not used; support was noted from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s flagship, with discussion focused on the ship’s World War II and later service, museum role, and lack of known fiscal impact; it too was reported favorably. The committee next approved SM 1186, which urges Congress and the National Guard Bureau to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with the sponsor citing Florida’s population, emergency history, and outdated allocation levels; one senator voiced support and the memorial was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 1602, creating the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds; two amendments were adopted, including technical and clarifying changes, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, SB 1604 created the related vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to support the pilot program; one technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Mar 5th, 2025

Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • I like to know what I'm getting ready to vote on. I think you'll like this bill.
  • I guess you need to take your vote on the substitute, but you want to explain?
  • Senator Conly, should I vote for this? Yes, Surplus Conly, should I vote for this?
  • I got a question or comment by Senator Smith before we take that vote. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I...
  • That vote, thank you Mr. Chair.
Keywords: 923, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 11, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20.
  • Remaining electronic votes will be conducted as 5-minute votes.
  • Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15-minute vote.
  • Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a five-minute vote.
  • This is a five-minute vote.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session - part 3 May 19th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that's not what we're going to do with this vote.
  • Please vote green.
  • I hope that with this vote tonight...
  • Members, please vote. Thank you. The clerk will call the names of the members voting remotely. Aye.
  • Her vote is aye. The clerk will close the roll. Thank you.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The majority of the funding for this program are properly spent, wisely spent, and effectively spent.
  • Under the Constitution, there is required a standing vote.
  • Those members voting in the affirmative, please rise and be counted.
  • Those members voting in the affirmative, please rise and be counted.
  • Two members having voted in the affirmative, none having voted in the negative.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, and welcomed sixth-grade students from Holy Name School in West Roxbury, along with guests and chaperones. The chamber then took up House No. 4100, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, which was described as addressing a roughly $240 million shortfall in the Group Insurance Commission. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of funding the GIC while also urging lawmakers to examine the causes of the deficiency and consider longer-term cost controls. The Senate suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, and later received notice that the House had non-concurred in the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee. The Senate then insisted on its amendment and appointed conferees. The chamber also passed Senate No. 2508, establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera, an employee of the Trial Court. The Senate observed National Law Enforcement Memorial Day with remarks honoring fallen officers and a moment of silence, and later adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Charlene Roberts Hayden, whose life and career in mathematics, software engineering, teaching, and public service were recognized. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble for H. 4100, passed the bill to be enacted, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16Audio only. May 23rd, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's the chair's intent to vote House Bill 27 out in lieu.
  • The base language is SB 1962 as it left the Senate after the four major amendments.
  • It is the chair's intent to vote House Bill 127 out in lieu of the Senate bill.
  • It is the chair's intent to vote House Bill 1105 out in lieu of Senate Bill 750.
  • It is the chair's intent to vote House Bill 100 out in lieu of Senate Bill 451.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of education-related bills, mostly from the House and several taken up in lieu of Senate measures. Early action included House Bill 27 on personal financial literacy for high school students, which was reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also advanced House Bill 4 on public school accountability and assessment, House Bill 4687 on liability and immunity for certain charter school campuses or programs, House Bill 2598 on school psychologists, House Bill 3629 barring registered sex offenders from serving on ISD boards, House Bill 824 adding civics instruction to high school government curriculum, and House Bill 4236 creating a task force to review the comptroller’s school district property value study. Most of these bills were reported out unanimously or near-unanimously and several were certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard and advanced higher education and school governance measures, including House Bill 127 on protecting public higher education from foreign adversaries and trade secret theft; members adopted a committee substitute after explanation that it revised the Research Security Council, clarified definitions, adjusted gift restrictions, and removed redundant procurement language. House Bill 4361 on timely emergency notifications at public institutions of higher education, House Bill 1868 on studying dual credit funding and workforce capacity, House Bill 718 on restricting certain private partnerships for student housing, House Bill 4848 on competency-based/work-based/degree programs at public institutions, House Bill 2853 on student union building fees at UTEP, House Bill 100 on instructional materials adoption, and House Bill 2243 creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention were also reported favorably, with House Bill 2853 drawing one no vote. One bill was held pending further clarification: House Bill 1105, concerning tuition and lab fee exemptions for certain paramedics, after a member raised questions about whether the exemption already exists and whether the bill merely clarifies coverage for EMS first responders. The committee also discussed House Bill 100 as a companion to Senate Bill 451 and noted that House Bill 27 and House Bill 127 were being used in lieu of Senate bills. Overall, the committee reported most measures favorably, often by unanimous vote, and several were placed on the local and uncontested calendar.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • This committee noticed a vote on authorizing three different subpoenas.
  • And yet, with the vote scheduled today, at the 11th hour, Massport has decided to comply.
  • Space is and will remain a major problem.
  • We now have the vote.
  • We'll have the vote and then we'll open it up to any other members who wish to speak.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an important meeting where they discussed various bills aimed at addressing pressing issues like consumer protection, technology, and environmental management. Chairman Cruz opened the meeting by emphasizing the role of subpoenas in ensuring accountability and oversight, highlighting a recent compliance from several parties following such threats. The meeting progressed to consider several bills, including the Romance Scam Prevention Act championed by Senator Blackburn, which seeks to protect vulnerable populations from online dating scams that have resulted in enormous financial losses, particularly among seniors. The committee also nominated Michael Kratios for the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Medder for the Federal Trade Commission, underscoring the significance of leadership in fostering innovation and consumer protection in technology sectors.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jul 7th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
  • All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
Keywords: 988, house, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Education

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • So I vote no. Senator Diaz. Chair, can I explain my vote, please?
  • And with that, I vote aye. Your lucky stars, and with that, I vote aye.
  • Okay, by your vote, can you repeat that again please? Four ayes, three nays, and zero not voting.
  • I vote aye.
  • And with that, I vote aye. Five ayes, zero nays, three not voting.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty - Wednesday, April 29

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Has everyone voted? The gentleman from Pulaski County will record his vote. Has everyone voted?
  • All those in favor will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. Mr.
  • Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Mr. Clerk, please close the board and tally the vote.
  • Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Mr. Clerk, please close the board and tally the vote.
  • Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? As everyone voted, Mr.
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 126-0 roll call, and then moved through several points of personal privilege and guest introductions. Members recognized National Fentanyl Awareness Day, honored journalist Ray Hartman with a moment of silence, and welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other visitors to the chamber. The main floor action centered on conference committee report HB 2637/HB 3155, a large public safety package. Members discussed its size and scope, including juvenile justice changes, mental health provisions, cyberstalking language, drone restrictions, prosecutorial salaries, and sex offender registry issues. The House first approved a motion allowing conferees to exceed the differences, then adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and adopted an emergency clause for the drone-related sections 125-15. Supporters said the bill improved earlier legislation, while opponents criticized the bill’s length and constitutionality. The House then passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure combining mortgage modification rules with protections against predatory residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1. Members said it would help homeowners and small businesses and improve transparency. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, by 137-2-1 after a minor amendment, and Senate Bill 938, which raises recording-related fees from $4 to $6 to fund the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, by 121-21-2. Finally, the House passed House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, a wholesaler/consumer protection bill that was amended to remove a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and add land bank language, by 110-36. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings, noted bills moving to the informal calendar, and adjourned until April 30, 2026.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/17/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Natural Resources, Energy & Water

Transcript Highlights:
  • Your vote of four aye, three nays, one present. You have a vote of four aye. You have.
  • “Madam Chair, explain my vote: Yes.
  • So for now, I’m going to vote no.”
  • But with that, in this form, I'm sorry, I cannot vote for this, and I vote no.
  • So with that, I'm going to vote aye. Vice Chairman Lopez: Madam Chair, may I explain my vote?
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/05/26

Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • And for that reason, I'll be a no vote on the A2 amendment should you put it to a vote.
  • And for that reason, I'll be a no vote on the A2 amendment should you put it to a vote.
  • Please vote no on SF 1961.
  • There being six I votes and five nay There being six I votes and five nay votes,<02:25:40.319> the
  • votes, the motion is adopted. votes, the motion is adopted.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Nov 18th, 2025

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • By your vote, Senate Bill 58 has been reported favorably. Thank you.
  • By your vote, Senate Bill 58 has been reported favorably. Thank you. All right.
  • But Florida already plays a major role.
  • This lack of insurance options is also a major reason banks hesitate to lend.
  • , The House and Senate voted unanimously to pass that bill, proving that when it comes to good water
Summary: The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand. The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.