Video & Transcript : 'closed primary' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Senator, would you like to close?
- It’s your primary mechanism.
- Seeing no motion from the gallery, we'll bring the discussion to a close, close public comment, and come
- Seeing no motion from the gallery, we'll bring the discussion to a close, close public comment, and come
- Senator Cabaldon, would you like to close?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- I close by highlighting some important aspects of the Chapter 90 bill.
- In 2025, the agency closed In 2025, the agency closed eight corrective action plans, or CAPs, from the
- This is not the close right. Talking about the long-term. This is not the close right.
- So, you know, something we've really paid close attention to.
- We’re nowhere close. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Wed Mar 4, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, but we've also worked very closely with the emergency management agencies.
- And so, you know, we work closely with them as a CERT instructor.
- So we have been working pretty closely with them.
- Um, so we have been working pretty closely with them.
- </c><01:24:49.920><c> and</c> Miku to say something in closing and Miku to say something in closing and
Bills:
HB2437 , HB1815 , HB1614 , HB1613 , HB1612 , HB2411 , HB2597 , HB2583 , HB2474 , HB1863 , HB2590 , HB1813 , HB1838 , HB2138 , HB1967 , HB1576 , HB2139 , HB1605 , HB2113 , HB812 , HB1831 , HB1707 , HB2561 , HB1805 , HB2469 , HB2472 , HB2387 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1664 , HB1859 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB1656 , HB2116 , HB2272 , HB2273 , HB2340 , HB2158 , HB2339 , HB2489 , HB2159 , HB2171 , HB2338 , HB2005 , HB1952 , HB1872 , HB1676 , HB2384 , HB2614 , HB20 , HB1776 , HB1565 , HB2310 , HB1975 , HB1801 , HB1668 , HB2114 , HB1972 , HB1546 , HB1518 , HB1131 , HB2208 , HB2156 , HB2268 , HB2622 , HB2581 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB1577 , HB2033 , HB2031 , HB2023 , HB1969 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2315 , HB2343 , HB2501 , HB2505 , HB816 , HB1562 , HB1591 , HB1853 , HB1854 , HB1871 , HB1965 , HB1966 , HB1537 , HB1541 , HB276 , HB2606 , HB2270 , HB1920 , HB1756 , HB1727 , HB1718 , HB1715 , HB1713 , HB1711
Keywords:
arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, the chair recognizes Representative Gervin Hawkins to close the hearing. Close on her bill.
- And I reserve my right to close. Thank you.
- So this bill really closes a gap, like Mr.
- So with that closing, I reserve the right to close, Madam Chair. Thank you. Members.
- Those are our primary concerns.
Bills:
HB741 , HB 1199 , HB2070 , HB2402 , HB2542 , HB2665 , HB2789 , HB3096 , HB3396 , HB3595 , HB3747 , HB4116 , HB4127
Committee:
House Human Services
Keywords:
child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Education (12-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I have work very closely with them.
- I'm >> We are getting close on time.
- goals that are their stated primary goals.
- There are three primary goals that are their<02:01:21.760><c> stated</c><02:01:22.159><c> primary</c
- Pillar one their stated primary goals.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:00:00
Approval of Minutes – 0:03:50
Robotics Education – 0:04:18
Canopy KY – 0:14:15
Comprehensive Support and Improvement – 0:23:20
Postsecondary Credit Alignment – 0:53:15
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 Settings – 1:21:25
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 2:05:15
Adjournment 2:05:41, 958, all
Summary:
The committee opened with a roll call, confirmed a quorum, approved the minutes by voice vote, and recognized a guest of Senator Hickden, retired judge Dan Kelly. The chair then moved through a tight agenda and limited public presentations and questions.
The first presentation was on robotics education in Kentucky, led by Representative Chris Lewis, Kentucky FIRST Robotics executive director Kelly Gowen, and students from Whitfield Academy. They argued that robotics should be expanded in high schools as a workforce pipeline for engineering, manufacturing, and advanced technology jobs. The presentation emphasized hands-on learning, industry certifications, teacher development, and a proposed framework to fund robotics education programs statewide. Committee members were not allowed to ask questions because of time constraints.
The second presentation was from Canopy Kentucky, led by Adam Watson and founder Scott Collins. They described Canopy’s business and entrepreneurship education programs for fifth graders and high school students, including the NextGen Good Biz initiative and an eight-classroom high school unit. Canopy requested a one-time $750,000 appropriation for fiscal year 2026, matched by private funds, to expand into more schools and rural areas, train educators, and report outcomes. Members asked a brief question about how the programs fit into school schedules and the difference between the elementary and high school offerings.
The final presentation, from KDE’s Kelly Foster and Todd Allen, reviewed the state’s school improvement classifications. Foster explained CSI, TSI, and ATSI status, the federal and state legal framework, and how House Bill 298 returned CSI identification to an annual cycle. She reported that Kentucky identified 50 CSI schools on the most recent release, with 53 CSI schools statewide, along with 39 TSI schools and 102 ATSI schools. She also outlined KDE’s support process, including education recovery staff, diagnostic reviews, turnaround plans, and required professional learning for CSI schools.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jul 1st, 2026
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, I'm going to close that portion of the hearing, and we're going to now shift.
- In nature, they live in close-knit flocks.
- We closely track pet store species, specifically budgies, small conures, and cockatiels.
- We closely track pet store species, specifically budgies, small conures, and cockatiels.
- Shelters will not close because of a retail ban.
Keywords:
Newbury, rodenticides, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, SGARs, pesticides, pest control, wildlife protection, environmental regulation, local bylaw, municipal authority, private property, rodent control, anticoagulant poison, public health, Massachusetts local option, Wellfleet, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient pollution
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Upon close reading, the way it's currently written, we respectfully submit this testimony in opposition
- Upon close reading, the way it's currently written, we respectfully say, time.
- Upon close reading, the way it's currently written, we respectfully submit this testimony in opposition
- Our asset management plan is one of our primary guiding documents, and this plan is approved by the Board
- In terms of access, we've been working very closely with all seven national forests.
Summary:
The Conservation Committee approved the February 5 and February 17 minutes, then heard House Bill 678, which would allow wolf trappers to use remote cameras on traps and rely on a video-based check in place of the current 72-hour in-person trap-check requirement when the camera is functioning. The sponsor and supporters, including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Idaho Farm Bureau, said the bill would make trapping more humane and efficient and help with wolf management. The Idaho Conservation League opposed the bill, warning it could leave incidentally captured protected wildlife in traps longer than current law allows and could create enforcement problems. The committee voted to send HB 678 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
The committee then received the annual update from the Idaho Department of Lands. Director Dustin Miller reported on endowment land management, timber harvest and revenue, fire suppression, recruitment challenges in the fire program, and the department’s shared stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority work with federal partners. Members asked about firefighter pay, mineral permitting, federal timber capacity, road access, and whether the GNA program can sustain staffing through program income; the director said the program is self-sustaining and aimed to expand federal-land restoration and timber output.
Next, the committee considered Parks and Recreation pending rules for Docket 26-1-20-2501. Director Susan Buxton explained proposed fee increases for park entry, annual passes, commercial entry, group camps, boating access, and moorage, but asked the committee to reject the proposed changes to Section 075 and Section 250, with the basic campsite fee section to be revisited next year. The committee approved the docket with those exceptions. Buxton then gave the department’s annual update, highlighting ARPA-funded park improvements, new campsites and docks, trail and recreation partnerships, staffing and retention issues, and major projects at parks including Farragut, Ponderosa, Priest Lake, Eagle Island, and others. The meeting ended after a question about the Eagle Island zip line, which Buxton said would have to be removed because the concessionaire could not maintain it safely.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So when you do, make sure that those microphones are pulled pretty close to your mouth, not just because
- How do you see this relationship between the legislature, right, as the primary asset manager and are
- I think it's like close to 1,400, and like 146 different...
- At well over 1,000, I think it's close to 1,400, and like 146 different fee categories.
- And then you can only run a deficit for so long before you have to close.
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard several Senate bills and a joint memorial, with the chair moving items around to accommodate prime sponsors and public testimony. SB 5838 would add two tribal representatives to the Board of Natural Resources, one from each side of the Cascades, and broaden the nomination pool to include tribes with treaty-ceded lands in Washington. The sponsor and tribal and agency witnesses said the bill would add tribal knowledge and stewardship expertise without changing government-to-government consultation. County and industry witnesses raised concerns about fiduciary duties to trust beneficiaries, the lack of stakeholder consultation, and the effect of expanding the board from one to two tribal seats. Public testimony was mixed, and the committee recorded strong support and opposition on the bill.
SB 5816 would add juice grapes to the state Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act, allowing juice grape producers to use the same marketing and negotiation framework already available to pears, sweet corn, and potatoes. The sponsor said the bill would help juice grape growers facing unfair pricing pressure from processors. The committee took limited public testimony and recorded support and opposition before closing the hearing. SJM 8015 urged Congress to ensure federal wildfire response entities remain capable of protecting communities, infrastructure, watersheds, and firefighter health and safety during federal consolidation of wildfire programs. Testimony from environmental groups, forest industry, and union representatives broadly supported the memorial and emphasized rising wildfire risk, smoke impacts, and the need for strong interagency response capacity.
The committee also heard HB 2737, which would cap certain shellfish regulatory fees, exempt the shellfish program from full fee recovery, and apply the caps retroactively. The sponsor and shellfish growers said the Department of Health’s fee increases would be unsustainable for small family farms and processors, while DOH explained it was following a full cost-recovery model unless the Legislature provides general fund support. Witnesses described large projected fee increases and potential business closures, and DOH said it had reopened rulemaking to consider smaller operators. Because the bill was heard after cutoff, the chair noted it could not advance, but the committee still took testimony and discussed possible amendments and follow-up information before adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Insurance Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Plan oversight, and implemented reforms that other states and even other countries are now watching closely
- Plan oversight, and implemented reforms that other states and even other countries are now watching closely
- We closed loopholes. We closed loopholes that allowed rate hikes without coverage.
- So let me close with this.
- So let me close with this.
Summary:
The Assembly Insurance Committee held an oversight hearing on the Department of Insurance’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS), with Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara providing a detailed update on implementation after the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Lara said the strategy has helped stabilize the market, speed claims payments, and keep insurers in California, citing $22.4 billion paid to wildfire survivors, 94% of 4,121 claims paid fully or partially, $210 million returned through department investigations, and a 27% reduction in claim closure time. He said major insurers, including Mercury, CSAA, USAA companies, Pacific Specialty, and California Casualty, have filed under SIS, with several more filings pending, and that approvals have generally been completed within 100 days of public notice. He also discussed modernization of rate review, a new data reconciliation tool, a planned regulation to require rate reviews within 60 days plus a possible 30-day extension, and ongoing work on Fair Plan oversight, wildfire risk modeling, and mitigation standards such as Zone Zero.
Committee members focused on wildfire survivor non-renewals, Fair Plan growth, claim handling timelines, and whether new legislative proposals could help or hinder market stability. Lara said visible consumer relief should begin in 12 to 24 months, with broader market stabilization expected over three to five years, and emphasized that mitigation, faster rate review, and insurer participation are key to reducing reliance on the Fair Plan. He also highlighted his 22-bill package, including SB 876 on disaster claims handling, AB 1795 on smoke damage standards, AB 1680 on Fair Plan accountability, and reforms to the intervener process. Members raised concerns about balancing consumer protections with insurer participation, and Lara said the Legislature should weigh those tradeoffs through the committee process.
Public commenters were divided but generally acknowledged the importance of the issue. Consumer and survivor advocates argued that insurers still delay or underpay claims and that more protections are needed, while industry representatives praised the department’s work and urged caution so the new system is not undermined. Several speakers stressed the need for mitigation, Zone Zero rules, and adequate rates, while others warned that wildfire and liability insurance problems are affecting foster care providers, commercial coverage, and utility wildfire costs. The hearing concluded with the committee adjourned after public comment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine United States Special Operations Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed hearing in SVC-217. Apr 8th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- You will serve as the Chief Legal Officer of the Department of Defense and as the primary legal advisor
- Additionally, I have served a civilian tour in Afghanistan as an intelligence officer, working closely
- Again, for you, the DOD stakeholders are closely coordinating with the EPA, Hawaii State agencies, and
- And the closing of Red Hill is not over in that there are remediation.
- My primary concern... and would be for our deterrence, that we're deterring our enemies.
Committees:
Senate Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee , Senate SeaPower Subcommittee , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces , Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Keywords:
national security, nuclear energy, Department of Defense, military readiness, public commentary, nominations
Summary:
The meeting convened with a focus on the scrutiny of various nominations and their implications for national security. Mr. Brandon Williams was nominated as the Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, drawing attention to the pressing need to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal amid growing threats from other countries. This was echoed in discussions led by committee members who expressed concern over military readiness and the management of military installations, with emphasis on ensuring accountability within the Department of Defense. Public commentary was notably supportive of the nominations, although some concerns were raised regarding the administration's broader strategies.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But our growing pains are a positive sign that we are closing this gap.
- I would encourage you to look at that closely. We do things like community events.
- We also attend trade shows, which are close to the public.
- And Senator Burton, you are recognized to close on your bill. Thank you, Chair Truenow.
- Evan, having closed on our bill, call the roll on CS for SB 438. Senator Bernard. Yes.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard a presentation from Florida FFA state officers Gabby Howell and Macy Jordan, who described FFA and agricultural education as a three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development. They highlighted FFA membership growth, Florida’s more than 60,000 members, industry certifications, and state funding that allows all agriculture education students to participate at no cost. Members praised the students and the organization’s role in developing future agricultural leaders.
The committee then took up SB 438, which would regulate hemp and hemp extract products, including THC-infused beverages, by adding testing, labeling, retail location, age, and event restrictions, along with penalties and $2 million for testing equipment. Senator Burton said the bill is intended to address public safety, prevent products with illegal THC levels from reaching consumers, and respond to the governor’s prior veto concerns, especially store location and regulation. An amendment clarifying final batch testing was adopted without objection.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters, including beverage distributors, law enforcement, and some hemp beverage businesses, backed regulation and said the bill would improve safety and clarity, though some asked for changes to avoid treating specialty beverage retailers like liquor stores. Opponents and some hemp industry representatives argued the bill was too restrictive, would hurt small businesses, and could push products into the black market; they also objected to THC limits, event restrictions, and the proposed regulatory structure. After debate, the committee voted 6-0 to report CS for SB 438 favorably.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- My primary responsibility is leading the city's transportation safety efforts.
- We're also working closely with... are vital to survival so I'm I'm are vital to survival so I'm I'm
- </c><00:33:29.720><c> with</c> County, we're also working closely with our partners at St.
- They work closely with first responders, and he can answer better than I can. Thank you.
- Senator Dibble, um, our staff just told me that the primary staff responsible for that report has had
Committee:
Senate Transportation
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Our primary the state of Alabama. Our primary the state of Alabama.
- Their primary service is our counties. Their primary service is our counties.
- I have stayed in close contact with the have stayed in close contact with the have stayed in close contact
- And I close with And I close with And I close with this. Now to him who is able to do far this.
- And um looking at the or closing. And um looking at the or closing.
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> provides a forum to do closed-door provides a forum to do closed-door sessions<00:43:25.280><c>
- Closing comments, Representative Banner.
- </c> Closing comments, Representative Banner. Closing comments, Representative Banner.
- Closing member discussion. All right. Closing member discussion.
- So I think if um a primary defendant.
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee Aug 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- as appropriations consultant we've expanded her portfolio to cover housing, and I've worked very closely
- SB 526, Perez, primary care clinics affiliate licenses, due pass.
- pass as amended to clarify the bill's application to expanded or modified facilities, strike the primary
Summary:
The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its August 13, 2026 suspense-file hearing on Senate bills, with the chair opening by thanking staff and recognizing consultant Jennifer Swenson’s retirement after 30 years in the Legislature. The committee explained that it was weighing the fiscal impact of 293 bills and that some would move forward while others would be held because of cost, duplication, or competing budget priorities.
The committee then took up the suspense file in alphabetical order and acted on a large number of measures, sending many to the Assembly floor as due pass or due pass with amendments. Examples included bills on battery recycling, wildfire resilience loans, mobile home park disaster assistance, price gouging, veterans’ property tax exemptions, housing and insurance issues, energy and utility regulation, election procedures, criminal justice, health care, education, housing, environmental protection, and artificial intelligence. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, delay implementation, add reporting requirements, clarify definitions, or reduce costs; others were held in committee.
Among the notable actions, several bills were advanced on roll calls while others were held, including measures related to water quality, utility rate information, juvenile detention, CARE Court, and various housing and energy proposals. The committee also moved a number of sunset and technical cleanup bills, and several members requested to be added as principal or joint authors on amended measures.
At the end of the hearing, the chair noted that the committee had moved a large number of bills to the Assembly floor, usually with amended language, and that the amended versions would be posted online. The hearing then adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- following the changes to SNAP that were enacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and one of the primary
- And one of the primary concerns we've had in relation to those changes has been the fiscal cost to the
- Senator Van Orden, do you want to close? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, committee.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 19, 2026 minutes and then took up House Bill 863, which dealt with a roughly $22 million reduction tied to a program serving people with disabilities. Supporters said the bill would add transparency and oversight and help remove bad actors, while opponents warned the cut was too large and too abrupt and could destabilize services and harm good providers and clients. The committee voted 6-3 to send HB 863 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard House Bill 730, a SNAP program integrity bill sponsored by Senator Van Orden. The bill would require more frequent eligibility checks, including quarterly reviews, cross-checks with death, incarceration, labor, tax, lottery, residency, and citizenship data, and lower the asset threshold for certain categorical eligibility. Supporters argued the bill would protect taxpayers, reduce fraud and improper payments, and help Idaho avoid future federal penalties under the One Big Beautiful Bill framework; they also said the state’s current low error rate could be preserved or improved. Opponents, including the Idaho Food Bank and the Hunger Coalition, said the bill would add bureaucracy, create barriers for eligible households, and could raise error rates and state costs, while the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy warned of significant potential penalties if error rates rise.
After testimony and debate, members split over the bill’s new fiscal note and the added administrative burden, but supporters said the measures were needed as federal costs shift to the state. The committee voted 7-2 to send HB 730 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and then adjourned because they were late for the floor session.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 25 February, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Close. All right. Let's have a show of hands.
- >> Close.<00:34:40.079><c> All</c><00:34:40.159><c> right.
- Let's have a show of >> Close. All right.
- So I think when you look at this, the primary changes are that it's the not less than five years added
- </c> uh Representative Remac was a primary uh Representative Remac was a primary sponsor<00:40:18.720
Committee:
Joint Judiciary, Division B
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- ADOT says that there's close to 300,000 registered motorcycles in Arizona.
- John, we'd like to close that. I just want to clarify, it wasn't the point.
- Increasing access to preventative care and primary health care is the right choice to make us and our
- I don't want to get too close to that wall. I was just talking about the hand.
- I don't want to get too close to that wall. I say turn off the lights again, my mistake.
Bills:
HB4138 , HB4139 , HB4140 , HB4141 , HB4142 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB4145 , HB4146 , HB4147 , HB4148 , HB4149 , HB4150 , HB4151 , HB4152 , HB4153 , SB1831 , SB1832 , SB1833 , SB1834 , SB1835 , SB1836 , SB1837 , SB1838 , SB1839 , SB1840 , SB1841 , SB1842 , SB1843 , SB1844 , SB1845 , SB1846
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
Keywords:
appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:43 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Collateaude, are you recognized to close? We've closed.
- Senator Collada, you're recognized to close on the bill as amended. We've closed.
- President Gates, you're recognized to close. Wave closed, sir.
- Okay, seeing none, Senator Grau, you are recognized to close? Waive close.
- Senator Yarborough, you're recognized to close. Wave closed, sir.
Bills:
S0212 , S0218 , S0442 , S0460 , S0532 , S0554 , S0644 , S0686 , S0692 , S1054 , S1106 , S1128 , S1134 , S1138 , S1338 , S1434 , S1506 , S1620 , S1748
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims
Summary:
The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups.
Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition.
The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.