Transcript Highlights:

• SO 23,854. ]>> Chair Persons-Mulicka: THANK YOU AND I APOLOGIZE PANEL IF I >> Chair Persons-Mulicka:
• >> Speaker: I BELIEVE SO. >> Chair Persons-Mulicka: AS OF NOW MISS GROBEL YOU SAID YOU ARE ABLE TO RESOLVE
• >> Chair Persons-Mulicka: MR.
• >> Chair Persons-Mulicka: MISS ROLE, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Speaker: YES, THERE ARE SOME CASES WHERE
• THAT'S KIND OF OUR AVERAGE. >> Chair Persons-Mulicka: MISS GRUEL, YOUR RECOGNIZED. >> Speaker: THANK

Transcript Highlights:

• Up until this time, when there was a missing person, there was an alert for children, the Amber Alert
• Up until this time, when there was a missing person, there was an alert for children, the Amber Alert
• So we're going to miss you.
• So we're going to miss you.
• So I will miss you. I will miss you. I hope you’ll keep in touch.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including guests from the press, Florida State women’s soccer, and former Senator Janet Cruz. Members also announced there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions and proceeding quickly to third reading and final passage. Among the measures approved were bills modernizing trust settlement and trustee discharge procedures; revising military affairs laws, including leave protections, retirement eligibility, and assistance programs; creating uniform cash-rounding rules as Florida prepares for the end of the penny; refining podiatric medicine rules on cellular/tissue-based products and informed consent; expanding veterans’ court access statewide; clarifying RV park special assessments; establishing concurrent state-federal jurisdiction for juveniles on military installations; reauthorizing alcoholic beverage loss deductions; and revising bail bond and pretrial release laws, including training, electronic notices, forfeiture timing, and related procedures. Members also passed bills on eyewear insurance licensing, expanding the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund into health science education, streamlining recovery residence regulation, enhancing felony battery penalties, and updating child welfare rules to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success program permanent, and create a best-practices program. Several bills drew brief supportive remarks, especially those affecting veterans, the National Guard, foster youth, and military families. One bail bond bill prompted questions about charitable bail bonds, with the sponsor stating the current statute would remain unchanged. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously; the bail bond measure passed 36-1, while the others noted here passed with no or minimal opposition. The Senate also adopted an amendment to the military affairs bill and a delete-all amendment to the military-installation jurisdiction bill before final passage. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman on her farewell. Members from both parties offered extended remarks praising her leadership, preparation, collegiality, advocacy on issues such as voting rights, women’s rights, Israel, anti-Semitism, breast cancer, school safety, and family law, and her effectiveness in committee and on the floor. Berman delivered an extended farewell speech reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her family, her district, and her legislative priorities, and the Senate ordered her remarks spread upon the journal before recessing and later returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what's missing in our schools. That's what's missing in our homes.
• You might be missing a point, but I ain't missing the point. missing a point, but I ain't missing the
• LSA missed some numbers in the code. LSA missed some numbers in the code, but that was it. Okay.
• Speaker, I pointed you out, Miss Hall. I told you what it was. Come on, Miss Hall.
• Miss Hall, come on down, Miss Hall. Huh? Yes.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Miss Glumac.
• Senator Matthews, that's for Miss Mackey, I believe so. Miss Mackey, thank you.
• <00:43:22.520> Mackey<00:43:23.000> Miss chair um well I think Miss Mackey Miss chair
• Miss Severson, do you want to just read the oral amendment? Miss Severson, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Miss Severson, do you want to just read the oral amendment? Right, Miss Severson, thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate Committee heard Senate File 486, as amended by the A2 delete-everything amendment, which would create a supplemental, year-round energy assistance program administered by the Department of Commerce alongside LIHEAP. Senator Dibble said the bill is intended to help low-income households pay utility bills throughout the year, including summer months, by providing crisis grants, ongoing monthly assistance, emergency heating system repair or replacement help, outreach funding, and reporting requirements. The committee adopted the A2 amendment before hearing testimony on the bill as amended. Supportive testimony came from Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board, Jenny Glumac of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Mackey of Minnesota Valley Action Council, Ron Elwood of Legal Aid, Jamie Fitz of CenterPoint Energy, George Shardlow of the Energy CENTS Coalition, and Kent Sulum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association. Witnesses said energy burdens are especially high in rural Minnesota, utility arrears and shutoffs have increased, and most shutoffs occur in summer when LIHEAP is unavailable. They argued that year-round assistance would help vulnerable households, reduce shutoffs, improve health and housing stability, and create administrative efficiencies by using existing LIHEAP infrastructure. Several witnesses cited data on the need for assistance, including high energy burdens in rural areas, more than 91,000 Minnesota households disconnected for non-payment in 2024, and the large share of LIHEAP recipients who are seniors, people with disabilities, children, or veterans. Amanda Mackey described a client story illustrating how energy assistance can stabilize a household and lead to broader benefits. Senator Mathews offered comments supporting help for households in need but said the bill is a stopgap and tied the need for expanded assistance to prior legislative actions that increased energy costs. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the transcript provided, and members indicated they would return to questions after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Up until this time, when there was a missing person, there was an alert for children, the Amber Alert
• So we're going to miss you.
• So we're going to miss you.
• You'll be missed, my friend. The collegiality and the leadership, you'll be missed, my friend.
• So I will miss you. I will miss you. I hope you’ll keep in touch.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no weekend conference. The chamber then took up a long special-order calendar of bills, generally moving each measure through third reading and final passage, often by substituting House companion bills. Early measures included trust law modernization (SB 786/HB 895), military affairs changes and Guard retirement corrections (SB 474), rounding rules for cash transactions as pennies phase out (SB 1074), podiatric medicine regulation and informed-consent requirements (SB 1092), veterans court expansion (SB 50/HB 199), RV park special assessment clarification (SB 118), concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile offenses on military installations (SB 502/HB 351), alcoholic beverage loss deductions (SB 678/HB 1137), and bail bond/pretrial release revisions (SB 600). Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously; SB 600 passed 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and an amendment aligning with the House version and prosecutors’ concerns. The Senate also considered bills on portable electronics and eyewear insurance (SB 772), the linking industry to nursing education fund and health science workforce programs (SB 1246), recovery residences and behavioral health licensing (SB 1030, with a technical amendment on background checks and probationary licenses), felony battery enhancements for repeat offenders and offenses against law enforcement (SB 436), and child welfare changes including foster-home visitor screening, a permanent statewide Step Into Success program, and a best-practices repository (SB 1718). These measures were explained by sponsors as efforts to streamline regulation, improve workforce and health-care training, strengthen public safety, and reduce administrative burdens while preserving safeguards. Votes on these bills were overwhelmingly favorable, with final tallies typically 36-0 or 37-0. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell tribute to Senator Lori Berman. Members from both parties praised her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, and family law. Berman delivered a lengthy farewell reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her caucus leadership, and the importance of dignity, respect, and public service. The Senate adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and then recessed before returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alcos, Miss Amato, Miss Belatti, Mr. Chun, Miss Cochran, here, Mr. Ein, here, Mr. Garcia, Mr.
• Ilagan, Miss Iwamoto, >> Miss Iwamoto, Miss Kahaloa, Miss Kapela, Miss Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Mr.
• Kila, Miss Kitagawa, Mr. Kong, Mr. Kusch, here. Miss Lica here. >> Miss La Chica here. Mr.
• Miss Lowen, Miss Martin, Mr. Matayoshi, here, Miss Matsumoto, Mr. Miyake, here, Miss Morikawa, Mr.
• Iligan, hi. >> Miss Iwamoto, no. >> Miss Kahaloa, hi. >> Miss Capella, hi. >> Miss Kohapuoy, hi. >> Mr

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• So missing middle is a political term, right?
• For me, the issue is deeply personal.
• We have Joe Connolly, who's in person, and Sam Naylor. E.
• I want to open with something a little bit more personal.
• I'm a young person, but I mostly represent old people.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing opened a hybrid hearing focused on housing production bills, with Chairs Julian Cyr and Rich Haggerty emphasizing Massachusetts’ housing shortage and the need to produce more than 200,000 units over the next decade. The committee then heard testimony on a wide range of proposals, including social housing, starter homes and the “missing middle,” accessory dwelling units (ADUs), single-stair residential buildings, permanent affordability homeownership, and housing for people with disabilities. Several witnesses framed the bills as tools to expand supply, lower costs, and address racial and generational wealth gaps. Representative Connolly testified for H. 1478 on the Massachusetts Social Housing Program, describing publicly owned, mixed-income housing financed through a revolving loan fund. Senator Feeney testified for S. 989 on missing middle starter homes, arguing for zoning changes, incentives, and affordability tools to support smaller starter homes and duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Multiple witnesses, including housing advocates, real estate representatives, and local officials, supported the ADU trust fund bill and the single-stair study bill, saying they would reduce barriers, support homeowners, and enable more family-sized and infill housing. Some witnesses opposed bills they said would weaken ADU reforms or add new restrictions, while others urged broader deregulation to speed production. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1576/S. 1010, the Homes for Lasting Affordability bill, which would create a permanent affordability homeownership program for low- and moderate-income buyers and support small developments with long-term affordability restrictions. Testimony from community land trust leaders, legislators, and housing advocates emphasized that permanent affordability can preserve public investment, stabilize neighborhoods, and help families build wealth over generations. Senator Miranda and Representative Worrell tied the bill to closing the racial wealth gap and expanding access to homeownership for Black and Latino residents. The committee also heard testimony on S. 971, which would reform the Housing Development and Incentive Program to require more affordability in Gateway City projects. The committee additionally heard from Senator Kennedy and disability advocates on S. 1004, which would strengthen the Alternative Housing Voucher Program for people with disabilities by codifying project-based vouchers and aligning the program more closely with other voucher systems. Witnesses described long waitlists and the lack of accessible, affordable units as major barriers that can lead to homelessness or unnecessary institutionalization. No votes were taken during the hearing; the session was devoted to testimony and questions from committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:46.959> Freeman for the for the author or Miss Freeman for the for the author or Miss
• Is that what I'm hearing, Miss Freeman?
• Does that correct, Miss Freeman?
• Does it, Miss Freeman? Miss Freeman: Thank you, Mr. Chair and Representative Acomb.
• Miss Freeman can answer the question. Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the person whom it's addressed...
• Alright, Miss Ogden, if you'll call the roll.
• Alright, all those who have signed up, Miss... ...all those who have signed up, Miss... um, Miss McKee
• Thank you, Miss McKee. I just want to... days. Thank you, Miss McKee.
• Thank you, Miss McKee.

Bills: SB76, SB35, SB116, SB119, SB118, SB129, SB32, SB31, SB115, SB75, HB27, HB40

Keywords: jury duty, nursing mothers, exemption, legal rights, parental responsibilities, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, SB116, machine gun conversion devices, switches, pistol conversion device, auto sear, firearm accessories, machine gun, automatic weapon, semiautomatic pistol, gun control

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to let Miss Bailey and Miss Graun take us through the bill.
• of service to the person. of service to the person.
• To<01:09:48.839> Miss<01:09:49.359> Johnson, To Miss Johnson, To Miss Johnson, just<01:
• Thank you, Miss Wolford. Thank you, Miss Wolford.
• I was a hopeless person. I was a hopeless person.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1570, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a statewide project for missing persons with
• This bill restores a program previously held in statute to help locate missing persons with special needs
• House Bill 1405, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a statewide project for missing persons with
• House Bill 1405, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a statewide project for missing persons with
• House Bill 1405, a bill to be entitled an act relating to a statewide project for missing persons with

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a state champion Crossroads Academy girls basketball team and a Florida State University student intern. The chamber then turned to executive appointment confirmations reported by the Committee on Ethics and Elections and other reference committees under Rule 12.7, with Chair Don Gates explaining that the committee had reviewed the qualifications and suitability of the nominees and held public hearings where required. Members debated several confirmations at length. The report containing 186 appointments was adopted 31-0 after Senator Polsky explained her no votes on three nominees, citing concerns about past comments and ideological views. The Senate then confirmed Jeffrey Aaron to the Public Employee Relations Commission by a 26-10 vote after sharp debate over his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations tied to the diversion of Medicaid settlement funds; supporters argued he was a competent lawyer and no formal action had been taken against him. Chavon Harris was confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration by a 32-5 vote, with supporters praising her work on Medicaid funding and opponents criticizing her prior leadership at DCF and the Hope Florida-related issues. Taylor Hatch was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families by a 33-4 vote, despite concerns raised about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and DCF’s handling of Hope Florida; supporters emphasized her commitment to reform and the difficulty of the agency’s mission. After a brief recess, the Senate held a lengthy recognition of outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered personal tributes focused on her leadership, toughness, humor, mentorship, and support for colleagues, especially women in the chamber. Several speakers also referenced her handling of difficult bills, her post-presidency service as Rules Chair, and her resilience after personal loss. No further legislative action was taken during the recognition segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that person was prosecuted. That person went to trial and that person was sent to prison.
• <00:33:01.600> that<00:33:01.840> person that person was prosecuted. that person that
• > sent went to trial and that person was sent went to trial and that person was sent to<00:33:
• So Miss are similarly confused.
• Correct, >> Miss<01:15:39.199> Golden. >> Miss Golden. >> Miss Golden.

Bills: HF362, HF2590, HF2760, HF3444

Keywords: massage therapy, Asian bodywork therapy, massage therapist, Asian bodywork therapist, licensure, professional licensing, health occupations, Department of Health, commissioner of health, advisory council, protected title, unlicensed practice, scope of practice, consumer protection, background check, professional liability insurance, continuing education, credentialing examination, state preemption, municipal regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks, >> Miss<00:24:29.200> Chrome. >> Miss Chrome. >> Miss Chrome.
• >> Miss<00:25:40.400> Gro, >> Miss Gro, >> Miss Gro, >> Madam<00:25:41.279
• >> Miss Gro. >> Miss Gro.
• ; Miss >> Miss Chair<00:37:58.640> Hoffman.
• If<01:30:16.239> not,<01:30:16.719> Miss If not, Miss If not, Miss um<01:30:19.199>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committees resumed discussion of amendments to a bill dealing with licensing moratoria, change-of-ownership rules, and related provider oversight issues. Amendment A8 would prevent a licensing moratorium for certain intermediate care service settings from blocking a new license when the change is due to a change of ownership, including temporary licenses and transitional licenses. Department of Human Services staff said they were still reviewing the language but explained the department’s concern was maintaining program integrity and ensuring owners go through full change-of-ownership review so the agency can see who owns a provider and check compliance history. Senators supporting the amendment argued it would keep legitimate businesses from being harmed by a moratorium and could help preserve providers when ownership changes or family members take over after a death. A8 was adopted on a roll call, with both committees voting in support. Amendment A9, also on the moratorium topic, would exempt a change of ownership from the moratorium so long as it does not increase license capacity or service scope. The department said it needed more analysis to avoid unintended consequences, but the amendment was added to the working bill. Amendment A10 proposed a more detailed, data-driven framework for the moratorium and included a provision about refunds after implementation; department staff said the language would add cost and would require technical assistance, while senators emphasized the need to address licensure backlogs and avoid making provider delays worse. A10 was approved by the committees, though not unanimously. Amendment A11 would have set standards for how the commissioner designates provider types or program areas as moderate or high risk, with added transparency criteria. The department said the commissioner already has that authority and raised concerns about federal requirements and the state’s corrective action plan, and Senator Hoffman withdrew the amendment. Amendment A12, offered by Senator Fateh, would preserve remote supports by removing bill language that repealed the service and would add safeguards for remote overnight supervision, including staffing ratios to ensure emergency response times can be met. Several senators supported keeping remote services as an important, cost-effective option amid workforce shortages, while the department said it had program integrity concerns and supported the governor’s proposal to remove the service. The committee nevertheless advanced A12, with members noting the need to balance safety and integrity with access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Primo: Mr.
• >> Miss<00:09:07.760> Primo, >> Miss Primo, >> Miss Primo, >> Mr.<00:09
• >> Miss<00:50:05.839> Grown. >> Miss Grown. >> Miss Grown.
• >> Miss Gro. >> Miss Gro.
• Miss Primo. locations on this bill. Miss Primo.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It ought to read that the person or their design.
• Miss Agn, if you'll call the role on that amendment.
• Um, Miss Agn, if you'll call the long roll for us.
• Um, Miss Zen, if you'll call the role.
• Miss Agnan, if you'll call the long roll for me.

Bills: HB202, HB42, HB146, HB492, HB285, HB7, HB454, HB42, HB7

Keywords: law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, HB285

Transcript Highlights:

• I miss those days, and I miss my friend.
• I miss those days, and I miss my friend.
• Um, I'm going to<02:10:39.360> miss<02:10:39.520> you. to miss you. to miss you.
• And I'll miss I'll miss Faith Winter. And I'll miss I'll miss Faith Winter.
• I person person person >> Senator<04:21:24.720> Patterson.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, approval of the February 12, 2026 journal, and reports that several bills were correctly printed or engrossed. Committee reports then moved Senate Bills 7 and 31 from Health and Human Services, Senate Bills 53 and 54 from Local Government and Housing, and Senate Bill 43 from State, Veterans, and Military Affairs to the Committee of the Whole, with some measures recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also announced substitute prime sponsors for Senate Bills 260008 and 2631 following Senator Michaelson Jenet’s resignation. The Senate then recessed to hold a memorial for former Senator Faith Winter and later voted to proceed out of order for memorials. Senate Joint Memorial 001, honoring Winter, was read at length and adopted. The memorial described her work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, rural health care, and bipartisan legislation, and it was ordered sent to her family members. The Senate also suspended Rule 31A by a two-thirds vote so current and former House members could address the chamber from the well. Several members and family representatives offered remarks remembering Winter as a mentor, organizer, and coalition-builder. Speakers highlighted her advocacy for paid family leave, transportation funding, cleaner air, women’s leadership, and workplace accountability, as well as her personal warmth and support for colleagues and family. No additional legislative votes or bill actions were taken beyond the memorial adoption and procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, >> Miss<00:30:20.080> Heiser. >> Miss Heiser. >> Miss Heiser.
• Miss<01:10:29.840> Abd<01:10:30.159> Holden. Miss Abd Holden. Miss Abd Holden.
• Miss<01:13:10.960> Woodward. Miss Woodward. Miss Woodward.
• And Miss Sansburg, I don't think there's a person on this work group that doesn't want to address the
• Miss Abd Holden. Um, Madam either. Miss Abd Holden.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Iligon, Miss Iwamoto, Miss Kahaloa, Miss Capella, Miss Kokapu-Leloy, Mr. Kila, Miss Kagawa, Mr.
• Kusch, Miss Laik, Miss Lamosao, Mr. Lee, Miss Loen, Mr. Martin, Miss Maosi, Mr. Matsumuro, Mr.
• Woodson, Kong Mr Kong Mr Kush<00:22:10.279> miss Kush miss Kush miss laik<00:22:12.320> miss
• Clerk: Alos, Miss Amato, Miss Bot, hi Amato, Miss Bot, hi, Mr. Chun, Miss Chun, Miss Cochran, Mr.
• Iligan, Miss Iwamoto, Miss Kahaloa, Miss Capella, Miss Kohokapu-Lee Loy, Mr. Kila, Miss Kagawa, Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, please help me welcome my new niece, Miss Floor Leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• She has been and continues to be deeply missed.
• You all have helped me to grow and be a better person.
• You are sorely missed, but I am so proud of you and the work you are doing.
• Next, Miss Isabella Fernandez is here with Representative Cantrell.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Chesteen, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr. Givhan, Mr.
• Wagner, Miss<00:15:43.040> Weaver, Miss Weaver, Miss Weaver, Mr.<00:15:45.040> Williams,
• Miss Coleman. Miss Coleman-Madison. Mr. Elliott. No. Miss Figures. I. Mr. Givhan. Mr. Gudger. Mr.
• Chestine, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman Madison, Mr. Elliot. No, Miss Figures, Mr. Gavan, Mr.
• Chestine, Miss<01:10:30.960> Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss<01:10:33.679> Coleman

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 34 senators present. The chamber then received a House message referring House Bill 1 on primary elections to the Committee on County and Municipal Government, and moved to Senate Bill 1, also dealing with primary elections and tied to ongoing court action over Alabama’s legislative maps. Senator Elliott explained SB 1 as a prospective measure meant to set up a special election if federal courts lift injunctions on the state Senate districts, while opponents argued the bill was being rushed and could disrupt voters, candidates, absentee voters, and election administration. Much of the debate focused on whether the bill would effectively change election rules too close to an election and whether it conflicted with a 2022 statewide amendment requiring election-related changes to take effect at least six months before a general election. Supporters said the bill simply preserves the legislature’s enacted maps and responds to recent court rulings, while opponents said it could disenfranchise voters, especially military, elderly, absentee, rural, and Black voters, and that the underlying litigation and federal Voting Rights Act issues remained unresolved. Several members also referenced a Brennan Center report and broader concerns about racial turnout gaps and minority representation in Alabama. Senator Coleman offered an amendment to give the state discretion rather than mandate a special election, arguing it would better align with the current court order; the Senate rejected it on a roll call vote, 8 yeas to 25 nays. Senator Vivian Figures then offered a notice-focused amendment requiring adequate public notice before any election changes, arguing that voters need time to learn new dates, polling places, deadlines, and ballot information; that amendment also failed on a roll call vote, with the clerk announcing it did not pass. The transcript ends with further discussion beginning after the failed amendment votes.