Video & Transcript Research : 'majority voting'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hall voting aye. Mr. McQueenie voting aye. Mr. Wilson voting aye. Have all members voted.
- Have all members voted? Have all members voted? voted.
- Brigley I'm voting aye Harris voting aye all members voted have all members voted have all members voted
- Garcia-Hernandez voting aye, have all members voted, have all members voted. voted.
- Oliverson vote. voting aye. Lulani voting aye. If all members voted.
Bills:
HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684, HJR99, HB1399, HJR5, HB1330, HB2110, HJR2, HJR6, HB1587, HB14, HJR31, HB43, HB18, HB 106, HB36, HB26, HB149, HB 121, HB206, HB136, HB3114, HB2733, HB1732, HB3700, HB467, HB 1130, HB1846, HB1442, HB 1147, HB2176, HB2701, HB805, HB2890, HB 1154, HB1644, HB2118, HB1718, HB2488, HB2596, HB1971, HB2468, HB484, HB2578, HB3204, HB 1041, HB307, HB685, HB1710, HB538, HB2525, HB3125, HB2027, HB2894, HB3077, HB3684
Keywords:
nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, December 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- actual vote.
- I will have<03:15:49.279>
one <03:15:49.600>vote. have one vote. have one vote. - So today, I'm encouraging people to vote. Vote, vote, vote, participate.
- And if you don't vote the way I vote, just understand this: I'm not expecting everybody to vote with
- Vote<03:32:38.080>
here Vote here Vote here and<03:32:41.520>be <03:32:41.760>alert
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transportation and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- It amends a section in Chapter 3 of the code, clarifies that foreign drivers are not eligible to vote
- Toyota is a major presence in West Virginia.
- Ireland will be a major presence in West Virginia here soon.
- All those in favor, vote aye. Those opposed, no. Ayes have it. I declare the motion adopted.
- All those in favor will vote aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- It has provided all the major public institutions. I have them listed in the second bullet there.
- the plan to remain pretty sensitive to market conditions over the next five to seven years as the majority
- With your vote, the motion is adopted. Thank you. With your vote, the motion is adopted.
- So, with your vote, our pension contribution rates for the upcoming biennium are adopted.
- So with your vote, our pension contribution rates for the upcoming by ANM are adopted.
Summary:
The Pension Funding Council met on June 23, 2026, for a work session that began with an overview of the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) and a 2025 accounting valuation of that plan. Staff explained that the SRP is a closed defined benefit supplement for higher education employees hired before the 2011 closure, with employer contributions currently pre-funding benefits in institution-specific trusts while institutions still pay benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. The State Actuary’s office reported that the plan’s accounting position has improved, with combined market assets of about $245 million against $377 million in accrued liability, and that strong market performance since 2022 has increased the asset-to-liability ratio. The office emphasized that this was an educational accounting valuation, not a funding valuation for rate-setting.
The council then received the 2025 actuarial valuation report for the state retirement systems. Actuaries reviewed the recent demographic experience study, noting updated assumptions for mortality, retirement, termination, and salary growth, and said the net impact on most plans was small. They reported that most plans’ funded ratios improved, with all plans at least 94% funded and several at or above 100%, and that contribution rates for the 2027–2029 biennium are generally lower than current rates. They also noted that future rates could be affected by market volatility as deferred gains are recognized over the next few years. During public comment, a representative of the Association of Washington Cities urged the council to consider rate reductions to help local governments facing budget pressures.
In executive session, the council first approved a motion directing the Office of the State Actuary to perform an actuarial evaluation and analysis of each institution’s Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan, including institution-specific contribution rates, asset sufficiency, and funding policy options, due by July 1, 2028. The council then adopted the 2027–2029 pension contribution rates based on the 2025 actuarial valuation report. Both motions passed 5-0, with one member excused. The meeting concluded with no further business.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jan 19th, 2026 at 10:05 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And it seems, well, first this will be a major topic in the next interim session as we go through.
- separate things: the budget problem now and whether there's any language around that, but then the major
- That's another major policy thing we'll need to deal with on the interim.
- I mean, was that voted on... By finance committee members? You know, who came up with that?
- things like that—with staff making recommendations rather than just handing it to us and saying, 'Vote
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the members who maybe weren't here in December, the LFC recommendation is the budget that you all voted
- And it seems, well, first this will be a major topic in the next interim session as we go through.
- That's another major policy thing we'll need to deal with on the interim.
- I mean, was that voted on by Finance? Committee members, you know, who came up with that?
- seems like regularly I see where it seems like staff are making policy decisions without an actual vote
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 10, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- You now have BlackRock, Fidelity, major financial institutions investing in this currency.
- So I ask you to have the faith today, the faith to vote up on this very important bill, HB 487.
- By your vote, the bill was reported favorably. Thank you, Representative.
- I will be voting up on your bill. Representative, you are now recognized to close on the bill.
- Insurance is a major problem.
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote.
The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C County & Regional Government Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Under statute, the top four vote-getters would have served two-year terms and the remaining... would
- However, two of the seven received the same number of votes, tying for the fourth highest number of votes
- What the statute says is that when you have seven directors at large, the top four vote-getters would
- quite different. ...different than a major city police department.
- This is something that our other fellow major counties are similarly situated with.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And yet our voices, municipal and county have no vote in the governance of the port.
- I rode one to the poll when I voted the first time I was elected.
- Uh, please vote yes on, uh, CSHB 4089.
- Can we vote it out now? Are there any questions?
- It's So we have 3 quotes that we need to vote today. Normal or you can I should show up.
Bills:
HB 535, HB 2120, HB 2822, HB 3243, HB 3457, HB 3544, HB 4089, HB 4192, HB 4669, HB 4868, HB 4955, HB 5253, HB 5669, SB 1371, SB 1919, SB 2001
Keywords:
motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair for the vote please. Voting at HCR Chair for the vote please.
- Any members voting Voting on HCR 171.
- Voting on HCR 185. Any members voting? Voting on HCR 185. Any members voting?
- Voting on HCR 173 Chair for the vote.
- No votes for Representative No vote.
Summary:
The committee heard several health-related resolutions and received testimony on each. HCR 28/HR 27 would ask the Department of Health to reconvene a working group on water and air contamination and remediation tied to the Pu‘uloa Range training facility; supporters said nearby residents and the broader public may be exposed to lead and heavy metals, and that further testing and eventual relocation of the range are needed. HCR 35 would request an auditor’s report on the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, and HCR 36 would request a similar report on colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Department of Health and cancer advocates supported both, saying biomarker testing helps match patients to the right treatment and that earlier colorectal screening improves outcomes; DOH also cited screening data showing lower screening rates among uninsured people. HCR 134, on limiting cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, drew support from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and others, who said out-of-pocket costs can delay diagnosis and treatment. HCR 171, on mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, also drew support from health and disability advocates. HCR 185, on coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practitioners through federally qualified health centers, received support from Papa Ola Lōkahi and a community testifier who described the value of traditional healing and access gaps. HCR 173, urging DOH outreach and vaccination drives at schools with low vaccination rates, drew support from DOH, DOE, and public health and disability advocates, but also strong opposition from several testifiers who argued the measure was government overreach and raised concerns about vaccine safety and parental choice.
Testimony on HCR 173 was the most divided, with supporters emphasizing the need to raise immunization rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable children, while opponents argued schools should not host vaccine drives and that parents should make vaccination decisions without government involvement. The Department of Health said it is already working with schools and community partners to expand school-based immunization efforts and would prioritize schools with rates under 30%. The State Health Planning and Development Agency also supported the measure, saying rates below 50% are a serious public health concern. No votes or final committee actions were announced in the portion of the meeting provided.
IN
Transcript Highlights:
- I voted with the majority thereof on February 26, 2026, and this is the same or succeeding meeting day
- All those favor, signify by vote. When machines are open, vote. Those opposed, vote no.
- The chair is open vote. Aye. Those opposed, vote now.
- All those in favor, vote aye; those opposed, vote no. All the members voted.
- All those in favor, vote aye; those opposed, vote no. All the members voted.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 25th, 2025
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 19 (2-3-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Roll call is open for your vote. >> Have all members voted?
- members voting I, no members voting n. members voting I, no members voting n.
- Ninety-five members voting aye, no members voting no.
- /c><00:15:34.800>
nay <00:15:35.120>house voting I no members voting nay house voting I - Sixty-nine members voting aye, 24 members voting nay.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:18
Report of Committees 05:09
Orders of the Day 06:40
HB 169 06:50
HB 393 13:08
HB 194 15:43
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 24:38
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 35:23
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 38:09
ConC/Rules Report 40:57
Floor Amendments 42:04
Adjournment 42:20, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded 95 members present, approved the prior journal, and received notice from the Senate that Senate Bills 1 and 3 had passed and were sent over for concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on housing, local purchasing, health care credentials, postsecondary education, school bus safety, special license plates, milk transportation, veteran PTSD treatment, and the Kentucky Fire Commission, with several reported with committee substitutes.
The chamber then considered House Bill 169 on coverage for feeding or eating disorders. The sponsor explained that the bill addresses insurance coverage decisions tied to body mass index by requiring BMI to be considered alongside another factor, such as depression, anxiety, or family circumstances, and said the committee substitute clarified that one factor alone could not control the decision. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 95-0. House Bill 393, which updates the Alzheimer’s and related dementias council, adds a caregiver seat, and requires an annual action project including an early detection toolkit, also passed unanimously, 95-0.
House Bill 194, relating to cigar bars, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said the bill does not repeal existing smoke-free ordinances, but creates a narrow exemption for tightly defined cigar bars, with a 25% gross revenue threshold from cigar-related sales, age restrictions, local permitting options, smoke containment requirements, and signage. Members asked about local authority, other tobacco products, and whether the bill could affect smoking bans; supporters emphasized the narrow scope and personal choice, while opponents said their districts’ smoking bans and constituent concerns led them to vote no. The bill passed 69-24. The House then applied the clincher and moved to announcements, including committee schedule notices, a Small Business Day event, receptions, and citations recognizing National School Counseling Week, the KBLC Black History Celebration, and memorializing Brandy Engles.
AZ
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 14, 2025 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- cooling-off period between the time the conference report is published and when the legislature can vote
- hosting chamber this year, it's Senate Bill 2500 that will be amended with the conference report and voted
- I'll briefly go through the major differences between the House and the Senate.
- Members, that concludes the major budget differences.
- The only major difference in higher education proviso is related to the EASE grant, which you will recall
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum present for what was described as its final committee meeting of the session. Chair Busatta opened the meeting by outlining the upcoming budget conference process, explaining that the House and Senate had both passed their budget bills and that conference negotiations would begin soon, with the Senate serving as the hosting chamber this year. She reviewed how the conference process works, including side-by-side budget documents, chamber offers, subcommittee negotiations, escalation to the chairs and then to the Speaker and President, and the required 72-hour cooling-off period before final budget passage.
The main discussion focused on the differences between the House and Senate higher education budgets for fiscal year 2025-2026. The chair noted a total $62.5 million difference, with the Senate budget higher overall. Key differences included House reductions for vacant FTE positions, differing approaches to recurring versus nonrecurring funding in financial aid and workforce programs, the Senate’s larger funding level for workforce development capitalization incentive grants, and differing allocations for colleges and universities. In the university budget, the Senate centralized nurse education funding at the University of South Florida’s Center for Nursing and funded several specific initiatives, while the House proposed additional funding for performance-based metrics, faculty recruitment and retention, and tuition waivers. The chair also highlighted a major proviso difference involving the EASE grant, where the House proposed minimum benchmark metrics for institutional eligibility.
No testimony was taken and no votes were held on the budget differences. After the overview and brief explanation of the budget and proviso side-by-side documents, the committee concluded its agenda and adjourned on a motion by Representative Blanco, without objection.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll have to do a vote to vote it out of their water.
- The way the law reads now, you are not allowed to vote it out. You can vote it in.
- I think one thing, it seems like, We'll have to do a vote to vote it out of their water.
- The way the law reads now, you are not allowed to vote it out. You can vote it in.
- So, I vote yes.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 145, which would require adult residential care providers, especially assisted living centers, to have generators or other backup power arrangements and to submit preparedness plans to LDH. After technical amendments and testimony from the sponsor, LDH, and the assisted living industry clarifying the bill’s scope and cost concerns, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. It then took up SB 433, which would require Medicaid coverage of medically necessary FDA-approved weight loss drugs, including GLP-1 medications, subject to appropriations and fiscally sustainable coverage criteria; the bill was reported favorably after discussion of current Medicaid coverage and costs.
The committee also approved SB 52, which requires better coordination between DCFS and LDH so SNAP and Medicaid benefits can follow children more quickly when they are removed from or returned to a home. Technical amendments changed reporting deadlines and required written notice, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 4 on public water fluoridation was amended to allow local governments or voters to opt out through a petition and election process, with support from the Louisiana Dental Association and others after compromise language was adopted; it was reported favorably with amendments. SB 152, which would prohibit the sale of cultured or lab-grown food products for human consumption, was also reported favorably with amendments after brief testimony in support and opposition.
The committee next approved SCR 37, which asks the Surgeon General to review Louisiana’s informed consent laws and report back on any gaps, after discussion that the existing medical disclosure panel had not met since 2018. It then considered SB 194, a public assistance bill aligning Louisiana Medicaid and SNAP rules with recent federal changes on non-citizen eligibility and tightening Medicaid’s reasonable opportunity period for citizenship verification. After extensive debate over immigration, emergency care, and whether the bill could harm eligible applicants or rural hospitals, the committee adopted an amendment allowing LDH discretion for emergency health care services and reported the bill favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, HCR 113 created a task force to study gestational carrier agreements and assisted reproductive regulation; after debate over surrogacy, ethics, and referral to Civil Law, the committee rejected the referral motion and then reported the resolution favorably, and the meeting moved on to SB 333 on child-in-need-of-care proceedings and legal representation funding.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We request your no vote. Okay. All right. Thank you, sir. We request your no vote. Okay. All right.
- I ask for an I vote. With the corrections for bad policy that they deserve, I ask for an aye vote.
- I ask for an aye vote. All right.
- Haney, not voting. Lackey, aye. When, not voting. And that measure fails.
- Any other votes that she hasn't recorded a vote on will be recorded as not voting on that matter.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 82, which would expand privacy and safety protections for patients and providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care. The author and supporters said the bill is needed because of rising harassment, doxing, and threats, and because sensitive health data could be used by hostile actors; opponents argued it would create constitutional problems, enable abuse of safe-at-home protections, and improperly shield providers and records from scrutiny. Public testimony was heavily divided, with many advocates in support and many privacy, civil liberties, and anti-trafficking or sex-based policy groups in opposition. The bill was moved on a due pass recommendation and remained on call.
The committee then heard AB 331, which would clarify that county election certification is a ministerial duty, prohibit misleading ballot return envelopes, and require voter information guides to be delivered to jails in an acceptable format. The Department of Justice and several good-government groups supported the measure, the Secretary of State had no position after amendments, and a committee member noted ongoing concerns but supported it after the changes. The bill passed on a do pass recommendation to Appropriations and was placed on call.
AB 1178 followed, proposing to protect undercover peace officers’ names, images, and likenesses in public records while preserving disclosure of sustained misconduct records. Law enforcement and public safety groups supported the bill as a needed safety measure, while journalists, transparency advocates, and civil liberties groups opposed it, saying existing law already protects officers and the new language could lead to overbroad withholding. After discussion about the scope of undercover status and the need for judicial discretion, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar.
Later, AB 981 was heard, creating a five-county pilot program requiring intelligent speed assistance devices for certain reckless driving convictions. Supporters, including traffic safety advocates and crash victims, said the bill could reduce repeat speeding and save lives; opponents raised concerns about cost, installer oversight, liability for automakers, and the breadth of the pilot. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 22, which would repeal Proposition 57 and restrict release of sexually violent predators and certain sex offenders, drew strong opposition from youth justice, public defender, and civil liberties groups who said it would be unconstitutional and harmful; the chair recommended no, no motion was made, and the bill was held. Finally, AB 897, a squatter-removal bill, was presented with the author arguing it would protect property owners through a faster due-process process; the transcript cuts off during early support testimony and does not show a final action on that measure.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on the Census Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Senate Committee on the Census
Transcript Highlights:
- , we move over to the voter address list, ...with the assumption that if a person is registered to vote
- They may not be accessible to everybody, or even a majority of the clerks or other officials.
- It's not just going to be a big thing for voting.
- We can see that there's a major work going on from the inspectional services database.
- And highway and the town clerk's office for all the voting databases, et cetera.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on the Census held a hearing on September 22, 2025 focused on preparations for the 2030 census, with an emphasis on Massachusetts’ role in building a complete address list and improving local participation in census-related address review programs. Chair Brownsberger and witnesses from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, the UMass Donahue Institute, Watertown, and MassGIS described the importance of accurate address data for congressional apportionment, federal funding, and state and local planning. They also discussed the first major upcoming step, the Block Boundary Suggestion Project, and the later Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) process, both of which rely on municipalities reviewing and correcting census geography and address files.
John Rosenberry of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office said outreach to cities and towns is beginning now, with a likely December start for the block boundary process based on the 2020 cycle. He stressed that local officials, clerks, building inspectors, housing authorities, and GIS staff should be engaged early, especially to capture new development and conversions created under the state’s housing policies. Susan Strait of UMass Donahue explained that LUCA allows local governments to compare their address lists with the Census Bureau’s master address file, and that Massachusetts had very high participation in 2020; she cited examples where local review added hidden or newly built housing units and noted that Boston later corrected a group-quarters undercount of about 6,000 students through a post-census review program. In response to questions, she clarified that those corrections affected annual estimates and funding formulas, but not the 2020 apportionment count.
Watertown City Manager George Proakis described how local address review is complicated by accessory dwelling units, single-family to two-family conversions, and large multifamily projects, and urged continued state support for local governments doing this work. Dan Marrier of MassGIS then outlined the Massachusetts Master Address Database, explaining that it combines multiple sources, including E911, assessor, voter, and municipal data, to create a standardized residential address repository used for census preparation and other state functions. He said the database has helped improve census accuracy, including by updating more than one million Census Bureau address-point locations before 2020, and noted that local municipalities remain the final authority on addresses even as MassGIS standardizes and reconciles variants across the Commonwealth.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm requesting a no vote on House File 2793.
- I urge your no vote on House File 2793 and stand ready for questions. Thank you. All right.
- Please vote against this bill. Thank you for your time. Thank you, Mr. Jensen.
- For this reason, we urge you to vote no on House File 2793. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Zahn.
- business, major investment, and major deployment of assets within the state.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 11th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- The governance structure includes three major components.
- We have one vote out of 40, and that's the difference.
- We have one vote out of 40, and that's the difference.
- We have one vote out of 40, and that's the difference.
- We urge this committee to vote down this unnecessary bill.
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and took up two bills and one presentation. Senate Bill 108, on administrative procedures, was presented by Senator Burgess on behalf of Senator Grall. The bill would require agencies to systematically review rules over five years old, submit annual regulatory plans and reports, and take action on reviewed rules; it also would speed publication of proposed rules after new rulemaking authority and expand transparency for incorporated materials and rule histories. Americans for Prosperity appeared in support, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a roll call vote.
The committee then heard a presentation from State Board of Administration Executive Director Chris Spencer on implementation of statutory investment restrictions affecting state funds. He reviewed the SBA’s structure and fiduciary duties, said the agency must maximize financial return using only pecuniary factors, and described the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions involving Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He noted recent changes, including expanded Iran restrictions after the October 7 attacks, the addition of China-related divestment requirements, and the SBA’s move to eliminate China and Hong Kong from its global equity benchmarks; he said the agency is ahead of schedule on required divestment and in compliance with the law.
Senate Bill 100, on display of flags by governmental entities, was then presented by Chair Fine. The bill would prohibit political flags on government buildings and allow active-duty service members and veterans to use reasonable force to stop flag desecration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing government buildings should not display political messages and opponents raising First Amendment, vagueness, and enforcement concerns, especially regarding LGBTQ-related flags and school settings. Senators also questioned the bill’s definitions and the reasonable-force provision. After debate, the committee voted to report SB 100 favorably, with Senators Arrington and Polsky voting no and Senators Brodeur, McClain, Rodriguez, Fine, and Chair DeSiglie voting yes. At the end of the meeting, Senator Rodriguez was recorded as voting yes on SB 108, and the committee adjourned.