Transcript Highlights:

• AND GOT MY MASTERS IN LAW FLORIDA STATE.
• NEXT WE WILL HEAR FROM DEVIN DONALDSON FROM SOUTH FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE.
• I RUN THE LARGEST LAW FIRM IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
• THIS BILL REQUIRES STATE UNIVERSITIES TO ESTABLISH AN OUT-OF-STATE MARKET FEE FOR ONLINE STUDENTS, INSURERS
• IT PROVIDES FEE WAIVERS FOR STATE BOARD MEMBERS FOR RESTRICTION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I HAVEN'T SEEN A SINGLE STUDY FROM THE UNITED STATES WITH THE PROPER PERCENTAGE THE UNITED STATES WITH
• OF FLORIDA THAN THEY WOULD IN ANOTHER STATE?
• OF FLORIDA OR OTHER STATES BRINGING FORTH THIS LEGISLATION THAN THEY WOULD IN OTHER STATES THAT DON'T
• THAT HAVE RULES LIKE THIS AND STATES THAT DON'T?
• THIRDLY I MOVE THAT CS FOR SB 7016 RELATING TO AMENDMENTS TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION BY ETHICS AND ELECTIONS

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody thinks of beaches and Mickey Mouse in the state of Florida.
• Almost half a billion dollars and local and state taxes paid.
• We charge that is critical to the state of Florida going forward.
• And I agree with the Citrus Center. >> Big component, the fabric of our state.
• Citrus growers, citrus industry and the state of Florida.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They may only state their name, affiliation, and position for the record.
• Federal law is clear here: this kind of state regulation is preempted.
• Those cross-references are to Civil Code Sections 51.7, 51.9, 52, and 52.1.
• Are we the first state to go in this direction?
• If there is no design in the code to actually make lies and hatred... ...design in the code to actually

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• operate in because the state had an existing ban on agents in their state statutes.
• operate in because the state had an existing ban on agents in their state statutes.
• They have a state mandate requiring citizens to purchase health insurance.
• In this case, the commercial line, it would be outside of the state. Thank you.
• As we know, the cost of living is increasing throughout our state.

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on health care sharing ministries and insurance agents. Senator Yarbrough presented the bill to repeal a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing consumer protections; opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could increase confusion or misuse of agents and brokers. The committee adopted a title amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate, with Senator Pizzo raising concerns about consumer reliance and lack of guaranteed coverage. The committee then approved SB 642 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, and SB 266 on public adjuster contracts. SB 266 would let vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts at any time without penalty; it drew support from consumer and industry groups, with some discussion about estimates and claim work product. The committee also passed SB 832 on residential property insurance transparency, which requires rate transparency reports and a consumer resource center at OIR, and adds a provision excluding land value from homeowners coverage calculations in most cases. Testimony on SB 832 was generally supportive of the transparency goal, though insurers said some of the required cost breakdowns may be difficult to produce as written. The committee next considered SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which would create a commercial lines clearinghouse to move eligible policyholders into the private market and reduce Citizens’ commercial exposure. Supporters said it would lower taxpayer risk and improve competition; a speaker suggested additional changes to deductibles, water-damage caps, and repair practices. The bill was reported favorably after a delete-all amendment and supportive debate from Senator Boyd. Finally, the committee passed SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which adds cybersecurity requirements for certain licensees, updates oversight of investment advisers and money service businesses, adjusts some charter and meeting rules for financial institutions and credit unions, and includes amendments clarifying repossession/deficiency claims, family office exemptions, and virtual credit union meetings. The meeting ended with all of the considered bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Florida, have a math proficiency problem in this state.
• And I know we make policy for the whole state.
• However, being realistic, and before which we stated for the record, it's not realistic.
• We have 67 districts in this state, and they're all very different.
• As we make policy for the state, many school districts are different. They're different in size.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's three courts in the trial courts: the State District Court, the Court of Appeals, and the State
• As I say, the state prosecutors represent the state, and I feel like we represent the people.
• The state averages 39.2 percent.
• We now have the ability to issue state-issued IDs, MVD state-issued IDs, in every one of our prisons,
• Sorry, this is agency code 760.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Ethics Committee is pretty much on pause until the summer because the Ethics Committee kept on delaying
• The Ethics Committee is pretty much on pause until the summer because the Ethics Committee kept on delaying
• The Ethics Committee is pretty much on pause until the summer because the Ethics Committee kept on delaying
• ethics panel that we have here at the Minnesota State Senate, right?
• > so<00:05:22.080> by Minnesota state senate right and so by Minnesota state senate right

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting centered on a motion to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell from the Minnesota Senate while her criminal case remains pending. Republican speakers argued that Mitchell’s trial delays and continued service were undermining the Senate’s integrity, distracting from legislative work, and denying her constituents full representation because she is not serving on committees or participating in caucus. They said the motion was intended to uphold accountability, justice for the alleged victim, and the institution’s standards of conduct. DFL leaders and other defenders of Mitchell argued that she has not been convicted, is entitled to due process, and remains the duly elected representative of Senate District 47. They said Senate rules, Mason’s Rules, and custom require ethics proceedings to be completed before expulsion, and that the Senate should not act on her criminal case. They also emphasized that the Senate’s priority should be passing a budget and continuing to work under the chamber’s power-sharing agreement. The expulsion effort did not succeed. After debate and a procedural vote, Senate Democrats voted to keep Mitchell in the Senate, and leaders said the matter would remain unresolved until her court and ethics proceedings move forward. Republicans indicated they may continue to raise the issue, while DFL leaders said they would focus on governing and expected the chamber to reorganize if control changes after the upcoming election.

Transcript Highlights:

• be up to the state just as our be up to the state just as our neighboring<00:14:21.320> states
• New Hampshire Admin Code 30.05 states that non-covered Medicaid services include, in quote, cosmetic
• The federal and state equal protection clause prohibits the state, or makes it unlawful for the state
• The federal and state equal protection clause prohibits the state, or makes it unlawful for the state
• state or makes it unlawful for the state state or makes it unlawful for the state to<04:48:03.000

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And our first testifier is uh State Ethics Commission, Robert Harris.
• I'm happy that the state ethics commission um supports it.
• state ethics commission, Robert Harris. state ethics commission, Robert Harris.
• I'm happy that the uh ethic the state<00:18:11.679> ethics<00:18:12.080> commission<00:
• state ethics commission um supports it. state ethics commission um supports it.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 5 and SB 1545. SB 5 drew opposition from the Department of the Attorney General, which said the bill conflicted with two sections of the state constitution. A member of the public also opposed SB 5, arguing that representatives should be elected by the people and urging the committee not to pass the measure. After discussion, the committee deferred SB 5, citing the deputy attorney general’s view that it was unconstitutional. The committee then heard SB 1545, which concerns nepotism rules and good-cause exceptions. The State Ethics Commission testified in support, saying the bill would create a clearer, more transparent central process for good-cause exceptions and noting that several exceptions had already been publicly filed. A public testifier also supported the bill but questioned why the judiciary appeared to be excluded from its coverage. After a brief recess, the committee decided to amend SB 1545 by striking the exemption for the legislature and judiciary and changing the effective date to the House defective date. The committee then voted to pass SB 1545 with amendments. The chair, vice chair, and Representatives Ichiyama and Morikawa voted aye; Representative Matsumoto was excused, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• position to compete for uh a state position to compete for uh a state benefit<00:06:35.919> or
• sure if the committee the ethics sure if the committee the ethics committee<00:11:38.000> would
• having a senator or a state having a senator or a state representative<00:30:51.039> not<
• the um the work of the ethics committee. the um the work of the ethics committee.
• but isn't that also a serious ethical but isn't that also a serious ethical concern?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2019, the state passed a landmark bill that changed the livelihoods of many tenants across the state
• We need a solution code code that's cut red of tape Stabilize cost and respect the law voter up here
• And I am someone who absolutely loves this state, supports this state, wouldn't want to live anywhere
• Across the state, it jumps to 40%.
• AB 20 removes the housing first mandate from state law and empowers local and state programs to offer

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in our state in our state you you you know<00:02:32.560> we<00:02:32.680> don't<00
• What are those states?
• of those who died in this state from chronic diseases.
• patients away in the seven or so states patients away in the seven or so states that<00:41:35.560
• Please call the roll. the state which I think is kind of the state which I think is kind of interesting

Keywords: Discussion on SB 132 - 00:06 Vote on SB 132 - 04:41 Discussion on HB 219 - 43:49 Vote on HB 219 – 49:00 Discussion on HCR 20 – 50:08 Vote on HCR 20 – 51:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, which would create conscience protections for health care professionals who object to participating in certain procedures or services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. Senator Donald Douglas and several supporters argued the bill is a recruitment and retention tool for Kentucky’s health care workforce, emphasizing provider shortages, maldistribution, and the need to protect individual conscience rights. Supporters said the bill would not apply to emergency care, would not permit denial of care based on a patient’s identity, and would mainly protect professionals from being forced to perform procedures they believe are unethical. They also cited similar laws in six other states and said the bill would have a cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Supportive testimony came from an emergency physician, a registered nurse, and others who described personal experiences or examples involving objections to abortion-related care, opioid prescribing, and pressure to participate in procedures that conflicted with conscience. They said conscience protections would help attract providers, preserve ethical integrity, and allow clinicians to make professional judgments without corporate or institutional coercion. In questioning, senators asked about practical examples, the scope of the bill, whether it would cover hypothetical cases involving patients of particular religions or identities, and which states have similar laws. The sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the bill is about procedures, not patients, and that it should not be read to allow discrimination against individuals. Opponents, including pediatricians and a registered nurse/minister, warned that the bill is overly broad and could allow refusals of care by not only physicians but also pharmacists, clerks, and ambulance drivers. They argued it could delay treatment, increase discrimination, and worsen access problems in rural areas, especially for contraception, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other services. Critics said existing professional ethics already require patient care and that the bill could undermine evidence-based medicine and worsen Kentucky’s provider shortage. The committee took testimony and questions; no final vote or disposition was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and this ethics committee in particular. and this ethics committee in particular.
• level of ethical misconduct. level of ethical misconduct.
• None of these incidents triggered ethics None of these incidents triggered ethics complaints<00:
• of the State address.
• So I just want to state that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Carrie Stillman, the executive director of the Commission on Ethics.
• This is a recommendation of the Florida Commission on Ethics this year.
• We want to make sure that there is stability within our state.
• I am here before you on behalf of the Florida Commission on Ethics.
• See how our elections are done in the state of Florida.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills, along with a block of gubernatorial confirmations. Senate Bill 572, by Senator Harrell, updated ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” would include foster parents and foster children; the Commission on Ethics supported the change as a recommendation, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414, by Senator Bracey Davis, would have allowed campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, but the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance and temporarily postponed it. The committee also heard Senate Bill 500, by Senator Avila, which would provide FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices through the election and transition period. Senators raised questions about definitions, current protections, and public disclosure of travel information; despite some opposition over taxpayer funding, the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, required candidates to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship when qualifying for office; testimony from a dual citizen criticized the bill as unnecessary and stigmatizing, while supporters framed it as transparency. The bill also passed favorably. Chair Gates then presented CS for SB 92, creating whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge, including remedies for retaliation; the Commission on Ethics supported it and it passed favorably. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments en bloc. Finally, Senate Bill 564, by Senator Yarborough, would allow registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; testimony from a supervisor of elections and advocacy groups supported the civics benefit, a senator asked about how it would interact with existing community service requirements, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Church, Prince George, and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
• the United States Air Force, where he worked with the military police.
• Here's a problem: there's no definition in the code for electioneering.
• The Senate substitute helps us clean up the language of the code.
• The Senate made technical amendments to cross-reference other sections of the code.

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um, Ethics Committee meeting. um, Ethics Committee meeting.
• Rule 6.10 of the House rules states states states that<00:01:49.520> a<00:01:49.560> complaint
• stated cost.
• They don't have a stated stated cost.
• And my work ethics stands for itself. about true ethics violations that I about true ethics violations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And is it large enough for your state budget, obviously proportional to the state budget?
• State 5 is our state-owned hospital capacity and state 8.6 outlines our partner contracted capacity.
• And I would I would assume that the state-owned hospitals the state operates those hospitals.
• in our state is really critical.
• The state auditor is, state auditor's office Auditor for Texas State Government.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States um and this is the first state States um and this is the first state that<02:16:24.000>
• <02:33:03.439> States<02:33:03.800> in our constitution of our state States in our
• <02:58:06.680> Hawaii<02:58:07.319> in States and the state of Hawaii in States and the
• This is not an alignment with Nuremberg code of ethics to protect a person's well-being with protections
• code of ethics to an alignment with nurn code of ethics to protect<02:59:37.880> a<02:59:38.080

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state cannot have it both ways.
• Western point of the state.
• So I just would like to state that.
• And the message we need to send to every community, regardless of state or zip code, is that everyone
• You know, I can't state that.

Summary: The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting met virtually for its West Texas regional hearing, established a quorum, and explained that the hearing was part of a series of statewide information-gathering sessions before any map was filed. The chair outlined the Zoom procedures, the two-minute testimony limit, and the availability of written comments through the committee’s public portal. Senators also discussed the logistics and transparency of the process, including the expectation that any proposed map or amendment would be made public once filed and that additional hearings would follow. Senator Blanco, whose district includes West Texas and the border region, said the area’s communities of interest should be kept together and warned against repeating the loss of representation that followed the last redistricting cycle. Senators Alvarado, Hinojosa, Miles, and others debated the value of virtual hearings versus in-person hearings, the number of people who had testified, and whether the committee could subpoena witnesses after the regional hearings ended. The chair said he was awaiting legal guidance and would consider a subpoena motion at a formal meeting the next day. A lengthy exchange also occurred over the tone of public testimony and the chair’s view that some comments directed at Republicans and the president had been offensive or historically inaccurate. Invited witnesses and public commenters largely opposed mid-decade redistricting and argued that any new map should reflect population growth, especially among Latino and other minority communities, and comply with the Voting Rights Act. Nina Perales of MALDEF said the hearings were not meaningful without a draft map and testified that Texas has a long history of discriminatory redistricting; senators questioned her about litigation, DOJ’s July 7 letter, and the 2021 congressional map. Tania Chavez Camacho, Luis Figueroa, and several El Paso residents emphasized that maps should preserve communities of interest, avoid cracking and packing, and be transparent and participatory. A smaller number of witnesses supported redistricting, including one El Paso resident who said the current districting leaves the area underrepresented and another who argued that some communities want to return to a map closer to the earlier District 16 configuration. Several witnesses also criticized the DOJ letter as inconsistent with the state’s position that the 2021 maps were drawn race-blind, while others said the current process was too rushed and lacked sufficient public input.