Transcript Highlights:

• Make them feel welcome. Make them feel welcome. Welcome to the House.
• make it clear on both sides.
• And she said, you know, people need to—they can make their decisions what they want to buy.
• That makes it different.
• Because I believe that the people of Missouri, when properly educated, make good, intelligent decisions

Summary: The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call vote (117-5), and a long series of guest introductions, including school groups, YouthBuild students, sorority members, interns, and former legislators. The chamber then moved to third reading business and took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306. The sponsor explained the bill needed to be sent back for legislative review because of possible conflict with current case law involving arbitration and municipal authority. The House agreed to reconsider and then committed the substitute to the Committee on Legislative Review by recorded votes of 99-43 and 98-43, respectively. The House next considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, which revises Missouri’s sex offender registry system. The sponsor said the bill responds to concerns raised after the 2018 registry overhaul and litigation, and would move Missouri from a hybrid system to a clearer tier-based structure, standardize registration requirements, address out-of-state offenders, and include related provisions on civil commitment housing, name changes, and carnival employees. Members asked whether the bill would allow offenders to petition off the registry; the sponsor said it would streamline removal for those who meet tier requirements and align the state system more closely with federal SORNA standards. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 141-4. The chamber then debated House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would send to voters a constitutional change aimed at eliminating the state income tax over time and shifting Missouri toward a broader consumption-tax model. Supporters argued the proposal would improve economic competitiveness, attract businesses and residents, give taxpayers more control, and reduce reliance on income taxes that they described as burdensome to working families. Opponents argued it would shift costs onto lower- and middle-income Missourians, seniors, and people on fixed incomes, and warned it could raise sales taxes and reduce funding for schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on the resolution was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh, I mean there really isn't much of a decision-making process that an applicant undergoes.
• >> Uh, I mean there really isn't much of a decision-making process that an applicant undergoes.
• about who gets this decision-making about who gets this money. money. money.
• And we make this—we have the ability to make decisions as to which nonprofits... at least in Lebanon
• this we have the ability to and we make this we have the ability to make<00:57:07.120> decisions<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began with brief remarks recognizing Representative Almquist’s service and noting that he would not seek reelection, along with comments about other members’ departures and replacements. The chair then opened a series of interim study work sessions, explaining that some bills would be handled now and school-funding-related bills later in the year. Members also discussed how interim study reports work, including that they are recommendations for future legislation and do not prevent anyone from filing similar bills again. On HB 224, dealing with rebates to taxpayers from the renewable energy fund, members noted that the bill was essentially the same as a prior House bill that passed the House but stalled in conference with the Senate. The committee discussed whether the measure would change current law; members were told it would not, and that the report would simply recommend future legislation. The chair indicated the committee would likely recommend the bill for future legislation, with no minority report, and that any roll call vote would be reflected in the final report. On HB 417, repealing the communication services tax, members raised concerns about revenue loss, possible 911-related issues, and conflicts over municipal taxation of telephone poles and related property. The Lottery Director and others explained that repeal could create legal uncertainty for municipalities and that the bill could reduce state revenue by millions of dollars. The committee concluded the bill should not be recommended for future legislation unless it were substantially revised to address revenue and municipal-taxation complications. On HB 635, concerning taxing nonprofit entities that settle illegal immigrants, members agreed it was primarily a federal issue and outside the state’s authority, so it was not recommended for future legislation. On HB 660, requiring historic horse racing facilities to compensate host communities, members said the concept of mitigating local impacts was reasonable but the bill was too broad in its current form. Testimony from the Lottery Director and others focused on how host communities and charities currently receive days and revenue, how operators are using shared days, and how the market may already be adjusting. Members also discussed whether neighboring communities, including out-of-state towns, should be considered and whether the state’s share of gaming revenue could be redirected. The discussion ended with interest in a narrower rewrite and possible future legislation, but no final vote was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we come into this special session, we put our trust in you to make the difficult decisions facing
• We ask for your guidance and counsel and wisdom as we deliberate and make very important decisions.
• Compromise based on principle makes us stronger.
• That decision will be made by Senator Hooper, the chair of the committee.
• So whatever his decision is, I'll stand by.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened in special session with an opening prayer and pledge, then the Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the session. The proclamation stated the session was called to address immigration-related legislation, including measures to coordinate with federal immigration enforcement, create a state immigration board, restrict benefits for undocumented immigrants, create offenses related to non-citizen voting, strengthen detention and bail rules, require identification in state interactions, and provide funding and penalties related to enforcement and officials. The Senate read the filed bills first time: SB 2C and SB 4C, both relating to immigration, and SM 6C, a memorial urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. The President and several senators discussed the immigration package, emphasizing support for President Trump’s immigration agenda, funding for law enforcement, and cooperation with the governor and House. The President also condemned threats and violent rhetoric directed at Commissioner Simpson and his family, and Senator Pizzo echoed concerns about threats and urged senators to discourage inflammatory social media behavior. The Rules Chair announced the Appropriations Committee would meet the next day, and the Senate adopted motions waiving rules to place SB 2C, SB 4C, and SM 6C on the special order calendar for Thursday, with an amendment deadline tied to the Appropriations Committee meeting. Another motion sent bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee for review. Senator Burgess recognized USF Health medical and resident students in the gallery. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 13, or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• important process that provides both tribes and public water agencies with the opportunity to engage in decision-making
• language be clarified, and we want to ensure that there's an opportunity for transparent and inclusive decision-making
• Make no mistake, we care deeply. Defining ultra-processed foods. Make no mistake.
• Chair, may I make a comment? Make it very fast. I'm unaware of any product, 7-OH...
• Make it very fast. Okay.

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, we must make better choices.
• We can't undo the past, but we can make a better future.
• making policies.
• It is not an easy decision to make, but I feel very confident that the next five years. will allow the
• Make sure that you keep that balance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:29.840> But uh we'll make amendment to that. But uh we'll make amendment to that.
• This that makes this bill even 1065.
• Um, without that, we would have to interpret law and make that decision.
• that decision.
• use development and planning decisions. use development and planning decisions. um<02:20:15.920>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States like Massachusetts can certainly make their own decisions, but once these drivers pass the border
• States like Massachusetts can certainly make their own decisions, but once these drivers pass the border
• to make a decision to inquire further to make a decision to inquire further about<00:19:21.600> somebody
• give you the information you need to make a good decision and to take your question.
• just that's the decision the state makes just that's the decision the state makes just like<01:00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bless these men and women with your wisdom as they make decisions for the betterment of our state and
• Am I making sense?
• to make this decision for of that child, to make this decision for that<01:54:38.080> child.
• Now we are leaving this up to the parents to make these decisions, and we are also lowering the threshold
• by which they are making these decisions, which are clinical judgments that we are now putting in the

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation, and welcomed guests including the doctor of the day, a Johns Hopkins student, and visiting scouts. The chamber then moved through first-reading introductions of several House bills, including measures on bullying and harassment reporting, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, Baltimore County nuisance actions, parole hearing commission procedures, a blockchain technology task force, and a task force on deed fraud, all of which were referred to standing committees. The main floor action centered on layover bills. Senate Bill 932, concerning social media platforms displaying a user’s usual location, was amended to broaden the protected location reference and to protect participants in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program; after discussion about whether minors and child-abuse victims were covered, the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, drew multiple county-specific amendments. Howard County and Baltimore County amendments sought to give priority to existing local tobacco businesses for the new licenses. Supporters said the changes would protect established local shops from out-of-state entities, while opponents argued the bill should remain statewide and not be amended county by county. A motion to special order the bill failed, and the amendments were adopted before the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 84, on collective bargaining for graduate assistants, also advanced after a committee amendment was adopted. A District 2 amendment was offered to clarify that graduate assistants are employed as teaching, administrative, or research assistants, but the floor leader opposed it, saying the bill’s definition was already clear and the change would create confusion. The minority leader questioned the definition and the relationship between graduate assistants and employees, prompting discussion of collective bargaining as bargaining by employees through representatives. The transcript cuts off before final disposition of that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our committee has done the hard work to make the changes, make the surgical adjustments, and make the
• And that type of sharp debate is actually something that makes everything better in our decisions, you
• And that type of sharp debate is actually something that makes everything better in our decisions, you
• We're making sure that we are holding the line on homelessness programs, including our seniors, making
• And, in fact, we are being targeted and attacked for the policy decision that we're making to try and

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met to consider the final three-party agreement for the 2026-27 state budget and 19 implementing bills, including two budget bill juniors and 17 trailer bills. Committee leadership and administration officials described the budget as a balanced plan that reduces out-year structural deficits, maintains large reserves, and makes major investments in health care, education, housing, child care, public safety, and other core services while also responding to expected federal cuts and fiscal uncertainty. The Department of Finance outlined the package’s major components, including Medi-Cal adjustments, education funding increases, higher education changes, child care and human services updates, housing and homelessness funding, energy and transportation provisions, and tax and general government changes. Members asked questions about several provisions, including CSU enrollment targets and turnaround plans, the Prop. 98 settle-up mechanism, the plastics market development payment program, housing accountability measures, NextGen 9-1-1 implementation, and veteran services. Staff and administration witnesses explained that the higher education language is intended to improve campus-by-campus reporting and oversight, that Prop. 98 settle-up would be finalized later through the statutory certification process, and that NextGen 9-1-1 now includes one-time funding, quarterly reporting, an independent technical review, and a state audit. Members also discussed the HAP homelessness funding increase to $900 million and the balance between accountability and timely distribution of funds. The most extended exchange centered on comparisons between funding for veterans and Medi-Cal/immigrant health coverage. Republican members argued the budget spends far more on undocumented immigrant services than on veterans, while Democratic members and Finance staff responded that the comparison was misleading because many veterans’ services are federally funded and the state budget also includes dedicated veteran support. The chair and other members emphasized that the budget reflects difficult tradeoffs and that the package protects vulnerable populations, preserves health care access, and advances affordability. No final vote was described in the excerpt, but members indicated support for the overall package and said they would support it on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Making these decisions is part of learning to be a journalist.
• We are going to decision making on HCR 75 / HR 67 together.
• We are going to um uh decision<01:07:36.880> making<01:07:37.359> on decision making on
• We are going to decision making for HCR 46 / HR 39.
• We are going to decision making agenda.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Education and Higher Education first heard HCR 75 and HR 67, which ask the Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi to assess criteria for building an educational pipeline and curriculum for advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. The Department of Education said it would stand on its written testimony, and UH supported the measure, noting existing community college and four-year programs related to the topic. Members asked how DOE promotes cybersecurity opportunities and whether it provides funding; DOE said schools usually connect with partners and its office works with them, but it does not have separate funding for such efforts. UH also explained that some advanced manufacturing concepts may overlap with 3D printing, material sciences, and entrepreneurship, and described P20 as a forum for aligning K-12 and higher education pathways. The committees then recessed the joint hearing and moved to the Education Committee agenda. The committee next heard HCR 46 and HR 39, which would make DOE recreational facilities available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. DOE said it already uses facilities agreements with insurance, liability waivers, indemnification, and certificates of insurance to protect schools. The Attorney General opposed the resolutions, warning that unrestricted public use without safeguards could create substantial liability and cost risks for the state. The measure’s introducer said the goal was to help underserved communities that lack access to public recreation spaces, and DOE said it would be open to joint-use arrangements with larger organizations but remained concerned about vandalism and liability. The committee also heard HCR 86 and HR 80 on creating an Aloha Civics working group, with DOE offering comments and Common Cause Hawaiʻi strongly supporting the idea. DOE described a civic learning and engagement task force that met with stakeholders, including UH and the PACE Commission, and produced recommendations such as building partnership inventories, integrating civic learning across grade levels, and aligning the work with DOE’s HA framework and learner outcomes. Common Cause said civic education can be implemented effectively and affordably, citing existing school projects such as ranked-choice voting and classroom constitutions. Later, the committee took up HCR 87 and HR 81, urging an annual Climate Week in public schools. DOE again stood on written comments, while the Climate Change and Health Working Group, Climate Future Forum, a student from Kaimuki High School, and other supporters argued that a dedicated week would ensure consistent climate education, build resilience, and connect climate issues to health, food security, and disaster preparedness. Supporters said existing climate-related opportunities are uneven across schools and that a formal Climate Week would create a more equitable approach. The committee then heard HCR 95 and HR 91 on informing students about changes to gun safety and storage laws; DOE asked for clarification on the measure’s intended outcome, and one individual testified in support. Finally, the committee heard HCR 104 and HR 100 on strengthening farm-to-school initiatives. DOE said it is already working to improve menus, emphasize local products, and meet with distributors to increase local procurement, while the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience offered food science, nutrition, and extension support. Climate Future Forum, the Hawaii Youth Food Council, and other supporters said farm-to-school efforts are important for student health, local farmers, and food sovereignty, noting that local food procurement in schools remains far below the state’s 30% by 2030 goal. DOE explained it is trying to provide distributors and farmers with more predictable demand and is meeting with distributors to set up next year’s supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• You make a happier patient. You make a patient that can come to work and be productive.
• We don't have visibility into that decision-making process short of an audit, and that is easier said
• We're not making any money on this.
• I'm not making this up. We are not making any money. So, somebody's making money.
• I want to make sure what we do doesn't exacerbate that problem, if that makes sense. Yeah, agreed.

Bills: HB712, HB722, HB946, HB1687, HB1809, HB1899, HB2528, HB2583, HB2741, HB2750, HB3021, HB3150, HB3265, HB3658, HB3812, HB3960, HB4392, HB4432

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, we can have some influence on their decision-making, which is a considerable improvement
• the make policy decisions in the make policy decisions in the legislature. legislature. legislature
• How did you make these decisions? And is it working?'
• How did you make these decisions? it? How did you make these decisions?
• <00:41:17.640> a<00:41:17.680> decision, traffic come in and make a decision, traffic

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force was called to order with a quorum present, and Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation gave the first presentation. He outlined the state’s airport system, noting 58 public-use airports, the department’s small staff, and its funding structure through a jet fuel tax that generates about $23 million annually, leaving roughly $15 million for airport investment after required deductions. Carter highlighted recent projects at airports including Bardstown, Madisonville, Central Kentucky Regional, Paducah, Sparta, Danville, and Henderson, and said the department has also expanded data collection on airport activity, hangars, schools, and training programs. He emphasized that the department recently completed the first statewide economic impact study of general aviation airports and is developing a five-year airport needs plan. Carter said several things are working well, including stronger communication with airports, the public, the legislature, and especially the FAA’s Memphis district office, which now involves the state more in project selection. He said the department is reasonably staffed overall, but identified workforce development and advanced air mobility as major gaps. In response to questions from Senator Nunn and Representative York, he said he did not have specific workforce shortage numbers on hand, but cited Boeing reports showing large national and global shortages of pilots and mechanics, and explained that instructor shortages and low wages limit training capacity. He also said air traffic control is an FAA function, though EKU has shown interest in developing a training program. Carter identified several needs for improvement: more workforce investment, more aviation education in high schools, more scholarships for pilot and mechanic training, more attention to advanced air mobility, and more frequent, institutionalized data collection. He also pointed to major pending capital needs at airports such as Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Harlan, Leitchfield-Grayson County, and Whitesburg-Letcher County, all of which would require FAA and state support. He urged airports to do a better job marketing their economic value and said the state should continue updating aviation studies so lawmakers have current information for policy decisions. The task force then heard from Lexington Blue Grass Airport Director Eric Frankl, who welcomed the new CVG director and thanked the legislature for creating the task force and supporting aviation infrastructure. Frankl said Blue Grass Airport has rebounded from the pandemic and now exceeds pre-pandemic passenger levels, while serving a mix of private aviation, pilot training, corporate aviation, and commercial airline activity. He described ongoing terminal-area planning, parking technology upgrades, and a major parking lot expansion expected to finish by early spring 2026, and said the airport is planning for future technologies such as vertiports and electric aerial vehicles. Frankl estimated that a broader terminal modernization program will cost roughly $500 million to $700 million over the next 5 to 10 years and said the airport needs continued state support to close funding gaps and remain competitive with other states investing in aviation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were really doing everything we can, and Lauren Gleason, the Port Director, to encourage ZIM to make
• the decision to start to invest in a future here in Boston.
• We were doing everything we can, and Lauren Gleason, the Port Director, to encourage them to make the
• decision to start to invest in a future here in Boston.
• Today we are highly concerned with the new tariff made by the decision of the Trump administration, as

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then received a filed report from the County Sheriff’s Office on its first quarter 2025 criminal justice reform report, which was ordered printed in the journal and placed on file. The chamber also received a message from the Governor recommending legislation to validate the special election held in the town of Hodgwick on January 18, 2025; the Senate concurred in referring that matter to the Committee on Election Laws. The Senate then recognized and welcomed ZIM CEO Eli Glickman and Massport officials, including CEO Rich Davey, for a citation honoring ZIM’s innovative shipping and data-driven partnership with the Massachusetts Port Authority. Senators praised ZIM’s investment in Boston and its support for Massachusetts exporters. In remarks, Glickman thanked the Senate and said ZIM had expanded service to Boston, while also expressing concern about new tariffs and their broader economic effects. After the citation presentation, the Senate took up a routine order to adjourn and adopted it without objection. The chamber then adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:49:51.279> It's<02:49:51.520> not We make this critical decision.
• And others on the committee said they want the information necessary to make solid decisions.
• The next few years will be decisive, and decisions that we make or fail to make will shape whether the
• The next few years will be decisive, and decisions that we make or fail to make will shape whether the
• be decisive, and decisions that<08:12:40.080> we<08:12:40.320> make<08:12:40.638> or

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is your methodology to make sure?
• You have purview of the environmental perspective, making a decision that has second and third order
• That on, rather than you making an environmental decision without any input.
• The agency was leaving the decision to fund the program as a policy decision by the legislature.
• But please, when you are making these decisions, especially when it comes to the concrete batch plants

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is the kind of decision that the Joint Historic Committee now does make in terms of uh how can
• So, you're not making motions right? So, you're not making motions there. there. there.
• I will just make a quick comment. Um the I will just make a quick comment.
• And it's nothing that they have a say in, and yet we would be making them fall in line with your decision
• And it's nothing that they have a say in, and yet we would be making them fall in line with your decision

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in work session to consider amendments to House Bill 1332, which concerns Gold Star-related flag displays. Members discussed two proposed amendments: one would allow the governor to choose to honor Gold Star families by ordering display of the Gold Star flag at the State House and at the State Veterans Cemetery, and another would define the flags covered by the bill as those officially recognized by the federal government. Members debated whether the language should be mandatory or permissive, whether the State House display would trigger broader flag-flying requirements, and whether the veterans cemetery language was necessary. Testimony noted that the Gold Star flag is federally recognized, while the Honor and Remember flag has not been officially recognized by Congress. The committee also took up House Bill 1097, dealing with historic road signs and the committee referral for that bill. Representative Janet Wall explained an amendment changing the bill’s referral from the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee to the Joint Historic Committee, saying the historic committee is better suited to handle issues involving historic signs and artifacts. She described the Joint Historic Committee’s broader jurisdiction after a prior statutory combination of committees, and members discussed whether that committee has authority beyond the State House complex. Supporters said the change would provide more appropriate oversight and public input on controversial historic markers; one member opposed legislative involvement in removing markers, arguing the issue should remain with existing historical and transportation entities. The amendment was discussed favorably, and members indicated they liked it. No final votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee appeared to set aside the Gold Star amendments for further consideration and moved on after discussion of the historic-signs amendment, with members noting the need to review the written amendment text before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, there are many other parents who'd like to be able to make this decision but can't afford
• > to<01:53:11.079> make this decision but can't afford to make this decision but can't
• <02:42:56.479> it decision and it we we we try to make it decision and it we we we try to
• She’s having to make tough decisions for her family about how they will afford child care for the youngest
• She’s having to make tough decisions for her family about how they will afford child care for the youngest

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective. Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator. Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be the same local decision-making that could happen around counties.
• I've heard you state that the counties will be able to make different kinds of decisions.
• What types of specific decisions can they make now with a home rule county that they couldn't make before
• It would be something that the people would make a decision.
• It would be nice if this was available to everyone to make that kind of decision.

Bills: SJR47, SB1491, SB1579, SB1806, SB1552, SB483, SB63, SB137, SB346, SB514, SB1344, SB1360, SB1380, SB1437, SB1189, SB1217, SB1221, SB1262, SB1272, SB1325, SB1339, SB201

Keywords: voter ID, elections, constitutional amendment, Oklahoma, proof of identity, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, property tax, valuation increase, taxpayer rights, homestead, protest process, foster care, adoption assistance, transitioning youth, Department of Human Services, voluntary services, county home rule charter

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply makes it more affordable.
• decisions based on evidence, make decisions based on data, make decisions based on facts.
• decisions based on evidence, make decisions based on data, I don't know. make decisions based on evidence
• , make decisions based on data, make decisions based on facts.
• And yes, we have to make a decision on, you know, and CARB obviously with the new scoping plan, you know

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as they're dispersing grants, they can make decisions that are in the best interests of the state
• So we have to make those decisions. And as it relates to in-state tuition, I am...
• We have to make those decisions.
• We have to make those decisions.
• deals and how to make those decisions.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee took up SB 2-C, a major immigration enforcement bill sponsored by Senator Gruters and co-introduced by Senator Fine. Gruters described the measure as a broad crackdown on illegal immigration that would replace a single immigration officer with a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, create a $250 million grant program for local law enforcement, fund additional Department of Agriculture interdiction staff and facilities, expand pretrial detention for certain unauthorized immigrants, increase criminal penalties, require more cooperation with ICE, and eliminate in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students. He and supporters framed the bill as a way to support law enforcement, deter illegal immigration, and align Florida with federal enforcement efforts. Committee questioning focused heavily on the bill’s education, detention, and enforcement provisions. Senators pressed Gruters and Fine on why the bill did not address employer sanctions or E-Verify, whether the tuition changes would affect students who had grown up in Florida, how sanctuary-policy enforcement would work, and whether the bill would create practical burdens for prosecutors, jails, and local officials. Gruters said he was open to working on E-Verify in regular session but not to amending this bill, and Fine argued the tuition repeal would apply to undocumented students who had qualified under existing law. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri testified in support, saying ICE bed capacity was still insufficient and that county jails needed more resources to honor detainers. Mark Schlachman of FSU Law offered historical context, noting prior state-federal cooperation efforts and warning of unintended consequences, while several public witnesses opposed the bill as unconstitutional, costly, and harmful to immigrant families and the economy. Opponents from the Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU of Florida, Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, Florida Policy Institute, AFL-CIO, and immigrant advocacy groups argued the bill would invite litigation, encourage racial profiling, harm the workforce and higher education, and punish law-abiding immigrants and their families. They emphasized that immigration is a federal matter, that K-12 education must be provided regardless of status, and that removing in-state tuition would reduce access to college and hurt Florida’s economy. Some speakers urged the committee to grandfather current students if the tuition waiver is repealed. The meeting ended with continued public testimony and no final vote reflected in the transcript provided.