Transcript Highlights:

• Since the board has been in effect, a majority of the votes taken have actually been unanimous.
• In 2024, there were 33 votes. Of those 33, 31 votes passed and two votes failed.
• The clerk will call the name of the member voting remotely. Acom votes no.
• I'm not going to vote for that, to vote twice. Why would I do that?
• will vote no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Voted 8 to 0. You have a due pass, Senator, on to finance. Thank you. Voted 8 to 0.
• on what we're voting on is the case.
• By a vote of 7 to 2, you have a do pass recommendation of finance.
• By a vote of 9-0, the memorial has passed. Thank you very much.
• By a vote of 9-0, the memorial has passed. Thank you very much.

Bills: SB246, SB146, SB300, SB301, SB309, SM17

Keywords: massage therapy, licensure, health and safety standards, continuing education, establishment licensing, civil rights, sovereign immunity, damages, public body, lawsuit limitations, legal notice, child welfare, computing infrastructure, data management, Department of Health, appropriation, foster care, Indian children, cultural competency, training services

Transcript Highlights:

• do you want to do two very major do you want to do two very major changes,<00:25:40.040> or
• This would now require a two-thirds vote of the board to deny approval.
• The explanation continued that the current law is just a majority.
• The current law is a majority.
• So, currently it's just a majority. A So, currently it's just a majority.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And by saying on the ballot, by voting yes on this ballot question you are voting for a property tax
• > property question you are voting for a property question you are voting for a property tax<00
• and found out yes, of course if I vote and found out yes, of course if I vote yes,<00:01:57.200>
• By voting yes on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase.
• to<00:31:42.000> vote<00:31:42.200> against to vote against to vote against these<00:31

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no other discussion, we'll go ahead and take a vote. We'll take a roll call vote on this.
• The House vote was seven yeas and four nays, and the Senate vote was zero yeas and two nays.
• I see no further light, so we'll go ahead and do a roll call vote. Roll call vote. Roll call vote.
• Seeing none, we'll place the vote.
• Roll call vote. This is for the substitute motion. Roll call vote: Senator Pitcher...

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can vote on a block vote, and I would open that up for discussion now.
• Let's vote first then on the following appointees in block. We will vote in block.
• Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess. Please call the vote, Amanda. Senator Burgess.
• Would anyone like to record a vote?
• Would anyone like to record a vote?

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• , but I think it was pretty eight—I think there were like nine votes against it.
• It's the same bill that we voted on yesterday, the Senate bill.
• Folks voting against God. The clerk will close the roll. Ayes 54, noes 41.
• I move the conference report and ask my colleagues to vote yes.
• I move the conference report and ask my colleagues to vote yes.

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:41.919> for or a person that they get to vote for or a person that they get to vote
• Uh, what was the vote on that commission?
• <01:48:49.280> that level of study and after the vote that level of study and after the vote
• the vote on that commission<01:48:59.440> the<01:48:59.560> vote<01:48:59.760> of
• Terry is very good, and that commission voted 7 to 1, and it was bipartisan.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 135, introduced by Representative Michael Harrington. He said the bill would codify a portion of the New Hampshire Constitution to bar New Hampshire businesses from being required to collect sales or use taxes for other states unless Congress mandates it, arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision created an onerous compliance burden for businesses. He described the patchwork of state and local sales tax rules, thresholds, and product exemptions as extremely complex and said the bill was intended to push the issue back toward Congress and the courts. Members questioned whether the bill’s reference to a “foreign government” would apply to other U.S. states, whether the proposal would conflict with the Supremacy Clause, and whether it would create standing for businesses to challenge Wayfair. Harrington responded that “foreign government” meant any government other than New Hampshire, that he believed the state could challenge the decision in court by passing a law contrary to Wayfair, and that businesses were already being harmed by compliance costs. Some members raised concerns about whether the bill was an unfunded mandate or simply a private compliance burden, and Harrington argued that the state itself would not be collecting the taxes, but businesses would still face recordkeeping and administrative costs. Sam Garland of the Department of Justice then testified. He said the department was not taking a formal position on the bill, but offered technical comments. Garland acknowledged that Wayfair created significant compliance burdens and noted that states have become somewhat more uniform, with all states now having a $100,000 economic nexus threshold, though not all use the 200-transaction threshold and local tax variation remains substantial. He said the department’s concerns were legal, describing the issue as uncharted constitutional territory involving both vertical and horizontal federalism. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Go ahead and vote every way you have to vote.
• Are we voting on the bill?
• I would caution you not to vote. We're getting ready to call for a vote.
• We wound up rolling the vote. Let me just—oh, this is very simple. I wound up getting voted for it.
• I did wind up voting for it. I owned up to it.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• country and unfortunately we see major country and unfortunately we see major Investments<00:13:
• There are two major buckets here. One is the location of the ombudsman at DEED.
• The chair will vote no against that. Bakeberg: No.
• Mueller Mueller votes no Mueller Mueller votes no no<01:06:57.680> zelesnikar<01:06:58.680>
• And we take the final vote in the spirit of our schedule today.

Bills: HF8, HF1416

Keywords: wetlands, environmental review, permitting efficiency, Pollution Control Agency, construction permits, environmental impact statements, local government, business regulation, environmental assessments, HF1416, relocation grants, economic development, business relocation, site selection, business incentives, grant extension, appropriation extension, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, request for proposals

Transcript Highlights:

• And a tax that's already been voted on.
• Uh, kind of broken up into major goals.
• Um kind of broken up into major goals.
• I think it would be a major services.
• <02:47:17.200> capital difficult to undertake major capital difficult to undertake major capital

Transcript Highlights:

• And we take a vote. So we can put that in the report. The minutes are in the chat.
• About how we're going to make money, and then we voted, and we talked about next steps.
• There could be events in every major metropolitan area of the Cape Verdean population.
• Abel, there's a major election... ...issues. And to go back to Dr.
• Abel, there's a major election on the 17th of May here in the diaspora and in Cape Verde.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission approved the minutes from its March 11 meeting after a motion by Jeannie Costa and a second by Senator Michael Brady, with members noting a few possible corrections to attendance and wording. The meeting then focused on updates about the commission’s timeline and funding. Staff reported that an amendment to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 was filed in the Fair Share budget but was not accepted, and members discussed pursuing the extension through other budget vehicles, including the regular budget, a supplemental budget, or other legislation. Commissioners also discussed the need to fill a vacancy left by Julius Brito and to potentially extend the deadline for appointing new commissioners. A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to brainstorming the commission’s community engagement plan for the proposed Cape Verdean Culture Center. Members revisited a three-part approach involving site visits, traditional listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, while also emphasizing historical accuracy, youth engagement, visibility, and regional collaboration. Commissioners suggested using surveys, canvassing, social media, a website, and other digital tools to reach people across the diaspora, including those unable to attend in person. Several members recommended specific locations and institutions for engagement, including New Bedford, Brockton, Boston, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island, with references to museums, historical societies, clubs, and cultural organizations already doing related work. Testimony and comments also addressed funding and organizational structure for the future center. Legislators described possible funding sources such as House and Senate earmarks, a bond bill, and a nonprofit structure that could later support fundraising and operations. Members discussed examples from other cultural institutions, including the Holocaust Museum, the African American History Museum, and the Haitian Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center, as models for governance and public support. The group also raised the possibility of future collaboration with the Cape Verdean government and institutions in Cabo Verde, though one member urged waiting until after upcoming elections there before making formal contacts. No additional votes were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also advise major agencies like the MBTA and MassDOT on energy strategy and EV infrastructure.
• We've issued over $7 billion in mostly tax-exempt financing, which has led to major renewable projects
• We've issued over $7 billion in mostly tax-exempt financing, which has led to major renewable projects
• seats for Ludlow, Hadley, and Wilbraham communities represented on the board through directors who vote
• It restructures the board such that voting power and control of the corporation shifts from 22% to 30%

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of energy, utility, broadband, and municipal infrastructure bills. Representative Powell supported H 3466, which would create a task force to study public ownership of utilities and alternatives to investor-owned electric and gas systems. Representative Therber supported H 3574, which would use RGGI funds to reimburse cities and towns affected by power plant decommissioning, citing lost jobs, tax revenue, and service cuts in communities such as Somerset, Plymouth, Salem, and Everett. Several witnesses from municipal light plants and related organizations testified in support of mutual aid bills, including H 3486/S 2252 and H 3330/S 2277, saying the measures would clarify protections and liability coverage for MLP workers assisting in emergencies and non-emergency work. Jim Leiden of EMWIC opposed H 3514/S 2295, saying the proposed board and governance changes would reduce local control, add burdens, and weaken confidentiality protections. A committee member asked whether the mutual aid bills had been reviewed for municipal impacts, and the witnesses said they had done due diligence. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H 3551/S 2306, the smart meter opt-out bills. Supporters argued that smart meters emit harmful wireless radiation, that some residents have developed health problems or electromagnetic sensitivity, and that opt-outs should be available without fees or penalties; several witnesses urged notification, consent, and non-transmitting analog meter options. The committee also heard testimony from municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in support of H 3462/S 2250, which would strengthen municipal authority to enforce timely removal of double utility poles, citing safety, accessibility, and construction-delay concerns. Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber opposed H 3450, saying it would improperly shift broadband deployment costs to competitors. At the end of testimony, the chair closed the hearing by motion and vote, with members voting aye and no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you vote yes, you think we should do that.
• But I don't appreciate it being implied or the picture being painted that a no vote is us voting again
• But I don't appreciate it being implied or the picture being painted that a no vote is us voting again
• It being implied or the picture being painted that a no vote is us voting against sending these documents
• Lovely votes yes.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first took up several local bills and resolutions. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate No. 1831, providing line-of-duty death benefits for the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy of Rutland, and passed to be engrossed House bills concerning police officer age requirements in Haverhill, Newton, and Stoneham, including exemptions for named individuals and a local age-waiver measure. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and for the Italian Consulate in Boston on Italian National Day. The Senate then considered House No. 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in the Senate’s amendment and appointed conferees. On motion, the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also referred a House petition on a temporary liquor-license/public-consumption pilot to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology after suspending Joint Rule 12. A major floor debate centered on Senate No. 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide records in the clarified scope while preserving constitutional objections to broader requests; opponents argued the Senate should comply more fully and seek the court’s guidance earlier. After a roll call, the resolution was adopted 33-6. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of William F. “Bill” Howard of Beverly and adjourned until the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• members of this committee, including State Senator Jason Lewis, State Senator Pat Jalen, Assistant Majority
• The majority of job postings require English language skills, and what's more, the majority of jobs predicted
• Underemployed workers, the majority of them are workers of color and foreign-born.
• I thank you so much, and I urge you to please vote this bill favorably.
• And by voting yes, you will say to parents what was once said to me: Don't worry about it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development heard testimony on several workforce-related bills, with most of the hearing focused on ESOL and apprenticeship legislation, followed by testimony on a four-day workweek pilot and paid prenatal leave. On ESOL, witnesses including the Boston Foundation, Skillworks, MassINC, MIRA, JVS Boston, Eastern Bank, immigrant advocates, employers, and legislators supported H.2080/S.1326, arguing that Massachusetts has a large backlog of limited-English-proficiency residents waiting for classes, that ESOL is essential to economic mobility and immigrant integration, and that the state needs a coordinated, statewide strategy with more vocational and workplace-focused English instruction. Testifiers cited long waitlists, fragmented delivery across agencies, labor shortages, and examples of workplace English programs helping immigrants gain jobs, advance careers, and support businesses. Committee members asked questions about how vocational ESOL differs from standard classes, and witnesses explained that it focuses on job-specific language and workplace scenarios. The committee also heard strong support for H.2085/S.1303, which would require more use of registered apprentices on public construction projects over $1 million. Labor leaders from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and Massachusetts Building Trades, along with electricians and apprentices, said the bill would help apprentices complete training by ensuring enough job-site hours, expand access to good union careers, and strengthen the construction workforce for housing, infrastructure, and clean energy work. Several witnesses defended existing apprenticeship ratios and electrical licensing standards, warning against deregulation and emphasizing safety. Committee members asked about project thresholds and apprenticeship ratios, and witnesses said the bill’s phased apprentice-hour requirement was intended to cover most public projects under current cost conditions. The committee then heard testimony on S.1330, a four-day workweek pilot program. Senator Dillon Fernandez and Representative Shirley Arriaga described the proposal as a response to burnout, affordability pressures, and changing workplace norms, arguing that a pilot would let Massachusetts study whether shorter workweeks improve productivity, retention, and worker well-being. Witnesses said the model could help families balance caregiving and commuting while maintaining or improving output. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.1361, establishing paid prenatal leave. Parents, health advocates, March of Dimes, and others said paid leave would help pregnant workers attend critical prenatal appointments, reduce missed care, and improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Several speakers shared personal stories about high-risk pregnancies, pregnancy loss, and the financial strain of taking unpaid time off. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked a limited number of questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some college groups have scheduled important votes on resolutions that affect Jewish students on Jewish
• However, I see major flaws in the recommendation the Commission is released.
• However, I see major flaws in the recommendation the commission is released by Capewell education.
• I look forward to voting on this when it ultimately comes up before us. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• This really documentary won major awards at both Sundance and Jerusalem Film Festivals.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission held a public comment hearing as it continued work toward a November 30 statutory deadline for its final report. The co-chairs reviewed logistics for the hybrid format, two-minute testimony limit, respectful conduct, and the plan to alternate between in-person and virtual speakers. The commission approved the minutes from its previous September 8 meeting by motion and vote, with no nays. Much of the testimony focused on how the commission should define antisemitism, especially whether to adopt the IHRA definition and whether it improperly conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel or Zionism. Many speakers, including Jewish educators, rabbis, academics, students, and legislators, described personal experiences with antisemitism and urged the commission to address hate while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and the ability to criticize Israeli government policy. Several called for the commission to reject or narrow the IHRA definition and instead consider the Jerusalem Declaration or other frameworks that distinguish antisemitism from anti-Zionism. Others emphasized that antisemitism should be addressed alongside racism, Islamophobia, white nationalism, and other forms of bias, and some urged broader anti-bias training in schools. A smaller number of speakers supported stronger action against antisemitism in schools and public institutions, including concerns about antisemitic materials in education and about organizations or events they viewed as promoting hate. A recurring theme was the conflict in Gaza and its impact on the debate: some speakers condemned Israel’s military actions as genocide, apartheid, or colonialism and said criticism of those actions should not be treated as antisemitic, while others defended Israel, rejected genocide claims, and argued that anti-Israel activism can fuel antisemitism. Several speakers also raised concerns about campus discipline, union materials, and state facility rentals, and one speaker asked that state resources not be used by groups they viewed as inciting hate. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes and hearing public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because I'm looking at this request and I'm going to have to vote on your budget and right now I can't
• They work as gardeners and we have the right, yes, to talk to domestic workers. day, I will vote all
• A couple of major findings I want to lay out, but can obviously go into more detail as needed.
• The Todd decision certainly had a major effect here.
• I actually think once we vote on this budget proposal, Second Chance Employer Fund.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill that we would lay over, so we're not going to actually vote on it today, but I just want
• You know, we don't have to take a vote on it.
• And so, um, you know, we don't have to take a vote on it.
• we're not we don't have to take a vote we're not we don't have to take a vote on<00:18:29.400>
• <01:03:41.359> budget situation of major budget situation of major budget uncertainty<01:03

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, SB 582 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 1228 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 1286 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 14 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 20 is reported favorably.

Summary: The Committee on Rules took up a long agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included CS for SB 678, allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital, and SB 466, which designates St. Johns County as the site for the Florida Museum of Black History and creates a board to work with the supporting foundation and county officials. Senators and public speakers largely supported the museum bill, though some members asked about feasibility studies and long-term planning. The committee also approved CS for SB 578 on wine containers, SB 582 on penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings, CS for SB 1168 creating an aggravated offense for unlawful tracking-device use in furtherance of crimes, CS for SB 806 clarifying that only the Florida Attorney General may represent beneficiaries of Florida charitable trusts as a public official, and SB 1228 to support spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee and Santa Fe springs. The committee then heard and favorably reported CS for CS for SB 304, which addresses child protective investigations involving infants and young children with genetic or other pre-existing medical conditions. The bill requires a qualified medical opinion before permanent removal in cases where injuries may be explained by an underlying condition, and it drew strong support from the sponsor and several speakers. Members also approved SB 1286 clarifying that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities, such as biking or playing outside, do not by themselves constitute neglect unless reckless, and SB 1318, a hands-free driving bill that renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the handheld-device prohibition, and adds penalties for handheld use in work and school zones and for certain serious crashes. The hands-free bill prompted the most debate, with supporters citing crash and fatality data and families sharing personal losses, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, and potential disparate impacts on lower-income and minority drivers; the bill was still reported favorably after amendments. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 14 and SB 20, two claims bills for injuries and deaths involving local governments, and CS for SB 68, which updates health facilities authority financing rules to reflect modern hospital structures. The committee also approved CS for SB 172 on health care practitioner specialty titles and designations after adopting an amendment protecting CRNA titles; the bill generated questions about whether licensed practitioners with doctoral degrees may still use the title doctor under their practice acts. Throughout the meeting, most bills were adopted without opposition, and the committee repeatedly voted to report them favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to vote? Close the vote. Declare the vote. The vote is 11 ayes and one day.
• Please close the vote. Declare the vote: one nay. Presented with a vote of 491.
• Chairman Caldwell, would you like to vote on the bill? Please close the vote. Declare the vote.
• Would you like to vote on the bill. Staff, please close the vote and declare the vote.
• Clerk, please open the queue for voting. Archer's eye. Close the vote. Call the vote.

Bills: HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464, HB4246, HB4230, HB3617, HB3657, HB2976, HB3391, HB4459, HB4128, HB3989, HB2989, HB4060, HB3145, HB2992, HB3464

Keywords: water rights, rural water districts, board members, training requirements, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, right to repair, agriculture, OEM, repair providers, documentation, farm equipment, parts availability, maintenance, labor, employment definitions, agricultural services, Oklahoma Workforce Commission, confidentiality, data access, environmental protection