Video & Transcript : 'open primary' :
Page 238 of 500
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- And we will open the public hearing for 6171. Staff, may we have a briefing?
- So what is our primary concern?
- These breakthroughs have opened doors for many and created a world of opportunity, but have also presented
- at the same time, kind of creating a double coverage of emissions when CETA was designed to be the primary
Committee:
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology
Keywords:
energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, retail bags, pollution, customer impact, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Public Safety Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- know, obviously the military is a unique organization and safety and national security is of the primary
- Empty whip-it canisters litter our exquisite parks and open spaces, and youth as young as middle school
- Empty whip-it canisters litter our exquisite parks and open spaces, and youth as young as middle school
- It's present in raw kratom in small amounts, but it is also the primary metabolite produced in the body
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety heard two bills. SB 99 by Senator Blakespear, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, would improve coordination between civilian and military law enforcement in domestic violence cases involving military protective orders (MPOs). The bill would require courts to check for MPOs in the NCIC system when considering restraining orders, allow MPOs to be admissible evidence, require civilian officers to notify military law enforcement of possible MPO violations, and allow local agencies to enter MOUs with the military. Supporters said the bill would close jurisdictional gaps that can leave survivors unprotected; the ACLU opposed it unless amended, citing due process concerns because MPOs are issued by commanders without court process. The committee discussed amendments to make notification and MOU provisions less automatic and to broaden local agency participation, then passed SB 99 to Judiciary on a 5-0 vote.
SB 758 by Senator Umberg, as amended, would make the sale or distribution of products with unnaturally concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) a misdemeanor and would restrict nitrous oxide sales by tobacco retailers while preserving legitimate culinary and medicinal uses. Supporters, including local governments, law enforcement, and public safety advocates, described widespread misuse of nitrous oxide and 7-OH, especially among youth, and cited poisonings, injuries, and deaths. Opponents argued the bill would criminalize adults using kratom-related products for pain relief or harm reduction, questioned the scientific evidence, and urged a regulatory or public health approach instead of prohibition. Committee members largely agreed the issue raised public health questions and supported moving the bill forward with amendments; SB 758 passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- you know, obviously the military is a unique organization and safety and national security is of primary
- Empty whipped cream canisters litter our exquisite parks and open spaces, and youth as young as middle
- Empty whipped cream canisters litter our exquisite parks and open spaces, and youth as young as middle
- It's present in raw kratom in small amounts, but it is also the primary metabolite produced in the body
Committee:
Senate Public Safety
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Public Safety heard two bills. SB 99, by Senator Blakespear, would improve coordination between military and civilian law enforcement in domestic violence cases involving military protective orders. The author and a Department of Defense witness said the bill would help courts and police identify existing military protective orders, allow them to be considered in restraining order proceedings, require notification to military authorities when violations are suspected, and encourage memoranda of understanding between agencies. The ACLU California Action opposed unless amended, citing due process concerns because military protective orders are issued by commanders without court procedures. Members generally supported the bill as a way to protect survivors, and it passed the committee 5-0 to the Judiciary Committee.
SB 758, by Senator Umberg, addressed nitrous oxide and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products sold in retail settings. Supporters, including local officials, law enforcement groups, and parents, argued that nitrous oxide misuse and concentrated 7-OH products are harming youth and communities and that the bill would restrict sales while preserving legitimate culinary uses of nitrous oxide. Opponents, including kratom and drug policy advocates, argued the bill would criminalize adults, that 7-OH is a naturally occurring kratom component with limited evidence of severe harm when used alone, and that regulation rather than prohibition would be preferable. After discussion, the committee adopted amendments narrowing the bill and voted 5-0 to send SB 758 as amended to Appropriations.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Nov 19th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- It's critical to us responding to our primary priority in our mission of promoting public safety.
- It's critical to us responding to our primary priority in our mission of promoting public safety and
- And then, Madam Chair, I'm complete and I open for any questions. Thank you, Secretary.
- We hold them in detention waiting for a bed to open in residential.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to hear budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), an FDLE update on the Uniform Arrest Affidavit and Florida Incident-Based Reporting System (FIBERS), the Department of Juvenile Justice on Florida Scholars Academy, and the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation. FDLE requested funding for a wide range of items, including a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology upgrades for missing persons alerts and criminal justice data systems, replacement breath-test instruments, recurring support for critical public safety contracts, cybersecurity, a career offender registry unit, expanded wellness and peer support for law enforcement, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, vehicle replacement, forensic lab and digital forensics upgrades, a repaired Jacksonville firearm range, and additional resources for criminal alien detection, fentanyl enforcement, and other operational needs. Senators questioned FDLE about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, body cameras, masking by officers, public records request burdens, and the status of criminal alien detection funding.
FDLE’s second presentation explained that FIBERS is Florida’s incident-based crime reporting system and that 61% of agencies, covering 74% of the population, have transitioned to it. The agency also described the Uniform Arrest Affidavit initiative, which standardizes arrest data for statewide sharing. Senators asked about NCIC/FCIC access, hate crime reporting requirements, and why more agencies have not adopted the UAA and FIBERS systems; FDLE said it is working with law enforcement associations and vendors to address technology and implementation barriers. The committee also heard from DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh, who praised FDLE’s wellness program and then reported on Florida Scholars Academy’s first year, including unified education across 39 residential facilities, security fixes after early website access issues, strong enrollment and graduation numbers, and extensive support for students with disabilities. Walsh said the program still faces staffing shortages and a wait list for residential beds, and estimated about 260 additional beds are needed.
The final presentation came from Clerk of Court and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield, who said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels and requested $22 million to stabilize operations. She highlighted reimbursement shortfalls for injunctions for protection and other high-risk cases, rising postage and summons costs, and the need to fund clerk staffing for 37 new judges under the “fund the entire courtroom” concept. Senators asked about SB 532, a CPI-based court-fee bill, and about collections of court fines and fees. Butterfield said clerks work with defendants on payment plans and collections, but the system still faces a structural deficit. After the presentations and questions, the committee adjourned without taking any substantive votes or other action.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Special Session 2026 May 8th, 2026
Alabama House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What primaries? >> So, I was talking about the primaries in 2022. >> What primaries?
- This bill does not specify a primary election.
- The primaries under state law are controlled by the parties.
- >> If there's not a primary election, the reporting requirements for the election go away.
- I'm trying to get you to explain that to me. >> The Republicans did not hold primaries back then.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- are two primary witnesses in opposition, they may testify as well.
- Opening an account created barriers.
- Well, I certainly am open to looking at ways to strengthen this bill.
- The two primary witnesses in support will each have two minutes.
- The two primary witnesses in opposition will each have two minutes.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns.
The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict.
SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:30.159><c> those</c> The low-income housing tax credit program is the federal government's primary
- </c><00:10:20.200><c> up</c><00:10:20.880><c> and</c> just allow you to keep opening up and just allow
- you to keep opening up and you<00:10:21.160><c> just</c><00:10:21.320><c> keep</c><00:10:21.560><c>
- That's your job, your primary job.
- </c><00:12:56.279><c> job</c> you do that's your job your primary job you do that's your job your primary
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Rules REVISED: HJR1040 - Removed | HJR1084 - Added Mar 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- The two primary digital wallets.
- Saying none, please open queue.
- Seeing none, please open the cue. OK, let him off the hook.
- Seeing none, please open the queue. Declare the vote.
- Seeing none, please open cue. I'll check my You forgot that part of it.
Committee:
House Rules
AZ
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/01/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Wall-E was the primary breadwinner for our family, at least after he started at Edina.
- Wall-E was the primary breadwinner for our family, at least after he started at Edina.
- Wall-E was the primary breadwinner for our family, at least after he started at Edina.
- Wall-E was the primary breadwinner for our family, at least after he started at Edina.
- I'm open to that.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 28th, 2025
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill ensures that direct primary care payments apply toward the individual's deductible under their
- This bill gives Texans greater flexibility to choose the primary care services that work best for them
- Uh, I'm a practicing physician locally using the direct primary care model actually.
- I tell people explicitly, I do primary, excuse me, primary and urgent care because people don't think
- they can go to the primary care to get urgent care.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Any opening comments? No comments from Mr. Livingston. There's nobody on the board.
- Any opening comments? No, sir. There is no action on the board.
- Do you have an opening statement? Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Do you have an opening statement? It's a good bill. It's a good bill. Any further discussion?
- Any opening statement or comments? Good bill. Hopefully we don't ever have to use it.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer led by Erica Kirk and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a proclamation sponsored by Representatives Teresa Martinez and Matt Gress recognizing Charlie Kirk on National Freedom Day. Several members then gave personal remarks honoring Kirk’s civic engagement, First Amendment advocacy, and legacy, and the chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day, visiting students from Carl Hayden High School, and guests from Arizona agriculture and local government.
The House then moved through Committee of the Whole action on several bills. In the first committee of the whole, HB 2091, HB 2104, and HB 2105 received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2016 and HB 2022 were retained on the calendar. In the second committee of the whole, members debated HB 2008, with supporters saying it would prevent public money from funding politically biased or sectarian library-related institutions and opponents calling it part of a broader effort to censor and defund libraries; the bill received a 33-23 do-pass recommendation. HB 2046, HB 2116, and HB 2132 also received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2142 was retained.
On third reading, HB 2148, a bill amending Title 41 to add provisions relating to federal monies, passed the House by a vote of 33-25 with two not voting and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred several bills to engrossing, announced committee meetings and bill referrals, and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight REVISED: 11:15 a.m. - New Start Time
Health and Human Services Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, the clerk open the queue for a vote. Williams, aye. Pae, aye. Marti, aye.
- If not, clerk open the queue for a vote. Pae, aye. Marti, aye. Williams, aye.
- May, clerk open the queue for a vote. Aye, aye. Williams, aye. Marti, aye.
- Seeing none, clerk open the queue for a vote. Marti, aye. Pae, aye. Williams, aye.
- Seeing none, the clerk open the queue for a vote. Marti, aye. Williams, aye.
Committee:
House Health and Human Services Oversight
Keywords:
HB3043, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, ODVA, seasonal employees, project labor, pro rata jobs, unclassified service, state personnel law, state employee benefits, paid leave, paid holidays, retirement benefits, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, temporary workers, veterans affairs, Title 72, Oklahoma Personnel Act, budget reporting
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee opened with prayer and then heard a series of bills, most of them request bills from state agencies or related to veterans and military matters. House Bill 3043 would let the Oklahoma Dental Board Association hire temporary or PRN workers during peak periods; it passed 11-1. House Bill 3044 would continue an existing tax-return checkoff for donations and passed 12-0. House Bill 3078 would create an online donation option for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs during license and tax transactions and passed 12-0. House Bill 3940 made a number of cleanup and policy changes to a prior Oklahoma National Guard measure, including retention, benefits, discipline, museum operations, and state active duty pay issues; it passed 11-0. House Bill 4117 would define family resource centers in statute and emphasize faith-based partnerships, workforce development, and braided funding; it passed 12-0.
The committee also advanced House Bill 3428, which would require certain businesses to post information about veterans’ benefits in a conspicuous place to help more eligible veterans enroll in benefits; members discussed raising the employee threshold from 50 to 100, but no amendment was adopted during the meeting, and the bill passed 10-2. House Bill 4275 would allow counties and cities to employ case managers and peer support specialists while maintaining certification, to support sheriffs and first responders, and it passed 12-0. House Bill 3257 would treat 100% disabilities caused by VA medical malpractice as service-connected for state benefit purposes, aligning state law with federal treatment, and it passed 12-0.
Two public health bills also advanced. House Bill 3901 would authorize psychological autopsies in suicide and overdose cases to better understand causes and improve prevention; members discussed whether the process should include notifying prescribing physicians when patients die from opioid overdoses, and the bill passed 12-0. House Bill 4298 would allow DHS child care rule changes to be distributed by mail and electronically, reflecting current practice, and it passed 12-0. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures do pass.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Apr 8th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- After this open and transparent process, the Missouri Attorney General must first review and approve
- Are you open to splitting, to modifying the legislation so that it leaves the cities open for collecting
- I think it's just open to, I mean, you obviously, like anybody in public service, you have a pretty..
- But it opens the door for them to hire outside counsel.
- But it opens the door for them to hire outside counsel if they so desire or if they need assistance.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, which would clarify the Secretary of State’s authority to issue certificates of good standing to series LLCs and make each series searchable on the Secretary of State’s website. The sponsor said the bill was needed to preserve a long-standing practice and keep Missouri business-friendly, and witnesses from the Missouri Chamber and a law firm supported it as a simple clarification. No opposition was presented, and the hearing concluded without a vote in the transcript.
The committee then took up House Bill 3347, sponsored by Rep. Murphy, which had two parts: one establishing requirements for political subdivisions entering contingency-fee legal contracts, and another addressing a Kansas City ordinance restricting sales of small liquor bottles in certain areas. Supporters of the legal-contract portion argued that local governments should coordinate with the Attorney General on contingency-fee cases involving statewide issues, citing opioid, PFAS, environmental, and other multi-jurisdictional litigation as examples where attorney fees and fragmented local action created delays and inefficiencies. Opponents, including the Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Association of Counties, and private attorneys, argued the bill would add bureaucracy, delay cases, undermine local control, and potentially freeze out smaller communities; they also raised concerns about vague language, a 45-day review period, and retroactive effects on existing contracts. On the alcohol portion, industry witnesses supported the amendment, saying the Kansas City proposal was discriminatory, unsupported by data, and would hurt retailers and tax revenue.
After the hearing, the committee moved into executive session and unanimously voted House Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 907, 1154, and 1272 do pass and do pass with consent, after adopting a technical substitute. The transcript then returned to HB 3347, where testimony continued on both the legal-contract and alcohol provisions, but no final committee vote on HB 3347 appears in the transcript.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 11, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The primary purpose is diversification.
- The primary purpose is diversification.
- So, totally open on that. Representative Woodson, just... yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Representative, you're recognized to open up your calendar.
- this privilege up to PBMs this year, and do we, in the future, open it up to all lines?”
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met to hear and vote on several bills, with all measures reported favorably. The first major item was PCS for HB 175 on payment stablecoins, which would create a Florida regulatory framework aligned with the federal GENIUS Act so issuers can choose state regulation instead of federal licensing. Members asked extensive questions about how stablecoins differ from other digital assets, whether Florida would need federal approval, and what impact the bill would have on the Office of Financial Regulation; the sponsor and OFR said the state framework would mirror federal standards and that any workload increase was currently indeterminate. The PCS passed unanimously after testimony from OFR and the Florida Blockchain Business Association in support.
The committee then approved CS for HB 961, which streamlines electronic signature requirements for salvage titles and certificates of destruction, and HB 1415, a DFS stablecoin pilot program allowing certain stablecoins to be used for licensing and regulatory fees. HB 1415 was amended to remove authority for a Florida coin, limit the pilot to established stablecoins with at least $1 billion market cap, and require secure custody through a public depository or custodial bank. Members discussed how any interest or revenue would be used, with sponsors saying the pilot was still exploratory and intended mainly to cover program costs. Both bills passed favorably.
HB 1039, establishing a state cryptocurrency reserve, also passed after a strike-all amendment moved administration of the reserve from the CFO’s office to the State Board of Administration and tightened eligibility to cryptocurrencies with a $100 billion market cap over the prior 12 months. Supporters argued the bill would create a framework for future diversification and investment in established digital assets, while several members raised concerns about volatility, reporting frequency, and the meaning of new terms such as qualified liquidity provider and secure custody solution. The committee also passed CS for HB 951 on penny rounding for cash transactions, with an amendment clarifying cash transaction definitions and treating money orders and gift cards like credit-card transactions for rounding purposes.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll then open it up to the committee members to ask questions in advance.
- In your opening, you're welcome to introduce any guests that you'd like.
- Our local one actually contributed a few million dollars to keep that hospital open.
- He's a strong partner of county efforts and always open to counties working together.
- We'll then open it up for committee members to ask questions in advance of comments in your opening.
Committee:
Senate Rules
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 19th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to take things a little bit out of order and start by reopening, and I think we had opened
- We have Representative Dye here to give her opening comments.
- For reducing litter, and we have Representative Dye here to give her opening comments.
- So we will open the hearing on House Bill 1652, starting with a briefing from staff.
- With that, we'll suspend the hearing for now on House Bill 1652 and open...
Committee:
House Environment & Energy
Keywords:
6PPD, tires, environmental impact, public health, chemical regulation, HB1652, Salish Sea Protection and Marine Clean Fuels Act, marine fuel, low-sulfur fuel, sulfur emissions, ocean-going vessels, shipping, maritime pollution, air quality, particulate matter, Department of Ecology, port visit, regulated waters, fuel switching, vessel emissions
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to take things a little bit out of order and start by reopening, and I think we had opened
- We have Representative Dye here to give her opening comments. ...for reducing litter and we have Representative
- Dye here to give her opening comments.
- So we will open the hearing on House Bill 1652, starting with a briefing from staff.
- With that, we'll suspend the hearing for now on House Bill 1652 and open...
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on three main bills. House Bill 2284 on reducing litter would remove a scheduled increase in plastic bag thickness, preserve the existing penalty on thicker bags, and create a litter solutions task force to use existing data and recommend further actions. Supporters from business, retail, agriculture, food industry, and the Department of Ecology said the bill takes a data-driven approach and could help reduce litter without imposing a full bag ban, while Ecology noted it already has a statewide litter study underway and raised cost and membership concerns. Opponents and other commenters generally favored the bill’s direction but emphasized the need for more study and careful implementation. No vote was taken.
House Bill 1652 would require certain ocean-going vessels in Washington waters to use fuel with no more than 0.1% sulfur, with recordkeeping, Ecology oversight, penalties, and a substitute clarifying vessel coverage and exemptions. The prime sponsor and environmental and public health advocates said the bill would reduce air and water pollution from scrubbers and protect the Salish Sea, orcas, salmon, and nearby communities. Ports, shipping interests, and industry groups raised concerns that the bill could effectively discourage scrubbers, create burdens for irregular callers and cargo traffic, and affect port competitiveness, while some said the bill should be narrowed or further stakeholdered. The hearing also included discussion of a proposed substitute and possible impacts on vessels and port operations.
House Bill 2367 would end special coal-related exemptions by limiting the cap-and-invest exemption to pre-2026 emissions, removing limits on additional greenhouse gas regulation for the coal plant, and repealing coal sales and use tax exemptions. Supporters said the bill would align state law with the planned closure of the Centralia coal plant, reinforce Washington’s climate policies, and remove outdated carve-outs. Business and petroleum representatives warned that if the plant were brought back into the cap-and-invest program, the allowance market could be affected and Ecology might need flexibility to adjust the program. The committee heard extensive testimony on all three bills but took no recorded votes or final action in the transcript.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Would you be open to language that actually mirrors our criminal laws and keeps person and unborn child
- You know, it seems as if this legislation, if it were to pass, opens up the door for a lot of this, and
- But because it opens up the door, isn't a business or another person or a friend going to be subject
- up from, you know, talk from the hospitals or the doctor’s perspective about how this is going to open
- And I don't think physicians or other providers would feel very confident that this bill doesn't open
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee took up two bills. SB 98, by Senator Harrell, would let self-storage facilities advertise lien sales either in a newspaper or on a qualifying website, while keeping other notice requirements in place and updating contact information provisions. Supporters, including the Florida Press Association and several newspaper/storage owners, argued print and digital newspaper notices already provide broad public notice and that the bill could reduce notice effectiveness; the sponsor said the bill is an optional modernization and does not affect government notices. After debate, the committee voted 8-1 to report SB 98 favorably.
The committee then heard SB 164, by Senator Grall, which expands Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover civil damages for the death of an unborn child at any stage of development, with carve-outs for the mother and lawful medical care. The sponsor said the bill aligns civil law with Florida’s criminal protections for unborn children and gives families a remedy where current law may not. Opponents, including the ACLU of Florida, health care workers, and others, warned it could invite lawsuits against doctors, hospitals, friends, family members, and people involved in abortion access, and could worsen OB-GYN shortages and deter care. Supporters said it recognizes unborn life and should be treated consistently with existing wrongful death law. The committee approved SB 164 on a 4-3 vote and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony.
- Okay, with that, we're going to open up public testimony.
- Members, we're going to open up public testimony.
- Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony. TDLR is here.
- We're going to open up public testimony.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service