Transcript Highlights:

• established additional, but going back to 2022, the orders established additional early voting sites, amended
• Going back to 2022, the orders established additional early voting sites, amended and extended reporting
• We've added that to our Constitution recently.
• The Secretary said that this has been a big topic of discussion since the passage of the amendment for
• amendments, and judicial races, every race has to be counted in time.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did share at least a draft of that amendment with Representative Wood before the hearing.
• Would you be willing to consider amendments to address some of these issues?
• I will be happy to work on any reasonable amendment that would make this bill better.
• <00:40:48.560> to ask that you consider um an amendment to ask that you consider um an amendment
• , or I will help you with the amend.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, what it would do is send to the people the choice, a constitutional amendment, to see if they agree
• Well, what it would do is send to the people the choice, a constitutional amendment, to see if they agree
• There is an amendment. Would the reading clerk please read in the amendment?
• >> It is an amendment. >> It is an amendment.
• standing committee amendments? standing committee amendments?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an amendment, it's A1 Amendment, but we're going to talk about it.
• That's kind of the amendment, the A2 Amendment. All right, thank you, Senator Dornink.
• it's A1 Amendment there is an amendment it's A1 Amendment but<00:02:57.239> we're<00:02:57.400
• uh the A2 that's kind of the amendment uh the A2 Amendment<00:04:13.360> all<00:04:13.560>
• <00:04:17.519> is dornick um so members that amendment is dornick um so members that amendment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee heard Senate File 560, a bill to require the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a cost-per-square-foot valuation for residential building permits. Senator Dornink said the measure is intended to make permit fees more fair, reasonable, transparent, and predictable, and to reduce housing costs by limiting large differences in permit fees between municipalities. He said the bill would be sent to the Housing Committee without recommendation, and members discussed but did not act on a related amendment that would have shifted plan review and inspection fees to hourly and trip-based charges and made fee information publicly available. Testimony from Housing First Minnesota supported the bill’s goal, arguing that Minnesota’s housing shortage and high new-home prices make it important to reduce inefficiencies in the permitting system. The witness said permit valuations are often increased by cities, leading to higher costs for homebuyers, and cited examples of large fee differences between municipalities and claims of overcollection. He said some other states, including Texas and Wisconsin communities, use square-footage-based approaches. A League of Minnesota Cities representative opposed the amendment language and cautioned that trip charges and hourly billing would make fees less certain, could raise costs, and would be especially burdensome in Greater Minnesota; he said current valuation-based fees better reflect the actual cost and complexity of service and can be appealed if disputed. A representative of the Association of Minnesota Building Officials also raised concerns about the amendment, saying building departments provide consultations, inspections, plan review, and other services beyond a single trip, and that trip charges would not fit a responsive fee-for-service model. He said the current valuation system helps cover the full range of permitting work, though he acknowledged that a consistent square-foot valuation standard could improve transparency and reduce disputes over project value. Committee members asked about other states’ approaches and the scope of the bill, and the discussion emphasized that the proposal applies to one- and two-family dwellings.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:12.960> to there should be um an amendment to there should be um an amendment to provide
• We're going to ask pass this un amended.
• Passing un amended is recommendation. Passing un amended is recommendation.
• Those are the earliest technical amendments.
• amendments. Chair and vice chair vote I. amendments. Chair and vice chair vote I.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But it's when I think when a parent is unavailable, nobody's there to care for the child, that constitutes
• I would accept a motion to amend and do pass. Vice Chair Flores: So moved. Senator Nguyen: Second.
• four sixty we just heard the bill you had your chance to ask questions i would accept a motion to amend
• and do pass to amend and do pass we have a motion from vice chair flores we have a second from senator
• You all send her amendments at the very last minute.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to be amended as well.
• And Senator, I would note there's an amendment on that definition.
• I have a small amendment I was asked to bring. This is an LESC bill.
• Chair, I will not need to pass out the amendment because I don't think it is.
• And there was an amendment, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are AB 598, AB 629, AB 629, AB 642 with amendments, AB 927 with amendments, AB 927 with amendments
• You're accepting all of the committee amendments?
• So I appreciate the amendments that the committee took to be able to try to So I appreciate the amendments
• Right, I would work with amendments if that was needed.
• Right, I would work with amendments if that was, I would work with the committee on any additional amendments

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in full support of the bill and the amendment, the purpose of this work.
• And it amends the tax code. And we're not getting that kind of review.
• And it amends the tax code, and we're not getting that kind of review.
• Would the sponsor consider an amendment to have this apply only the classic case?
• Would the sponsor consider an amendment to have this apply only the classic case?

Bills: SB47, SB110, SB122, SB143, SB168

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, bosque management, Rio Grande, environmental protection, water resources, fiscal appropriation, drinking water, well owners, water testing, water treatment, public health, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, then the next amendment, on line 12 there, the fourth amendment, it states to replace line 77 on
• And then if you go to page two of the amendment, on line 33, you'll see it defines... amendment line
• And so this is what the amendment does here.
• So you're still on page four of the amendment.
• Um, are we still on page five of the amendment?

Bills: HB493

Keywords: child advocacy centers, certification, funding allocation, Alabama Network, forensic evaluation, children's welfare, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members, the A10 amendment is a technical amendment.
• amendment but a no vote on the amendment amendment but a no vote on the amendment itself.<00:37:
• on the A24 amendment? on the A24 amendment?
• I'd like to offer the A11 amendment. A11 amendment.
• amendment, Senator Matthews amendment. amendment, Senator Matthews amendment.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move the amendment as amended. I move that we adopt the committee amendment as amended.
• as amended; SB 1827, do pass as amended.
• There is a Payne floor amendment to the ATT amendment. Payne floor amendment.
• Farnsworth, we are on your amendment, the ATT amendment as amended by the Payne floor amendment.
• Please read the amendment. Shope floor amendment.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill amending the charter of the Town of Hopkinton to incorporate appointment powers of the
• An act relative to roadway safety, House No. 3812, and an act amending the charter of the Town of Hopkinton
• Question is on passage under the Constitution. A separate vote is required.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Rules Committee reports and scheduling orders. Members adopted a resolution commending the PKD Foundation for recognizing September 2025 as Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month. The House also adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines, including for the Labor and Workforce Development, Public Health, State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy committees. The chamber concurred in Senate petitions referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12, including proposals related to insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment of port wine stains and scalp cooling systems. The House then suspended Joint Rule 12 for several House petitions, including measures on charter school funding, Port Authority Parks governance, a senior fishing license, and a sick leave bank for a Department of Developmental Services employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee also reported several bills for consideration, including student mental health, a disability pension for Michael Rodericks, PCOS Awareness Month, roadway safety, and Hopkinton local bills. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave second readings and ordered several bills to a third reading, including the student mental health bill, the Michael Rodericks disability pension bill, the PCOS Awareness Month bill, the roadway safety bill, and Hopkinton charter and economic development measures. The House adopted an emergency preamble for House No. 4323, establishing a sick leave bank for Alexander Schwartz of the State Police, then passed that bill to be enacted. The House also passed to be engrossed House No. 2250, dissolving the Watley Water District, and adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, at that point, you can't amend it.
• And I amend this bill that is before us.
• This is that point, you can't amend it.
• First to contained in the DE2 amendment.
• commitment to Minnesota's constitution commitment to Minnesota's constitution and<01:04:37.520><

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They said this can be done either by amending bylaws or, if a company has not amended its bylaws, through
• one or two ways they can have amended one or two ways they can have amended their<00:04:07.040><
• their bylaws or if a company amend their bylaws or if a company hasn't<00:04:17.280> amended<
• in a court case and then this amendment in a court case and then this amendment um<00:21:48.279>
• <00:37:52.040> be that house file 360 as amended be that house file 360 as amended be recommended

Bills: HF747, HF360

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a very simple technical amendment.
• This is a very simple technical amendment.
• Are there any questions on the amendment? I'm sorry.
• Without objection, shall the amendment be adopted?
• Without objection, the amendment will be adopted.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four bills. HB 1311, relating to legal tender, ratified DFS/OFR rules to implement last year’s gold-and-silver legal tender law, repealed a prior repeal provision, and clarified the definition of custodian for electronically transferable gold and silver. The sponsor said the bill was a technical follow-up to ensure the law could take effect; members asked about the need for the bill, consumer awareness, and banking industry input. A technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 1343 would create an optional high school elective on property and casualty insurance that could satisfy pre-licensure education for a 440 insurance license after graduation. The sponsor said it would help students enter the insurance workforce or gain consumer literacy. An amendment directing DOE and DFS to develop the curriculum was adopted. Testimony from insurance groups and others supported the bill, and members spoke in favor of the workforce benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 1291 addressed the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), aiming to strengthen its long-term solvency by creating clearer triggers for funding remedies and expanding covered services. Public testimony focused heavily on families affected by birth injuries, with a parent and NICA board member describing the lifelong care needs of medically fragile children and the importance of stable funding. Members expressed sympathy and support, and the sponsor said the bill increases access to reserve funds, authorizes casualty insurer assessments, and preserves benefits. The bill passed favorably. HB 271 would cap bail bond rates at 6.5 percent for foreign and alien bail bond insurers as well as domestic insurers, to create a more even competitive and tax treatment across carriers. The sponsor explained that out-of-state corporations had an advantage under current reporting and premium rules. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh there's also a title amendment. Uh there's also a title amendment.
• We do have a title amendment. Is there a motion to adopt the title amendment?
• <00:07:42.800> Motion to adopt the title amendment? Motion to adopt the title amendment?
• adopting title amendment say I. I. adopting title amendment say I. I.
• amendment is adopted. Congratulations. amendment is adopted. Congratulations.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states may allow it, but they have different constitutions.
• I'll be accepting the committee amendments.
• that I think were properly amended out.
• I accept the committee amendments outlined on page 7 of the analysis.
• We have not opposed, unless amended.

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 1003, which would create pro-housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts to help local governments fund infrastructure needed for housing developments. The author and supporters argued that infrastructure costs often prevent projects from penciling out, while the chair expressed support and said the bill would be taken up later when quorum was available. SB 1014 followed, proposing new disclosure requirements for local jurisdictions to provide good-faith estimates of on-site and off-site improvements within 30 days of application, with supporters saying it would reduce late surprises and opposition from several cities citing implementation concerns with the 30-day timelines. The committee then took up SB 802, a Sacramento-region bill requiring a joint powers authority to coordinate housing and homelessness services. Senator Ashby and former Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued that Sacramento’s fragmented system has failed for years and that a JPA would improve accountability, coordination, and use of state funds. The bill drew broad support from local officials, service providers, business groups, and advocates, while some county and city representatives registered opposition or neutral concerns about state-mandated local governance. Several committee members said they were persuaded by the need for regional coordination, though some raised concerns about local control; the chair noted the bill would be moved when quorum allowed. The committee also heard SB 1092 and SB 1093, both focused on mobile home park residents after disasters or park sales. SB 1092 would give residents a right of first opportunity to match a sale offer for a park, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable seniors and preserves affordable housing, while park owners and their representatives argued it would devalue property and raise constitutional and financing concerns. SB 1093 would require more transparent communication, access to property, and consideration of rebuilding or closure after a disaster; supporters cited the long uncertainty faced by Palisades residents, while opponents warned about liability, safety, and burdensome review requirements. Members split along similar lines, with some emphasizing property rights and market impacts and others stressing the need to protect residents and preserve scarce affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate the bill's efforts to increase funding for early education and respectfully suggest amending
• In the past two years, the state has not had the ability to ensure its own constitution is being met
• Maybe there's an amendment on something we can do this session to quantify exactly how much taxpayer
• Senator Bettencourt, I think we need an amendment to bring back pay phones. Never mind.
• I think we need an amendment to bring back pay phones. Never mind. It's just showing my age.

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no questions, there are no amendments to the bill.
• The Florida Supreme Court has already upheld this provision as constitutional and necessary to control
• Representatives, I urge you to restore Floridians' constitutional rights and ensure every life in it.
• I urge you to restore Floridians' constitutional rights and ensure every life in the state has equal

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults. Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability. After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.