Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Election Code'
Page 244 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 9th, 2026 at 08:35 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- And also the other thing I think on this was, as most everybody is looking at elections to the county
- And so I think, I think... ...elections through the county now, it's a little bit more expensive.
- And after the local election law, we had issues where, like in the HILOC, we had people that had land
- Thank you, House Bill 291, our this year's tax code cleanup bill, our this year's tax code cleanup bill
- And this is the Department's tax code clean...
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And the 20 elected public defenders last year represented over 500,000...
- In Florida, the legislature has enacted the punishment code.
- We have to go by what the sentencing structure is, which is now the punishment code.
- He scores out on the Punishment Code score sheet for 24 months.
- He scores out on the Punishment Code score sheet for 24 months.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee held its first meeting of 2025, took roll, confirmed a quorum, and heard member introductions before turning to an informational panel on how a criminal case moves through Florida’s system. The chair emphasized respectful committee process and introduced staff, then invited the panel to explain the path from arrest through prosecution, first appearance, arraignment, discovery, trial, plea negotiations, and sentencing.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri described law enforcement discretion, probable cause, misdemeanor and felony arrest rules, pre-arrest diversion, jail operations, and the statewide uniform bond schedule. He also discussed jail overcrowding, supervised release, mental health and substance abuse issues in jails, and the need for better case management and diversion resources. Judge Frank Allman explained first appearance, bond setting, arraignment, trial procedures, plea colloquies, and sentencing under Florida’s punishment code, including downward departures and victim impact statements.
State Attorney Jack Campbell outlined charging decisions, the higher proof burden prosecutors must meet, coordination with law enforcement, Baker Act proceedings, victim notification, informations versus grand jury indictments, and the role of diversion and treatment courts. Public Defender Matthew Mets described indigency screening, discovery, the growing volume and technical complexity of evidence, mitigation work, and the importance of treatment-based resolutions. Members asked about time-served credit for supervised release, mental health recidivism, homelessness enforcement, ICE holds, and sentencing discretion; no votes were taken and the meeting ended after the informational presentation and discussion.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 5 references what sections of Century Code a PBM manager must comply with.
- Section 11 pulls the sections of code from...
- We added this code of conduct for non-attorney judges. We ask for...
- Court, we added this code of conduct for non-attorney judges.
- And unless the individual runs for re-election or is reappointed.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4.
The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote.
The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- election.
- , which is in the primary, and by the way, is a plurality election versus a majority election.
- Voter turnout in primary elections is typically lower and less diverse than in general elections.
- Moving our elections to the general election, people talk a lot about voter fatigue.
- When we look at primary versus general elections, this election is decided in the primary.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum.
Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum.
Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations.
The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 41st Legislative Day Jun 25th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it says a lot about someone who's elected, how they treat people who aren't elected, people who
- There's more of an impetus to get your elected official school board, right?
- An act to amend Title 16 of the Delaware Code relating to backflow.
- An act to amend Title 16 of the Delaware Code relating to backflow.
- An act to amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code relating to theft.
Summary:
The House convened with Girl State participants presiding for part of the session, including introductions of the student leadership and a unanimous voice vote passing House Concurrent Resolution 152 honoring the young women participating in Delaware Girl State. The chamber also welcomed congressional interns and other guests, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and observed a moment of silence for Nathan Cynix and Kara Feeley before prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes for Representative Ron Gray, who was recognized for his 14 years of service and his work on issues such as bond bills, dredging, bike paths, small business, constituent service, and agriculture-related funding. Multiple members from both parties praised his humor, honesty, mentorship, and dedication to the House and his district. Gray responded with extended remarks reflecting on his family legacy, legislative service, and appreciation for colleagues and staff, and the chamber later sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at his request.
The House then received communications, including Senate messages returning several bills and informing the chamber of Senate passage of additional measures. Members were also told that the FY27 bond bill, House Bill 500, had been placed on desks as a gift for review. The House read in Consent Agenda S, which included House Bill 476, House Joint Resolution 13, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 168, Senate Bill 297, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, and Senate Joint Resolution 21, and began a roll call vote on the consent agenda.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It defines address as the complete mailing address, including zip code.
- serve the community, run for elected serve the community, run for elected office.<00:36:00.960><
- before we decide to run for elected before we decide to run for elected office.<00:56:39.839>
- You still get to see the city and the state, and the ZIP code.
- Thank you again elections committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And what that is code<00:46:24.079>
word <00:46:24.240>for <00:46:24.400>is <00:46 - word for is they were very friendly code word for is they were very friendly when<00:46:25.680>
it - I would also like to say that Texas most recently, because of some of their environmental challenges,
- chief executive that voters get to elect chief executive that voters get to elect who<01:18:24.239
- certificate, but I'm not election certificate, but I'm not doubting<01:36:18.239>
that <01:36:
Keywords:
climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, financing, sustainability, environmental policy, renewable energy, Minnesota Climate Innovation Financing Authority, earned incentive release credit, release credits, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, sentence reduction, good time, prison time, incarceration, violent offenses, murder, criminal sexual conduct, sex offenses
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And second, um, there were some, uh, code sections that were numbered incorrectly, subsections.
- It strengthens our communities and it determines whether a child's zip code defines their future.
- <02:37:37.040>
and kids that live in Maine and Texas and kids that live in Maine and Texas - He has lawyers on his staff and importantly, he's elected by the people.
- importantly, he's elected by the people. importantly, he's elected by the people.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval to dispense with the reading of the journal. Members introduced guests from Humphreys County and South Haven, then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 2, a broad education-related measure. The bill was called up, the rules were suspended, and a committee substitute was adopted. An initial amendment correcting drafting errors in the charter school section and subsection numbering was then adopted without objection.
Members then gave extended explanations of HB 2, describing it as a comprehensive school choice and education reform package. Supporters said the bill would create Magnolia student accounts/education savings accounts funded from existing per-pupil dollars, prioritize lower-income families, require testing and financial audits, expand special needs ESAs, and allow public-to-public transfers without a sending district veto. The bill also would expand charter schools into districts with D or F schools, create an accountability dashboard for public and private school reporting, expand the Tim Tebow Act for homeschool extracurricular participation, extend literacy and math requirements through eighth grade, adjust teacher and assistant teacher pay and retirement-related provisions, create a specialized school option program, and require a federal testing waiver. Supporters framed the measure as empowering parents while preserving public schools.
During questions, members raised concerns about charter schools, the cost of the program, accountability, and whether the bill would help or harm public education. One member asked whether failing charter schools were addressed; the response was that the bill was aimed at reconstituting the system rather than directly fixing those schools. Another questioned why a child accepted for transfer could still be denied by a receiving district; the bill sponsor said districts would set and publish acceptance policies and could deny students for lack of room. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s scope and policy rationale, and the transcript does not show a final vote on passage of HB 2 in the excerpt provided.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We all have to qualify for elections.
- But when you get elected to office, you have to take an oath like the rest.
- Chair: Representative, there is amendment bar code 883543.
- McFarland: if this tax goes, there's no more building safety code enforcement inspections.
- Representative, you may explain the amendment bar code 407389. Rep.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, we'll take up Amendment Code 316-788 by Senator Avila.
- Next, we'll take up Amendment Code 316-788 by Senator Avila.
- And this is why we have elected officials to make those decisions that we elected them for.
- our local elected officials.
- And I'm just so sick of the way we treat... ...and what our elected officials do, our local elected officials
Summary:
The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, the proposed constitutional amendment on property tax relief, which would reduce assessment growth on non-homestead property, expand homestead exemptions, create a new exemption for new homesteaders, and direct counties, cities, and school districts to use property tax revenues for specified core services. Senator Avila presented the measure as the governor’s plan to provide historic relief and argued that local governments should tighten budgets and prioritize core functions. Senators raised concerns about the lack of fiscal scoring, the breadth and ambiguity of the permitted uses, the effect on special districts and local services, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. The committee adopted several amendments, including Avila’s amendment clarifying that ad valorem revenues could be used for county and municipal operations and administration and other expenditures not prohibited by law, and Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal. Other amendments failed, including proposals to allow user fees and non-ad valorem assessments, add a sunset, redirect tourism development taxes, narrow the small-business provision, and change the ballot title to reference local service reductions. Grall’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund requirement was adopted, while the committee also rejected Berman’s title-change amendment and Smith’s sunset and tourism-tax amendments. The committee then returned to the bill as amended for questions, including extended debate over whether the proposal would affect noncitizen residents, the impact on local government finances, and whether local governments would respond with higher fees or special assessments. The meeting ended with the bill still under discussion after the final round of questions, with Avila saying he would continue working with the governor’s office on the language before the next vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Motion to bring up HF3405 on House Floor 2/19/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He died in Texas.
- He died in Texas. And of course, by ICE. He died in Texas.
- You ran an entire election on it.
- the process and who, before the lawyer could intervene, was taken to the detention camp in Dilly, Texas
- . ...in Dilly, Texas, where hundreds of children are being held, where there's been a measles outbreak
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- There are no guardrails against elective investigations, no standards, and no fiscal analysis.
- sex hormone therapy treatments or puberty blockers for these minors and present it to insurance or code
- sex hormone therapy treatments or puberty blockers for these minors and present it to insurance or code
- sex hormone therapy treatments or puberty blockers for these minors and present it to insurance or code
- Every patient in Florida deserves access to care regardless of their ZIP code, and members, this is the
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably.
The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition.
Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database.
Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 15th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1429 had added a new section to Century Code.
- House Bill 1429 had added a new section to Century Code.
- Existing code on stalking.
- It is very clear in the obscenity code what we are talking about.
- There's a school board election this summer.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum. It then took up a series of appropriations and policy bills, with the most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. The House approved amendments that shifted governance of the department and veterans’ home from ACOVA to the governor, citing concerns about ACOVA’s salary-setting actions and broader appropriation oversight. Members opposed to the change argued ACOVA had studied compensation and acted within its role. The amended bill passed 57-34, and the final bill passed 69-22 with the emergency clause carrying.
The House also passed Senate Bill 2001, the legislative branch budget, which funds the 2027 session, legislative staff, chamber upgrades, IT improvements, and salary adjustments for legislative leaders; the bill passed 62-29, but the emergency clause failed. Senate Bill 2019, the Career and Technical Education budget, passed 82-10 with emergency clause. Senate Bill 2021, the Information Technology Department budget, passed 75-17 after discussion of data center migration, service automation, mainframe transition, ERP study, and DPI’s move from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus. Other measures passed included Senate Bill 2228 for rural grocery store sustainability grants, Senate Bill 2390 creating a rural catalyst community grant program, Senate Bill 2188 adjusting the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, and Senate Bill 2265 authorizing a veterans national cemetery grant and line of credit with added reporting safeguards.
Several House bills returned from the Senate were concurred in and then passed, including House Bill 1361 on mandatory minimum sentences for human trafficking offenders, House Bill 1017 for the Game and Fish Department, House Bill 1588 on firearms and dangerous weapons provisions, House Bill 1429 on harassment and stalking involving robots, House Bill 1591 on county fair resiliency grants, House Bill 1537 on service agreement protection for water projects, House Bill 1203 on edible medical marijuana products, and House Bill 1027 transferring administration of the State Fire and Tornado Fund from the Insurance Commissioner to OMB. The House also rejected a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2307, which dealt with library materials and obscenity-related restrictions, by a vote of 48-51. In addition, the chamber appointed conference committees on several House and Senate measures where concurrence had failed, and laid over Senate Bill 2340 for two legislative days.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on School Facilities, May 19, 2026 - AM
Select Committee on School Facilities
Transcript Highlights:
- And so code compliance is one.
- How much of an issue is code compliance really when codes change and you're starting to do the major
- So, that fell under the definition of code. What we see sometimes is the fire system codes.
- So, that fell under the definition of code. What we see sometimes is the fire system codes.
- Uh West Texas area. Uh West Texas area.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- They can decide on life safety code.
- 2028 statewide elections.
- days prior to the primary or election days prior to the primary or election day,<00:59:50.000>
- A government leader in elections.
- >> Government, labor, and elections. >> Government, labor, and elections.
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, offered a prayer, and recognized foster youth visiting the chamber. Members then adopted two House resolutions honoring Dr. Sonja Santelises for 10 years as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools and recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for 104 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The House also received Senate bills and began taking up committee reports.
Several bills were reported favorably and advanced to third reading, including measures on higher education grants, public safety pay restrictions, retirement and pension system work group extensions and cost-of-living adjustments, synthetic turf and aquaculture studies, rail crew requirements, Howard County speed limits, election address confidentiality, IT investment fund uses, ethics financial disclosures, Public Information Act divorce records, aging-in-place grants, judicial assignments, clerk and register salaries, and firearm literature distribution. House Bill 428, concerning temporary assignment of former judges, was special ordered until the next day after the minority whip requested time for an amendment.
The chamber also considered and adopted amendments on several bills. House Bill 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, was amended to exempt the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project and then special ordered after questions about greenhouse gas impacts on major highway expansion projects. House Bill 457 on menstrual hygiene products at higher education institutions, House Bill 538 on student enrollment disclosures, House Bill 561 on child care credential funding, House Bill 720 on a veterans scholarship, and House Bill 212 on out-of-state vehicle registration all received amendments and favorable reports as amended. HB 212 drew extended debate about Maryland residents using out-of-state tags, with supporters saying it would help enforce registration laws and opponents raising concerns about legislative вмешательство in vehicle regulation and enforcement discretion.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 6th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- lift our anxieties and worry to You as we seek to embrace peace and promises as we enter into this election
Bills:
HB4440, HJR1067, HJR1087, HB4426, HB3704, HB4311, HB3044, HB4191, HB3465, HB3972, HB3759, HB3625, HB1411, HB2980, HB3015, HB3147, HB3277, HB3323, HB3443, HB3882, HB3406, HB2975, HB3977, HB3263, HB2988, HB3404, HB1770
Keywords:
Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 11:05 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- More than two-thirds of those elected to the Senate have voted in the affirmative.
- More than a majority of those elected to the Senate having voted in the affirmative, I declare the bill
- More than two-thirds of those elected to the Senate having voted in the affirmative, I declare the bill
- More than a majority of those elected to the Senate having voted in the affirmative, I declare the bill
- The appointments must be in conformity with the state procedure for elected county officials to employ
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I call the State and Local Government and Elections Conference Committee meeting to order for May 12th
- It's just coded in a different section of statute.
- It's just coded in a different section of statute.
- It's just coded in a different text.
- So, just know that this may come up again when the election stuff comes forward.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Child Custody Review Task Force Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I married my first wife in Texas in 2005.
- The only reason I decided to stay in Minnesota and not move back to Texas was for my two sons.
- And so there would be nothing that would stop, nothing in North Dakota law, you know, Century Code, I
- mean, across the board, that prevents North Dakota... ...you know, Century Code, I mean, across the
- , but they started off, as I recall, as part of the Century Code, as a directive to do X to get to Y,
Summary:
The Child Custody Review Task Force met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and reviewed a memorandum compiling member suggestions for possible legislation. The memo grouped ideas into topics including creation of a family court, expanded education for parents, attorneys, and judges, expedited hearings for parenting-time violations, limiting law enforcement involvement in custody disputes, creating parenting time expediters, and adopting more uniform court procedures. Members also discussed whether to form subcommittees, but the task force decided to continue working as a full committee rather than create subcommittees at this time.
The committee then heard testimony from Dr. John Perez, a mental health professional, who described his personal custody experience and his professional work with families he believes have been affected by parental alienation. He argued for stronger education, faster court response times, and better tools to address intentional interference with parenting time. Members questioned him about his case history, the concept of parental alienation, and whether specialized family courts or judges with family-law training could help. Dr. Perez said a dedicated family court and faster hearings would likely have helped his situation.
The task force spent substantial time discussing the possible creation of a family court. Judge Hovey supported the idea of a specialized family court or at least a study of one, saying family cases are distinct from ordinary adversarial litigation and that judges with family-law experience could better handle them. Several members agreed that a family court could improve consistency, expertise, and speed, but others cautioned that the task force’s current directive is focused on enforcement of existing orders rather than broader custody policy, and noted that voters had previously rejected equal shared parenting proposals. The group also discussed expedited procedures for parenting-time disputes, with Judge Hovey suggesting a 30-day hearing timeline may be workable.
On education, members generally supported requiring parents to complete a parenting education course and adding educational materials explaining court process, child support, and what judges can and cannot do. Mr. McLean suggested a short instructional video for litigants and more family-law education for judges and attorneys, while Ms. Moldenhauer said education could be incorporated into scheduling orders or mediation orders. Members also discussed the Parents Forever course, including whether it should be mandatory in all counties and whether cost is a barrier; no vote was taken on any of these proposals.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- with no party affiliation for 365 days before the beginning of qualifying preceding the general election
- This scenario happened to me in my primary election this past fall, and speaking with the Division of
- Elections, they opine that we do not have the authority to remove a candidate based on a sworn notarized
- this bill provides technical clarifications and changes to several provisions of the Florida Trust Code
- Third, it reconciles a difference between the probate code and trust code by providing that ademption
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met and considered a series of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 282 on home and service warranty association financial requirements. The bill would allow more than one collateral liability insurance policy to back a warranty license and make related financial requirement changes; an amendment clarifying policy options was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 280 on candidate qualification, which creates an enforceable requirement and private right of action for party-affiliation qualification rules, and SB 7004, an open government sunset review bill that continues a public records exemption related to housing assistance program applicants or participants after disasters.
The committee then took up several member bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 88 would create an opt-in framework for local governments to allow utility terrain vehicles on certain roads, with safety requirements and insurance clarification added by amendment; supporters emphasized local transportation benefits and law enforcement tools, while several senators raised concerns about misuse in urban areas, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 106 would allow substitute service through the same electronic platform used by scammers in vulnerable adult exploitation cases, with a 30-day hold clarified by amendment; it received support from elder law and advocacy groups and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 262 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code, including decanting, trustee actions, ademption by satisfaction, and homestead/community property trust treatment, and was also reported favorably.
Additional bills approved included SB 402, which updates the unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia statute by referring to armed forces as defined elsewhere in law; SB 700, which continues the public records exemption for site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species; and SB 7006, which preserves public records and meeting exemptions for building plans and related documents depicting 911, E911, and public safety radio communication infrastructure, including next-generation 911 systems. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on certain bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.