Transcript Highlights:

• My second question has to do with, if this is in section 10 of the bill... ...this is in section 10 of
• That is why they support the permitting reforms in outside sections 31 and 51 of the bill, which would
• Section 2, 2870-24 and 2C, 2800...
• This is why we recommend amending H. 1013 and S. 553 into these sections of the environmental bond bill
• . ...into these sections of the environmental bond bill, so that those bills specified that the funding

Bills: S2542

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Keywords: climate resilience, resilience bond bill, environmental bond, infrastructure spending, flood control, coastal resilience, PFAS, clean water, wetlands, nature-based solutions, housing permitting, flood disclosure, land conservation, biodiversity, forest reserves, municipal vulnerability preparedness, MVP grant program, food security, agricultural resilience, solid waste

Transcript Highlights:

• However, it was brought to my attention last session that the section of code that regulates who can
• So we just want to make sure it's concrete and clear to state statute, which will be section 54.102.
• own Representative Swanson: Land, levee improvement districts, Section 57.059, irrigation districts,
• Section 58.072, and certain navigational districts, Section 63.082 are all required to own taxable property
• And how many people, how many sections of communities are we leaving out or are we including?

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have 1,430 course sections that have been reduced at seven of our universities.
• Which would include both Control Section 405 and Control Section 4.12, which includes the vacant position
• Just to highlight some of the components of the savings here, concerning Control Section 4.05, unlike
• I'm not going to quote the entire code section, but Education Code Section 19300 definitely points out
• Need to know what the legislative intent was for a code section that appeared in 1978?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also includes that a violation of a UTV section is a non-criminal traffic violation, punishable as
• Senate Bill 402 simply cleans up Florida Statutes section 817.312.
• those sections to read as follows: Armed forces as defined in section 250.01.
• those sections to read as five. individually in each section, and this bill would amend those sections
• Armed forces as defined in section 250.01.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care. The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.

Transcript Highlights:

• us to address the backlog of when appointments can be made available. ...and then there's also a section
• in here, um, under section two that talks about, um, fees or what I would say more of trying to incentivize
• helps us to address the backlog of when appointments can be made available, and then there's also a section
• that section is— all the fees within this subdivision, every fee?
• Burus, can you provide— does section two, the generates all fees, is that deleted in this amendment?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And further, Section 5 of our Constitution is entitled ‘Right of Religious Freedom.’
• establish this constitution<00:02:35.200><c> and</c><00:02:35.400><c> further</c><00:02:35.959><c> section
• and further section five of our<00:02:37.000><c> constitution</c><00:02:37.640><c> is</c><00:02:37.879
• They would not have the defense of qualified immunity in this instance because of this section.
• They would not have the defense of qualified immunity in this instance because of this section.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 SB 60: 00:00:53 Discussion in Opposition to SB 60: 00:04:41 SB 130: 00:25:36 SB 169: 00:25:44, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 60, a Religious Freedom Restoration Act measure sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings. Rawlings said the bill would strengthen protections for sincerely held religious exercise by requiring government burdens on religion to be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest, expanding remedies including attorney’s fees, and waiving sovereign immunity so individuals could sue the government. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill drew testimony both in support and opposition. Supporters, including Greg Baylor of Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would protect a fundamental right and that similar laws have existed federally and in many states without the feared consequences. Opponents, including Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign, Sam Markusen of the University of Louisville, and Rabbi Ben Fred, warned the bill was overly broad, could undermine local anti-discrimination laws, and might invite lawsuits or allow religious claims to be used to justify discrimination. Senator Thomas questioned whether the bill could affect vaccine requirements and public accommodations; Baylor said public health or other compelling interests could still prevail in court and that the bill would not predetermine outcomes. The committee then voted on SB 60, with several members explaining their votes, and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 169, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s administrative subpoena authority in child exploitation investigations to include social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services. Attorney General’s office representatives Will Schroer and Matt Heden said the change would modernize investigative tools to help identify online child predators and obtain limited account-holder information such as usernames, IP addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. Senator Thomas asked about the bill’s use of the term “reasonable cause” instead of probable cause and about the scope of the information obtained; the witnesses said the term is already in statute and that the subpoenas would not authorize searches, only basic identifying information. A motion was made and seconded, and the committee began the roll call vote on SB 169 as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2A.
• Section six. Upon adoption of recommit. Section six.
• Section 9.
• Section 10.
• Section 11. In the recommmit. Section 11.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> It says in this section housing shall be deemed housing for persons of eligible income under section
• &gt;&gt; section &gt;&gt; section &gt;&gt; on<02:42:12.080><c> page</c><02:42:12.479><c> two</c><02:
• </c><02:42:29.920><c> housing</c> see it says in this section housing see it says in this section housing
• </c><02:43:54.560><c> it's</c> uh because in this section it's uh because in this section it's discussing
• </c> um in in this particular section um in in this particular section um<02:45:17.760><c> identifying

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work. The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading. The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's curious why it was placed under that section of RSA.
• It's curious why it was placed under that section of RSA.
• What is the—and that's a couple of sections in the bill.
• </c> separate um section of statute. separate um section of statute.
• </c> almost every section that is amended. almost every section that is amended.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill updates Section 57.540 to reflect current realities, not past conditions.
• Section 13 references a subsection that does not exist within the section that it is referencing.
• And I think one more glaring concern: when you look at the civil liability product liability section,

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 establishes clear rules.
• Section 2 establishes clear rules requiring drivers on multi-lane highways to use the right lane except
• Section 3 creates accountability, prohibiting drivers from impeding traffic flow in the left lane with
• versus what already exists is, this piece of legislation versus what already exists is the camping section

Summary: The committee first approved the March 10 minutes without objection. It then heard Senate Bill 1340, as amended, from Senator Harris, which would clarify and enforce rules requiring drivers on multi-lane highways to keep right except when passing, turning left, or when traffic conditions require otherwise. The sponsor said the bill is intended to improve traffic flow, reduce road rage, and give law enforcement clearer authority to address left-lane camping, with a $75 fine for impeding traffic and educational signage funded by the Idaho Transportation Department. Members asked about how the bill would apply in congested rush-hour traffic and at interchanges, and the sponsor repeatedly said drivers would not be ticketed for normal use of the left lane in heavy traffic or when moving with the flow. AAA Idaho testified in support, citing survey data showing increases in aggressive driving behaviors and saying the bill would add clarity and encourage courtesy on the roads. The committee voted to send SB 1340 to the House floor with a due-pass recommendation. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1325, a specialty license plate bill sponsored by Senator Hartog. The bill would create a white Idaho plate with black lettering, with proceeds directed to the Idaho State Police Project Choice Fund for state police salaries, while a small portion would cover ITD administration costs. The sponsor said the bill is meant to help address state police pay and noted the recent success of another specialty plate program. After brief questions and no public testimony, the committee voted to send SB 1325 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've had many operators, and I'll have somebody from the MSPCA, who works in our boarding section
• And then there's a handful of other sections, as Ali mentioned, that are just a couple of really technical
• But we'll pass in testimony a section-by-section breakdown, and we're happy to answer any questions.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing with opening remarks from House Chair Jack Patrick Lewis and Senate Chair Becker-Rouche, who outlined hearing procedures, livestreaming, three-minute testimony limits, and written testimony instructions. Members present were noted, and the committee proceeded to hear testimony on several municipal and local governance bills. Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia testified in support of a home rule petition for Boston, describing it as a way to strengthen accountability, improve city government performance, and complement the work of the Inspector General rather than duplicate it. Robert Muscali, chair of the Falmouth Select Board, supported H. 5107 and related bills, explaining that Falmouth seeks to change its town clerk from elected to appointed status so the town can quickly fill the position before upcoming elections and ensure smooth administration. He emphasized the urgency created by the expected retirement of the current clerk and the town’s large voter base. The Animal Rescue League of Boston and MSPCA representatives testified in support of H. 4849, a late-file bill addressing animal control and kennel regulation issues. They said the bill would update implementation of Ollie’s Law, improve reporting and enforcement, allow alternative identification for dogs in kennels instead of collars and tags, and strengthen the Massachusetts Animal Fund by permitting partial owner contributions and dedicating certain fines to the fund. Committee members asked about the claimed three-to-one return on spay/neuter spending and whether the bill would affect regional animal control arrangements; witnesses said it would not. Representatives from Plymouth then supported H. 4887, which would authorize a special revenue account to help the town acquire land for public uses such as open space, recreation, town buildings, and affordable housing. After no further testimony, the committee closed the hearing and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've had many operators, and I'll have somebody from the MSPCA, who works in our boarding section
• And then there's a handful of other sections, as Allie mentioned, that are just a couple of really technical
• But we'll pass in testimony a section-by-section breakdown, and happy to answer any questions.

Bills: H4738 , H4843 , H4844 , H4845 , H4849 , H4878 , H4887 , H4924 , H5052 , H5053 , S2878 , S2894 , S2897 , H5102 , H5107 , H5108 , H5109 , H5128 , H5136 , S2963 , S2956

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Keywords: Holyoke, City Council, municipal governance, special meetings, local government transparency, park land exchange, Lexington, public use, school committee, athletic fields, town administrator, employment authority, Wilbraham, local law, Uxbridge, public meeting notices, legal notices, municipal transparency, local government, digital publication

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply removes and updates sections of code related to the petroleum...
• It simply removes and updates sections of code related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, things
• It applies and amends, with basically two words, the retired re-employment section regarding PERSI members
• that have retired. ...section regarding PERSI members that have retired.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee heard several bills and resolutions and took action on each. RS 23-983, a dietician licensure compact, was introduced by Senator Cook; he said the compact has already been enacted in 15 states and would not give the compact authority over Idaho law or licensing standards. After questions about sovereignty, the committee voted to send it to print. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1265, a code cleanup measure tied to the DOGE Task Force that removes outdated provisions related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, and RS 33125, which would recognize a homeschool high school diploma as equivalent to a standard diploma or GED for professional and occupational licensing purposes. RS 33153, sponsored by Senator Nichols, would create Idaho consumer protection standards for paid assistance to veterans filing federal benefits claims, including disclosure, fee limits, and bans on deceptive practices; it was also sent to print. The committee approved minutes from February 3 and February 5, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1261, which would allow certain retired PERSI members appointed to fill elected local offices after a vacancy to keep their existing retirement benefits if they meet the bill’s conditions. Senator Lakey and Sheriff Getz said the measure is intended to treat appointed officials the same as elected ones in this context, and noted support from sheriffs, counties, cities, and no objection from PERSI. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1262, which would give insurance companies more flexibility in miscellaneous investments by replacing a confusing lesser-of standard with a clearer 10% of assets allowance. Senator Guthrie and United Heritage Life’s Jeff Niemeyer said the change would help insurers diversify, reduce risk, and potentially improve returns for policyholders; the Department of Insurance had no concerns. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply removes and updates sections of code related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, things
• It simply removes and updates sections of code related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, things
• It amends, with basically two words, the retired re-employment section regarding PERSI members that have
• retired. ...section regarding PERSI members that have retired.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you'll see, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, Section 5121 of that bill that was enacted
• So I'm just reading this, and on line 15 it says, section available for eligible juveniles.
• I'm just trying to understand because it sounds like under Section A, these are screening or diagnostic
• I'm just trying to understand because it sounds like under the Section A, these are screening or diagnostic

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from January 28 and 29 and then took up a previously held administrative rule docket from the Department of Health and Welfare on reportable diseases. Jared Larson said the rule mainly reorganizes existing provisions, with two substantive changes involving lead and hemorrhagic fevers. Members asked about the definition of a “suspected case,” and Dr. Christine Hahn explained that certain urgent diseases, such as measles or tuberculosis, may need to be reported before lab confirmation so public health can respond quickly. The committee voted to adopt the rule docket. The committee then heard RS 32849, which would direct the state to seek a federal waiver to provide 30 days of case management services for juveniles under 19 leaving state or local correctional settings, as required by federal law. Larson said the proposal is not discretionary, is subject to appropriation, and is intended to avoid possible Medicaid funding penalties. He estimated an ongoing general fund cost of about $311,000 and federal funds of about $635,000 if implemented in fiscal year 2028. Members questioned who qualifies as an eligible juvenile, whether youth with private insurance would be forced onto Medicaid, and what the potential CMS penalties might be if Idaho does not comply. Larson said the services would not require a switch from private insurance and that he could not yet specify the penalty amount. Representative Wheeler moved to introduce RS 32849, and the motion passed. Before adjourning, the chair said House Bill 497 would be held while the committee waits for more information about concerns being discussed on the Senate side. The committee also noted it would likely meet at 8:30 a.m. on Friday because the floor session is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 288, an act proposing an amendment to Section 32 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating
• proposing<00:13:04.160><c> an</c><00:13:04.320><c> amendment</c><00:13:04.639><c> to</c><00:13:04.800><c> section
• </c><00:13:05.200><c> 32</c><00:13:05.680><c> of</c> proposing an amendment to section 32 of proposing
• an amendment to section 32 of the<00:13:06.000><c> Constitution</c><00:13:06.560><c> of</c><00:13:06.800

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 06:52 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 11:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 12:27 Adjournment 23:47, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 923.425 makes installing, placing, or using a tracking device or application on another person's
• devices or tracking applications, punishable as a second-degree felony, when a person who violates the section
• does so in furtherance of a dangerous crime, as defined in Section 907.041.
• We worked with our friends at the real property section of the Florida Bar to eliminate the ability—I'm

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and considered five bills, all of which were reported favorably. The committee first heard SB 1168 by Senator Leek, which increases the penalty for unlawfully installing or using a tracking device or app on another person’s property when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; an amendment broadened the bill to cover both furtherance of and commission of such crimes. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then approved SB 1286 by Senator Grall, clarifying that parents allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities like biking, walking, or playing outside does not by itself constitute child harm or neglect unless the conduct is reckless and endangers the child. That bill also passed without opposition. The committee next took up CS for SB 1198 by Senator DiCeglie, creating a new statute addressing fraudulent use of gift cards and setting penalties and guidelines for such conduct. Several organizations and businesses, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Walgreens, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 774 by Senator Wright, which requires clerks of court to electronically transmit certain involuntary mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection order paperwork to the county sheriff within six business hours after entry; the bill was presented in response to a fatal delay in serving an ex parte order in Volusia County. An amendment clarified the six-hour requirement applies to business hours, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 806 by Senator Yarbrough, which clarifies that the Florida Attorney General is the exclusive public official with standing to assert the rights of qualified beneficiaries in Florida charitable trusts. Senator Ruson raised concerns about whether the bill could limit out-of-state attorneys general and potentially affect litigation over trust distributions, but said he would support the bill while continuing discussions before Rules. The committee adopted the bill and it was reported favorably. Senator Simon later asked to be recorded in support of SB 1168 and SB 1286, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'M LOUISE SAINT LAURENT AND I AM HERE IN MY CAPACITY AS THE CHAIR OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW SECTION OF FLORIDA
• BUT ON THE BEHALF OF THE SECTION THERE ARE THREE ITEMS THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THAT WE THINK MAY REQUIRE
• AND WE ALSO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS ADDRESSED IN SECTION 120 52 SUB 20 WHICH WOULD BE AN UNADOPTED RULE
• SUBSECTION THAT ALLOWS A CHALLENGE BY A PERSON ON THE GROUND THAT THE AGENCY DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE NEW SECTION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to highlight two articles in particular or sections.
• Article 3, Section 5 creates the social media consumer data tax.
• </c><00:41:08.520><c> Article</c><00:41:08.880><c> 3,</c> in particular or sections.
• Article 3, in particular or sections.
• :10.400><c> social</c><00:41:10.760><c> media</c> Section 5 creates the social media Section 5 creates

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns. Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance. Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.