Transcript Highlights:

• Most cases are determined by a parole panel of 3, where a majority.
• Are deter where a majority is required to either grant or deny parole.
• So the majority are doing the right thing. Thank you. Chair recognizes Representative Harris.
• majority of those are assaults on TJJD staff.
• It just takes a majority to get them moved up to the next level to be evaluated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unlike most DOTs, our state highway fund dollars... make up the majority of TxDOT's funding.
• We refer to it as the UTP, it is a 10-year plan for construction and major maintenance projects around
• So there's the federal gas tax portion that makes up the majority of the funding from.
• I mean, it is a major, major problem. Thank you. Thank you. Stephen, will you do me a favor?
• At the Army, we've completed... well over 10 projects, some of the major projects.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The last thing is—of the four major things—there are a few other things in there, but the four major
• things... ...the four major things.
• So, those are the major components that make up the bill.
• All the things—the prescription drug costs—are a major, major part of that.
• My question was going to be: what is the major difference between the two bills?

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the overwhelming majority said that they would engage.
• And the overwhelming majority said that they would engage.
• But when it comes to applying it, thinking of our three counties, major—I mean, it doesn't really matter
• Major improvements with access to the airport, those kinds of improvements are important to everyone
• regardless of which jurisdiction you represent. our three counties major I mean it doesn't really matter

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• different types of institutions that we have, we have 132 separate facilities that comprise our 49 major
• institutions, associated annexes, work camps, community... ...major institutions, associated annexes
• So your major institutions, when you're considering them, they're kind of like a small town.
• The majority of the people that we supervise report to the office monthly.
• The majority of the people that we supervise report to the office monthly.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's been a major development.
• So that's been a major development.
• Johnson continued that the major concern may have an impact on the fiscal note, because if the intent
• Johnson said that the grand majority of interagency meetings, if they were to include these meetings,
• He said if the intent of the bill is to cover major conversations about big decisions, a lot of those

Bills: HF390, HF1202, HF550

Keywords: government data, data practices, record keeping, penalties, legal enforcement, public meetings, transparency, government accountability, interagency groups, Minnesota Statutes, redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• major a major shortfall major major a major shortfall major shortcoming.<01:51:58.000> And
• Majority Floor Leader. I >> Thank you, Mr. Majority Floor Leader.
• Majority Floor.
• Majority Floor Leader. Uh... >> Thank you, Mr. Majority Floor Leader.
• >> Majority floor leader. >> Majority floor leader.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• major major 21st century manufacturing major major 21st century manufacturing zone.
• <03:33:21.200> 21st<03:33:22.399> century within a major 21st century within a major
• major 21st century manufacturing zone. major 21st century manufacturing zone.
• <04:03:52.560> 21st local governing body to be a major 21st local governing body to be a major
• <04:19:49.840> 21st body has determined to be a major 21st body has determined to be a major

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we looked at major U.S. K-12 publishers, and nine of the majors have both print and digital.
• So that's the question we put to ChatGPT in various ways: major publishers.
• One of my major concerns is once kids One of my major concerns is once kids get into middle school and
• I've taught in Seattle, South Korea, and Wyoming for the majority of that time.
• Um, but the majority of the students I work with just do not do homework.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:24.559> events visitors annually through major events visitors annually through major
• Uh, I just had a cousin who made a command sergeant major and is there.
• Uh, I just had a cousin who made a command sergeant major and is there.
• Uh, I just had a cousin who made a command sergeant major and is there.
• Uh, I just had a cousin who made a command sergeant major and is there.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:12 Roll Call: 00:00:21 Visit Jessamine - Making an Impact: 00:03:15 Fort Knox Update & Impact: 00:27:20, 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the September minutes and heard two presentations focused on tourism and economic development. First, Visit Jessamine and local winery representatives described Jessamine County’s tourism branding, visitor center renovation at the old jail in Nicholasville, wayfinding signs, kiosks, murals, and the Jessamine Wine and Spirits Trail. They said Kentucky tourism generates more than $1 billion in taxes and $14.3 billion in economic impact statewide, and that Jessamine County tourism generates about $6.2 million in taxes and $87 million in economic impact. They emphasized that the wine trail and related events, including the Kentucky Wine and Vine Festival, draw repeat visitors, support surrounding counties, and attract visitors from across the country and overseas. Committee members praised the presentation and discussed local events such as Halloween activities in Nicholasville and Wilmore and the Great Jessamine Pumpkin event. The committee also received prepared comments on Fort Knox from Lance O’Brien of the Knox Regional Development Alliance after a Fort Knox representative could not attend because of the federal government shutdown. The remarks highlighted Fort Knox’s role as a military installation, economic engine, tourism draw, and workforce partner. The presentation cited an estimated $5.6 billion in annual output, about $1.3 billion in payroll, more than 60,000 retirees and veterans in the surrounding area, and roughly 11,000 to 13,000 soldiers stationed there at a time. It also noted major tourism-related activity such as Cadet Summer Training, the National Raider Challenge, and the George Patton Museum, along with more than $484 million in small-business contracts in fiscal year 2025 and Fort Knox’s role in IT and cybersecurity. Members discussed the importance of tourism revenue, out-of-state visitors, and the broader economic impact of both Jessamine County and Fort Knox.

Transcript Highlights:

• The majority members vote aye.
• So America has spoken over the majority of the popular vote and a majority of the Electoral College went
• <01:16:01.040> of America has spoken over um majority of America has spoken over um majority
• Madam Speaker, on the measure before us, all majority members vote aye.
• <01:20:49.320> members measure before us all majority members measure before us all majority

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The remaining sections of the booklet outline the major themes.
• So one is outline the major themes.
• <01:06:42.000> of when you dealing with uh the majority of when you dealing with uh the majority
• So, it's not a real major source of infrastructure funding.
• So, it's not a real major million.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Act 279 working group met for an informational briefing with DHHL on its use of the $600 million appropriation and progress on the department’s implementation plan. The chair reviewed the working group’s oversight role, noting that it was created to monitor expenditures, project development, and progress toward reducing the Hawaiian Homes waitlist, and that the group must submit a progress report before the 2026 session and a final report before the 2027 session. DHHL said it had provided an updated booklet reflecting the Hawaiian Homes Commission’s February 2024 recommendations and a detailed accounting of encumbrances and project progress across the islands. DHHL highlighted several implementation themes: innovative financing and construction methods, land acquisitions and exchanges, technology, beneficiary services, and partnerships with counties and private entities. The department described a “project lease” model that gives beneficiaries access to a project rather than a specific lot, with options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder, self-help, or rent-to-purchase arrangements depending on financial qualification. Officials said this approach is intended to serve lower-income beneficiaries, expand access for people on the waitlist, and allow beneficiaries to receive support services such as financial literacy and down payment assistance. The department reported that roughly $511 million had been encumbered for infrastructure, about $152.8 million for acquisitions, financing, and beneficiary services, and about $36 million in other covered costs, with about $588.9 million encumbered as of December 31 and about $120 million expected to be spent by that date. Officials said the original implementation plan covered about 2,722 units, while the updated plan projects roughly 6,000 to 7,000 leases and 2,472 lots to be occupied. They also described phase-two needs for additional funding, including projects on Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Oʻahu, and said they would need continued legislative support, including possible bonding and private activity bond set-asides, to complete remaining projects. Members discussed the distinction between encumbered and spent funds, and DHHL explained that encumbrances reserve money for specific contracts while construction spending occurs over time through progress payments. The department also showcased examples of innovative projects, including a high-rise project in urban Honolulu financed through a mix of private activity bonds, tax credits, and state funds, and an acquisition-based project in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi using multiple funding sources. DHHL emphasized partnerships with the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County, and said it is still assessing future projects to keep infrastructure costs manageable and ensure homes are safe and affordable for beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amanda Cochran McCall, and Major Ralph Oland. I hope I pronounce that correctly. Ms.
• I'm a major with the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division.
• Great, Major, just follow... Great, Major.
• And I believe there's a huge, vast silent majority who's craving that.
• And I believe there's a huge vast silent majority who's craving for that.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Private landowners play a major role in advancing conservation in Minnesota.
• Private landowners play a major role in advancing conservation in Minnesota.
• Private landowners play a major role in advancing conservation in Minnesota.
• <00:54:39.440> Financial easements one of the major Financial easements one of the major Financial
• uh this uh item is I think of major uh this uh item is I think of major importance<01:04:06.319>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this is a major problem for the urban hubs.
• So, um, it is a major problem. It will continue to be a major problem.
• problem it will continue to be a a major problem it will continue to be a major<04:07:59.640> problem
• Yeah, there's no majority report, no minority report until January.
• don't have that yeah there's no majority don't have that yeah there's no majority report<04:26:31.560

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a work session on revenue estimates and reviewed updated spreadsheet pages for several tax categories, using prior agreements and new testimony to refine FY 2025-2027 estimates. Early discussion covered insurance tax estimates, where members reviewed a letter from the insurance commissioner saying he was comfortable with the numbers provided; the committee accepted those estimates without opposition. Members also discussed utility property tax, with testimony about recent infrastructure buildout, tariffs, depreciation, and the difficulty of forecasting future growth. After debate over whether to use the average of high and low estimates or lean lower, the committee unanimously adopted the utility property tax numbers. The committee then turned to real estate transfer tax and communications tax. For real estate transfer tax, members cited county input, housing market conditions, interest rates, lumber costs, and uncertainty about future policy; they agreed to use the averages and adopted those estimates unanimously. For communications tax, members noted the decline in landline-based revenue and the shift to data services. After discussion of whether to use the low estimate or the average, the committee settled on the average with a small rounding-down adjustment when the figure ended in .5, and adopted the numbers unanimously. The chair also clarified that these estimates remain subject to change until the final resolution is adopted. The committee next accepted interest and dividends estimates as presented, with members noting the decline in that revenue source and the lack of additional information beyond the department’s analysis. Finally, the committee began discussing tobacco tax revenue, with members noting long-term declines in smoking, offsetting effects from out-of-state sales, and a suggestion to take a slightly conservative approach by reducing the average by 0.5. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, so no final vote on tobacco is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought what would be a two or three page bill has turned into a major bill.
• I thought what would be a two or three page bill has turned into a major bill.
• I thought what would be a two or three page bill has turned into a major bill.
• I thought what would be a two or three page bill has turned into a major bill.
• I thought what would be a two or three page bill has turned into a major bill.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Majority Leader Carbone. Yes, Mr.
• Majority Leader Carbone. Yes, Mr.
• Majority Leader Carbone, Mr.
• The Majority Whip moves the committee amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Majority, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, please.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She's majoring in public policy and minoring in philosophy.
• She's<00:21:43.600> majoring<00:21:44.000> in<00:21:44.159> public<00:21:44.480>
• policy<00:21:44.880> and She's majoring in public policy and She's majoring in public
• Majority leader moved so be considered the reading of the bond initiatives.
• majority leader. majority leader. >> Thank<00:32:42.240> you,<00:32:42.480> Mr.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dorene Robinson of Weman Memorial AM Church in Baltimore, followed by a quorum call showing 41 members present. The chamber then spent much of the session recognizing guests and visitors, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Morgan State Choir, the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, students from several schools, faith leaders, and other community guests. Several senators also introduced personal guests and offered birthday recognitions, including Mrs. Eliza May Robinson and the Secretary of the Senate. On the legislative side, Senate Bill 988 on judicial facilities, stops, detention, and arrest limitation rules was introduced and referred to the Rules Committee. Bond initiatives were also read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The chamber took up Senate Bill 108 on wetlands enforcement, but the minority leader said members still had questions, and the bill was special ordered until Friday without objection. The Senate also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Winston Churchill High School varsity golf team for winning the 2025 4A/3A Maryland State Golf Championship, including recognition of senior captain Zoe Kusak’s individual title. Another resolution congratulated Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, North Atlantic Region, for its advocacy and community service. The session ended after committee schedule announcements and a motion to adjourn until the next day, with the Senate agreeing to adjourn until Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I live in Las Vegas, but my district covers the majority of San Miguel and parts of half of Torrance
• So we have oversight really on a lot of the major purchases.
• Now, DOIT takes care of, I think, six major sites or six major websites out there.
• Finally, I want to leave you with some recommended actions that will allow you to take control of major
• Can't say it enough; I'm just telling you how a super majority of the private sector works here.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:29.680> Major the store being replaced. Major the store being replaced.
• Major renovation<00:08:30.800> to<00:08:31.039> the<00:08:31.199> campsite<00:08
• Other life safety projects include updates and repair to fire sprinkler systems and major repairs to
• major repairs to<00:18:53.600> lodge<00:18:54.160> elevators.
• State park beaches are a major draw, allowing recreation and enjoyment for our guests.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection received a detailed update from Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Meyer on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. He said the department is making steady progress on a large portfolio of park improvements, with regular quarterly reporting to the legislature and ongoing coordination with the Finance Cabinet, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and local utilities and governments. He emphasized that ADA accessibility is a priority across projects and noted that many completed items, including campground bathhouse renovations, broadband upgrades, life safety improvements, playground replacements, and some furniture and mattress upgrades, are already drawing positive feedback. The presentation focused heavily on campground, utility, and infrastructure work. Meyer described $40 million in campground upgrades split between western and eastern Kentucky, including projects at Ken Lake, Carter Caves, My Old Kentucky Home, Cumberland Falls, and others. He also outlined $20 million in utility improvements, including a federal matching grant for grid resiliency at Ken Lake and Kentucky Dam Village, plus wastewater and electrical infrastructure work at parks such as Dale Hollow, Blue Licks, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls. Additional categories included building systems, life safety, structural repairs, accommodations and hospitality upgrades, pool and beach work, dam safety, playgrounds, and golf course improvements. Members asked about the status of Lake Barkley utilities, the possibility of transferring upgraded utility infrastructure to local providers after repairs, and how park repair priorities are set. Meyer said park managers report issues through regional directors and that projects are prioritized through a running capital list, similar to a long-range transportation plan. He said the department has already spent the current $20 million allocation and is requesting $40 million in the next budget cycle, adding that the department believes it could spend and complete projects if that amount is appropriated. The commissioner also said the department is managing 284 additional capital projects outside the main funding streams, totaling nearly $70 million.