Video & Transcript : 'governor powers' :

Page 260 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • just interpreting that. 82 didn't give you consent and so therefore you're violating separations of power
  • to file criminal charges in district court and that is the key here is that there is a separation powers
  • of election law. 255 say that it was unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution separation of powers
  • Such an interpretation would exempt the attorney general from explicit separation of powers limitation
  • The legislature has violated the separation of powers doctrine because we are not aware of any other
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Feb 16th, 2026 at 07:10 pm

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Very important, very powerful individual.
  • safeguards as far as the powers of the investigators.
  • Speaker, when that discernment is located at a seat of power far away from how its powers would be implemented
  • Powers is in the selective use of those powers.
  • Other states courting data centers offer firm, affordable power.
Summary: The House first took up House Bill 2156, which would expand the Attorney General’s investigative authority, especially for organized retail crime and related economic and financial crimes. Members debated a series of amendments on training standards, background checks, warrant service, scope limits, and definitions. Some amendments were adopted, including provisions clarifying electronic service of search warrants, background-check expectations, decertification standards, and a definition of economic and financial crimes; others were rejected or ruled out of scope. The bill was then amended, advanced, and passed 54-43. The House then considered several other measures. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2219 on child care operational efficiency passed overwhelmingly after amendments addressing opioid-related safety standards in licensed child care settings. House Bill 2124, adjusting the lump-sum retirement allowance threshold, passed unanimously. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, dealing with permanent supportive housing, traditional housing, and indoor emergency shelters, was amended to add local notice, transparency, community meeting, and siting protections, then passed 56-40. The chamber also passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1784, which updates certified medical assistant supervision rules for diagnostic radiologic procedures, by 96-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2523, codifying the Community Reinvestment Program, passed 88-9 after amendments adding accountability and local-government provisions. House Bill 2113, clarifying supervision authority for diagnostic radiologic procedures in rural hospitals, passed 97-0. House Bill 2632, modernizing statutory terminology by replacing “alien” with “non-citizen,” passed 58-39. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476, expanding theater seating rules for venues serving alcohol, passed 81-50. The House then began House Bill 2320 on regulating firearms manufacturing involving 3D printing and CNC milling; several narrowing amendments were rejected, a striking amendment was adopted, and debate continued with supporters citing ghost-gun risks and opponents raising constitutional concerns.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • The alert system does not depend on the school's power, meaning that even with a power outage, the system
  • will work because it has its own power structure, without needing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
  • We will hear from our Kentucky Governor, Elliot Chapel. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • This past fall I was elected as the incoming governor of the Kentucky Youth Assembly.
  • But if this bill passes both chambers and is signed by the governor, then it would go into effect.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first took up House Bill 14, which would establish Alyssa’s Law in Kentucky public schools. The bill, as amended by committee substitute, would allow districts to implement wearable panic alert systems for school staff beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Sponsor Rep. Kevin Jackson and supporters described the system as a silent badge/button that can alert school offices, 911, first responders, and other personnel, with different button sequences for different emergencies. Testimony from Lori Alade, Alyssa’s mother and founder of Make Our Schools Safe, emphasized that “time equals life” and said the technology can help in active threats, medical emergencies, weather events, and other urgent situations. Students from St. Margaret Mary’s Kentucky Youth Assembly also supported the bill, citing the Georgia school shooting response as an example of how such systems can save lives. Members asked about vendor neutrality, costs, training, and whether the system could be used off campus; sponsors said the bill is intended to be vendor neutral, estimated statewide costs ranged from about $2 million to $6 million, training would be provided before the school year, and they would follow up on the off-campus question. The committee approved HB 14 with the committee substitute attached. The committee then reconsidered and approved House Bill 48, a cleanup measure related to school reporting requirements. The substitute was described as addressing department concerns about eliminating certain reporting forms while preserving district flexibility and reducing burdensome reporting. It would allow schools to maintain or use alternative reporting methods, provide KDE a timeline and guidelines for reporting on Cognia software used for CPS and C-dips, and require a written report to the LRC describing reporting requirements imposed on public schools and districts, with items not reapproved by the legislature sunsetting in 2026. The bill passed the committee with the committee substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 190, as amended by committee substitute, which would shift the measure from a planning-and-action bill to a planning-only bill for advanced coursework and codify some gifted-student regulations. Rep. Duvall and Dr. Julia Link Roberts of WKU said the bill is intended to expand opportunities for high-potential students by requiring districts to set policies on advanced coursework or accelerated learning options for grades 4 through 12. The substitute changes the standard from “proficient” to “distinguished,” allows districts flexibility in how they implement the policies, and may require automatic enrollment for students scoring distinguished, with opt-out provisions and a principal exception if coursework conflicts with career pathways or CTE access. Members discussed how the proposal differs from current advanced programs, the broader inclusion of students, and district variation in available opportunities. No final vote on HB 190 was included in the transcript excerpt.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Transcript Highlights:
  • None of our great economic engines have been powered by the private sector alone.
  • It would work under the direction of the governor and be coordinated through the military department.
  • So I think, like the governor indicated, it is state of the state.
  • So I think, like the governor indicated, it is state of the state.
  • I don't anticipate the governor overriding our primary federal mission.
Bills: HB2357 , HB2365 , HB2446
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And so, I want to thank the governor for recognizing the importance.
  • I also applaud the Governor for continuing to highlight those programs.
  • I'd like to I express my appreciation to the governor for reducing our cut.
  • We want to thank the governor, members of this committee, committee consultants.
  • It might be a different governor when the repayments come due.
Keywords: 988, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (01/20/2026)

Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, as I did governor and council.
  • </c><02:00:58.639><c> The</c><02:00:58.880><c> governor</c><02:00:59.920><c> signs</c> from the governor
  • The governor signs from the governor.
  • We have a nuclear power plant. The power plant needs an evacuation plan.
  • In the power plant needs uh plant. In the power plant needs uh evacuation<04:03:08.640><c> plan.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House passes bill to fund enhanced security at State Capitol, courtrooms 5/6/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This moment is about doing everything in our power, everything in our power to restore public trust,
  • </c><00:22:49.440><c> of</c><00:22:49.600><c> Minnesota</c><00:22:50.159><c> can</c> governor of the
  • </c><00:26:45.520><c> to</c> in our power, everything in our power to in our power, everything in our
  • </c> everything in our power everything in our power to<01:05:53.599><c> lead</c><01:05:53.839><c> for
  • I hope we can go further on governor. I hope we can go further on that.
Keywords: 1183, house
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/15/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Calendar, business on the President's desk, communications from the governor.
  • Sincerely, Katie Hodge, Governor, State of Arizona.
  • The Secretary, please record the action and notify the governor. Committee to hold number one. Mr.
  • Bill 2457, an act amending Title 40, Chapter 2, Article 6.2, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to power
  • The Secretary is directed to record the action and transmit the bill to the governor.
Keywords: 1182, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Higher Education and Workforce Development Mar 3rd, 2026

Higher Education and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • I thought it was quite serendipitous to have the governor on the gallery this morning, and I asked him
  • I don't know for sure, but I know when I talked with the governor earlier, he was quite excited that
  • I think so long as the occupation is qualified by the governor and the Board of Commissioners or the
  • That is, from as I read the statute, it's the governor and this new board—not, I mean, we're revamping
  • That is from, as I read the statute, it's the governor and this new board, not—I mean, we're revamping
Keywords: 959, house, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • And I'll just add, when it's election year for governors, most all the governors agree with doing this
  • And I'll just add, when it's election year for governors, most all the governors agree with doing this
  • Why don't you do what we did under Governor DeSantis?'
  • Why don't you do what we did under Governor DeSantis?'
  • Additionally, the bill reassigns power to the board to define from where its members are elected and
Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of House bills, mostly on third-read consent calendars, covering appropriations, elections, education, public safety, water, taxation, and criminal justice. Early discussion included HB 2148, which would give the Legislature authority to appropriate non-custodial federal funds, described by the sponsor as a transparency measure. Other measures included HB 2091 on insurance assessment limits, HB 2122 on BTR reciprocity/endorsement clarifications, HB 2138 on firefighters’ workers’ compensation coverage, HB 2008 barring public school libraries from using public funds to pay certain professional associations, HB 2110 allowing prayer at public governing body meetings on request, and HB 2142 creating a School Safety Center at ADE with up to 10% of program funds for administration. The caucus also heard several parental-rights and elections bills. HB 2249 would expand the parents’ bill of rights to require notice if school staff facilitate a minor’s social transitioning and to allow parents access to complete educational records, with penalties for interference. HB 2022 would conform Arizona election deadlines and the primary date to federal law changes affecting military and overseas voters, with sponsors saying it preserves the 2024 timeline and includes emergency and permanent fixes. HCM 2001 urged the President and Congress to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, and HCM 2002 was discussed as a related measure concerning CARE and congressional review/designation efforts; members debated the legal differences between the two memorials. A major portion of the meeting focused on HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election rules. The sponsor said it would require U.S. citizenship to vote, government ID to register, prohibit foreign contributions, end early voting by the Friday before Election Day, and tighten ballot-return and polling-place rules, framing it as an Arizona Secure Elections Act modeled on Florida reforms. Members asked about ballot-return mechanics and the impact on voters who move, and the sponsor said the measure would require periodic address confirmation for early voters and earlier drop-off deadlines for certain ballots. The caucus also reviewed many water bills, including measures on snowpack augmentation, water conservation grant disclosures and eligible uses, stormwater recharge mapping, cesspool remediation, groundwater withdrawal limits in irrigation non-expansion areas, and a $1 million appropriation for Colorado River litigation. Additional bills covered tax and property issues, criminal penalties, and other policy changes. These included HB 2016 eliminating late-filing penalties when no tax is owed, HB 2104 and HB 2105 protecting agricultural property owners from repeated reclassification and requiring notice before inspections, and HB 2289 updating truth-in-taxation pamphlet examples to reflect $100,000 and $400,000 home values instead of outdated figures. The caucus also heard bills on felony murder involving unborn children, disposal of dead bodies, unlawful flight penalties, weapons trafficking, fentanyl trafficking, child support during pregnancy, and a memorial for the Buffalo Soldiers. No formal votes were taken in the transcript excerpt; the meeting consisted primarily of bill presentations, sponsor explanations, and member questions, with several bills noted as removed from the consent calendar or awaiting further consideration.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session May 29th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The following message is from the governor. The secretary will read the message.
  • Respectfully submitted, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, to nominations.
  • Again, thanks to the Lieutenant Governor, the Governor, and of course Representative Smithee, who's here
  • Of course, I have to thank the governor too, who is highly involved in this process.
  • You hold great power, and I understand you have to consider the rights of the defendant.
Bills: SJR5 , SJR27 , SB4 , SB6 , SB7 , SB9 , SB13 , SB15 , SB23 , SB27 , SB30 , SB40 , SB57 , SB66 , SB140 , SB268 , SB293 , SB331 , SB413 , SB437 , SB447 , SB457 , SB467 , SB506 , SB510 , SB512 , SB568 , SB571 , SB650 , SB710 , SB763 , SB785 , SB800 , SB850 , SB863 , SB865 , SB904 , SB905 , SB973 , SB974 , SB1191 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1362 , SB1494 , SB1504 , SB1522 , SB1540 , SB1567 , SB1579 , SB1580 , SB1610 , SB1660 , SB1723 , SB1760 , SB1838 , SB1923 , SB1946 , SB1957 , SB1964 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2217 , SB2221 , SB2321 , SB2337 , SB2368 , SB2373 , SB2407 , SB2431 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2753 , SB2807 , SB2900 , SB2965 , SB2972 , SB2986 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3059 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB8 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB21 , SB30 , SB37 , SB260 , SB268 , SB331 , SB379 , SB441 , SB447 , SB457 , SB509 , SB650 , SB763 , SB1198 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1566 , SB1610 , SB1637 , SB1660 , SB1833 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2155 , SB2217 , SB2308 , SB2337 , SB2601 , SB2753 , SB2778 , SB2878 , SB2900 , SB3059 , HB4 , HB145 , HB300 , HB493 , HB2011 , HB2067 , HB2516 , HB2525 , HB2885 , HB2974 , HB3071 , HB3372 , HB3595 , HB5138 , HB5246 , HB796 , HB1523 , HB5294 , HB748 , HB3395 , HB180 , HB3171 , HB4690 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB5694 , HB 1135 , HB3225 , HB186 , HB1449 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB4233 , HB 1094 , HB3336 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB2399 , HB 111 , HB3483 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB632 , HB4730 , HB 127 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB3385 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB20 , HB 123 , HB549 , HB5606 , HB2594 , HB 1057 , HB3664 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HB20 , HB 127 , HB549 , HB 1094 , HB2594 , HB2731 , HB4233 , HB4690 , SR625 , HCR167 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB6 , SB9 , SB23 , SB40 , SB13 , SB15 , SB30 , SB268 , SB331 , SB447 , SB457 , SB568 , SB650 , SB763 , SB1540 , SB1610 , SB1660 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2217 , SB2337 , SB2753 , SB2900 , SB2972 , SB3059 , HB4 , HB145 , HB493 , HB2067 , HB2516 , HB2885 , HB2974 , HB3071 , HB3372 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB5138
Summary: The meeting centered around the discussions of several key bills, notably HB4233, which aims to align Texas's money transmission licensing and auditing requirements with federal regulations. Senator Parker led the discussion, emphasizing the need for consumer protections around cryptocurrency kiosks that have become targets for fraud, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as seniors. The meeting also saw lively debates on HB20, designed to reintegrate technical education into high schools, addressing skills shortages in the workforce. The bills were well received, with strong bipartisan support evident in the votes.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Human Services - 01/22/25

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • <c> and</c><00:15:24.639><c> so</c><00:15:24.839><c> it</c><00:15:24.959><c> is</c> discretionary powers
  • and so it is discretionary powers and so it is something<00:15:25.600><c> where</c><00:15:26.240><c>
  • The governor asked all of us to come up with the things that would help our agencies do a better job,
  • I wish the governor didn't say we didn't have enough tools, and so it's like he's got to rely on the
  • </c> industry lobbying for increased power industry lobbying for increased power over<01:53:06.679><c
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/25/2026)

Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:07:01.440><c> for</c> has nominated me to the governor for has nominated me to the governor for
  • <00:12:21.440><c> get</c> years. the governor can't seem to get years. the governor can't seem to get
  • It protects power.
  • >> They're appointed by the governor.
  • >> They're appointed by the governor.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/15/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Calendar, business on the President's desk, communications from the governor.
  • Senate Calendar, business on the President's desk, communications from the governor.
  • Sincerely, Katie Hodge, Governor, State of Arizona.
  • The Secretary, please record the action and notify the governor.
  • The Secretary is directed to record the action and transmit the bill to the governor.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions recognizing Maricopa County Community Colleges Day at the Capitol, the Doctor of the Day, Glendale Community College leadership, and other visitors. The chamber also received a gubernatorial communication withdrawing Holly Prangman’s nomination to the State Board of Psychologist Examiners. The body then considered multiple bills in Committee of the Whole. Measures advanced included HB 2342 on planned communities/HOA-related provisions, HB 2456 on small modular reactors and energy siting, HB 2457 on power plant and transmission line siting, HB 2752 on Commerce Authority trade offices, and HB 2923 on mental health court-ordered treatment, with several floor amendments adopted. Additional bills were also advanced from later calendars, including HB 2249 on parents’ bill of rights remedies, HB 2482 on school facilities and building renewal grants, HB 2895 on Native American language instruction certification, HB 2661 and HB 2662 on family law/parenting issues, HB 2793 on annexation procedures, HB 2805 on electronic signatures and nomination petitions, HB 467 on voter registration status, HCM 2005 on foreign government property ownership, HCM 2006 on Endangered Species Act reform, HB 2641 on PFAS firefighting foam prohibition, HB 2673 on incarcerated persons and mental illness treatment, HB 2745 on legislative subpoena/contempt, HB 2763 on shooting range closure conditions, and HCM 2011 on Mexican wolf delisting. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several measures. HB 2035 on child welfare and placement passed 17-10, with senators citing concerns about kinship care definitions and LGBTQ exclusions. HB 2109, HB 2189, HB 2244, HB 2440, HB 2594, and HB 2932 all passed by varying margins, and HCM 2007 on renaming State Route 69 also passed. HCR 2059, supporting county sheriffs, passed after debate over the “supreme constitutional authority” language, with some senators objecting to what they described as a conspiratorial framing and others defending sheriffs’ constitutional role. SB 1503 on first responders’ state death benefits passed with the required emergency and supermajority votes, and HB 2342 and HB 2456 later passed on third reading. The Senate also agreed to a free conference committee on HB 2000 and adjourned until April 16, 2026, after announcing several conference committee meetings.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 1st, 2026

Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • go through the Senate if passed through the House, and then as a resolution there, then on to the governor
  • I would mention the lieutenant governor.
  • You may have noticed that the lieutenant governor just yesterday had a press release that he's doing
  • And a number of years ago, we started working with Governor Parson and Lieutenant Governor Kehoe's staff
  • I attended meetings with Governor Kehoe's staff, University of Missouri officials, and other educators
Summary: The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2722, then voted the bill do pass by a roll call vote of 13 yes and 2 no. The sponsor explained that the substitute clarified the roles of liaisons for foster care students, McKinney-Vento students, and unaccompanied youth in higher education, and added language to avoid conflicting with Missouri law on public benefits for non-citizens. Members also discussed the fiscal note, which was expected to be minimal or not yet available until after committee reporting. The committee then heard House Bills 3483 and 3532, sponsored by Representatives Prouty and Pollitt, which would require the General Assembly to create Missouri-specific educational materials about how the state legislative process works and how a bill becomes law. Supporters, including legislators, teachers, students, and social studies coordinators, said the materials would help students understand Missouri government, civic engagement, and the differences between state and federal lawmaking. Several witnesses suggested the materials should be tailored by grade level, with third grade and high school mentioned as likely targets, and some members raised questions about drafting, implementation, and the estimated fiscal note. One witness spoke in opposition, saying only that he opposed the bill in the spirit of civil discourse. Finally, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 31, sponsored by Representative Martin, which would establish a Missouri seal of civic recognition for students who demonstrate civic knowledge, participation, and service. The sponsor described a tiered recognition system tied to coursework, civic engagement, and community or military service, administered through DESE and the existing civics and patriotic work group. Members asked about the resolution format, the role of the work group, how schools would track eligibility, and whether the measure should be narrowed to high school graduation before expanding to younger grades. Supporters, including a retired educator and civic education advocates, said the seal could encourage stronger civic learning and student engagement, while one coalition witness urged a streamlined, merit-based model and local district flexibility. The committee took no final action on the latter two measures during the hearing and adjourned after testimony.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 1st, 2026

Elementary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would mention the Lieutenant Governor.
  • You may have noticed that the Lieutenant Governor just yesterday had a press release that he's doing
  • think it’s going to be our sixth or seventh. actually past coroner of Perry County, worked with governors
  • A number of years ago, we started working with Governor Parsons and Lieutenant Governor Kehoe’s staff
  • the opportunity to work with this committee to make the Missouri Seal of Civic Recognition a more powerful
Keywords: 959, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jun 25th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • family member with DD, um, you know, as we understand more about what it means as we have leaders in power
  • Anything out there, um, and you know manager was in this uh conversation with the governor that there
  • Our members are appointed by the governor, um, and every DD council must have over 60% of its council
  • Thank you, Madam Chair, Senator DC participates in the tribal convenings that we have that the governor
  • Uh, basically, the short is, in January, the governor released her budget, asked for $331 million for
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is what about is political power.
  • ,</c> munitions, missile defense, naval power, munitions, missile defense, naval power, funding<03:14
  • </c> and shelter, as well as to restore power and shelter, as well as to restore power and<04:37:16.240
  • We also need nuclear power.
  • </c> energy projects that could have powered energy projects that could have powered 13<05:00:38.958>
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Senate in Session Feb 26th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Other messages from the governor or other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
  • In the Book of Esther, chapter 4, around the 14th verse, I believe there's a powerful interrogative that
  • Maybe you were placed where you are inside of power itself for this exact moment.
  • Our unity is our power, and we can make a difference when we find common ground and work to achieve it
  • And the data centers today will be much smaller tomorrow and much more powerful.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no weekend conference. The chamber then took up a long special-order calendar of bills, generally moving each measure through third reading and final passage, often by substituting House companion bills. Early measures included trust law modernization (SB 786/HB 895), military affairs changes and Guard retirement corrections (SB 474), rounding rules for cash transactions as pennies phase out (SB 1074), podiatric medicine regulation and informed-consent requirements (SB 1092), veterans court expansion (SB 50/HB 199), RV park special assessment clarification (SB 118), concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile offenses on military installations (SB 502/HB 351), alcoholic beverage loss deductions (SB 678/HB 1137), and bail bond/pretrial release revisions (SB 600). Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously; SB 600 passed 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and an amendment aligning with the House version and prosecutors’ concerns. The Senate also considered bills on portable electronics and eyewear insurance (SB 772), the linking industry to nursing education fund and health science workforce programs (SB 1246), recovery residences and behavioral health licensing (SB 1030, with a technical amendment on background checks and probationary licenses), felony battery enhancements for repeat offenders and offenses against law enforcement (SB 436), and child welfare changes including foster-home visitor screening, a permanent statewide Step Into Success program, and a best-practices repository (SB 1718). These measures were explained by sponsors as efforts to streamline regulation, improve workforce and health-care training, strengthen public safety, and reduce administrative burdens while preserving safeguards. Votes on these bills were overwhelmingly favorable, with final tallies typically 36-0 or 37-0. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell tribute to Senator Lori Berman. Members from both parties praised her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, and family law. Berman delivered a lengthy farewell reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her caucus leadership, and the importance of dignity, respect, and public service. The Senate adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and then recessed before returning to continue the calendar.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-26 (9:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Other messages from the governor or other executive communications? None on the desk, Mr.
  • In the Book of Esther, chapter four, around the 14th verse, I believe there's a powerful interrogative
  • Our unity is our power, and we can make a difference when we find common ground and work to achieve it
  • through 112 of the bill, it says that local government shall retain the authority to exercise the powers
  • And the data centers today will be much smaller tomorrow and much more powerful.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then took up a long special order calendar and passed a series of bills, often by substituting House companions. Early measures included trust law modernization to create a nonjudicial trustee discharge process, military affairs changes expanding leave and retirement-related provisions, a bill to prepare for the end of penny use by standardizing cash rounding, and a podiatric medicine bill regulating cellular or tissue-based products and informed consent. The Senate also approved veterans court expansion, RV park assessment clarification, alcohol-loss tax deduction authority, bail bond and pretrial release revisions, and a military-installation jurisdiction bill to allow juvenile cases on bases to be handled in state juvenile court under certain conditions. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with the bail bond bill passing 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and confirmation that existing law on return of charitable bail funds would remain unchanged. The chamber then paused for a lengthy farewell presentation honoring Senator Lori Berman, featuring a video, remarks from many senators, and Berman’s own closing speech reflecting on her 16 years of service, her legislative priorities, and her call for civility, bipartisanship, and continued support for issues such as school safety, Israel, anti-Semitism, and affordability. After the tribute, the Senate resumed and passed additional bills, including one expanding insurance coverage definitions for portable electronics and eyewear, a workforce and nursing education funding bill broadening support for health science programs, a recovery residences regulatory streamlining bill, a felony battery enhancement bill adding resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense, and a child welfare bill extending visitor thresholds in out-of-home placements, making the Step Into Success program permanent, and creating a best-practices program. The chamber also advanced a candidate qualification bill tightening party-affiliation requirements and adding a House provision on recent legal name changes; debate began on that measure as the transcript ended.