Video & Transcript : 'bipartisan unity' :
Page 26 of 341
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services and Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul is an advocate as a senior manager at the Unity Council.
- The Unity Council is ready to serve more children.
- Paul is an advocate as a senior manager at the Unity Council.
- We operate Head Start and Ear. and advocacy senior manager at the Unity Council.
- The Unity Council is ready to serve more children. We also support the whole.
Summary:
The hearing focused on California’s early learning and care system, including the Master Plan for Early Learning and Care, universal preschool access, and the state’s transitional kindergarten (TK) expansion. Administration officials said California has made progress toward universal TK for all four-year-olds and expanded access for low-income three-year-olds, children with disabilities, and some two-year-olds in state preschool. The Department of Social Services highlighted ongoing work on quality improvement and a single rate structure, while the Department of Education emphasized continued investments in UPK infrastructure, inclusion, and teacher development. Testimony from advocacy groups stressed that access remains uneven, especially for infants, toddlers, and three-year-olds, and that federal threats to Head Start could significantly disrupt services in California.
Witnesses and committee members discussed several policy recommendations for preschool and state preschool programs, including consolidating part-day and full-day contracts, simplifying eligibility priorities, eliminating some family and licensing fees, allowing self-attestation of income, making the two-year-old preschool option permanent, and basing funding on enrollment and the true cost of care. A parent from Contra Costa described losing child care after moving counties for safety reasons, illustrating delays and fragmentation in the system. Providers in public comment argued that reimbursement rates are too low and that better pay and retirement and health benefits are needed to stabilize the workforce.
The second panel addressed the governor’s January budget proposal to fully implement universal TK and reduce TK class ratios from 12:1 to 10:1. The Department of Finance said the budget would add about $2.4 billion to serve all eligible four-year-olds and $1.5 billion for the lower ratio. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said its enrollment and cost estimates were lower than the administration’s and projected the ratio change would cost less than proposed. The Department of Education and the Learning Policy Institute reported that TK enrollment and staffing have grown, most districts now offer TK, and many are on track to meet new teacher requirements, but facilities, staffing, and expanded learning remain challenges. Committee members raised concerns about access at all school sites, the need for more full-day options, and the risk that TK expansion could crowd out CSPP and Head Start space.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Women's Final Four is more than a championship; it is a celebration of community, resilience, and unity
- Women's Final Four is more than a championship, it is a celebration of community, resilience, and unity
- , bringing together people from all walks of life and reminding us that ...and unity, bringing together
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That should be bipartisan. We have seniors in every single one of our districts.
- That should be bipartisan. We have seniors in every single one of our districts.
- This bill received bipartisan support in committee, and I respectfully request an aye vote.
- On Harvey Milk Day, let us honor his legacy with action and his vision with unity.
- And I would like to note that this bill did receive bipartisan unanimous support.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber.
Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12.
The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 29th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I look forward to the respectful dialogues today in passing this bill with bipartisan support
- was language that I had sent to Representative Bliss [ID: member_13567] and he said was a good bipartisan
- Let's move forward together with gratitude, with urgency, and with unity. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- The reason those counties were selected is that I went to a bipartisan housing conference with Senate
- I am fortunate to be a part of a committee that really talked about bipartisan work.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Transportation Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Our car culture is about family, unity, and tradition.
- So I want to thank the author for bringing this forward, this bipartisan measure, as is noted, it was
- heard and passed out of this committee last time in a bipartisan factor.
- heard and passed out of this committee last time in a bipartisan factor.
- One thing that was noted from the time in a bipartisan factor.
Committee:
House Transportation
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-17 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Grant courage to stand for what is right, grace to listen carefully, and unity of purpose for all who
- Conservation lands and Florida's environment historically are incredible bipartisan issues.
- And we heard earlier today about let's be bipartisan with this, and I couldn't agree more.
- And the history is clear and bipartisan on this exact issue.
- This bill is about... ...be bipartisan support on that. But that's not what this bill is about.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Joseph Di Alessandro, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements confirming a quorum. Members also adopted the special order report and recognized several guests in the gallery, including former Speaker Dan Webster and law enforcement and civic visitors. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar of bills, mostly on third reading, with several measures passing unanimously or by wide margins.
Among the bills considered were measures on civil procedure and estates, including C.S. HB 1407 on commencement of civil actions, HB 895 on trustee settlement and discharge, C.S. HB 1337 on estates, HB 131 on curators of estates, and C.S. HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over military installations. The House also passed C.S. HB 441 on conservation lands, which would lengthen notice and increase transparency for land swaps involving conservation property, and C.S. CS HB 919 on commercial service airports, which created a statutory definition for major airports and preempted local naming authority for several airports. HB 919 drew extensive debate over the proposed naming of Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald J. Trump, with amendments to delay or alter the naming failing before the bill passed.
Other bills approved included HB 409 requiring K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, CS HB 461 allowing certain students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours, CS HB 1115 creating grants for genetic counseling education, HB 569 revising forensic client services, CS HB 505 regulating virtual currency kiosks to address fraud, and HB 271 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers. The House also passed HB 191 on re-employment assistance eligibility verification after extended questioning about its effects on benefits, appeals, and suitable work standards. One bill, CS HB 243 on electric bicycles, was temporarily postponed, and CS HB 1073 on school districts was also postponed.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-17 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Grant courage to stand for what is right, grace to listen carefully, and unity of purpose for all who
- Conservation lands and Florida's environment historically are incredible bipartisan issues.
- Conservation lands and Florida's environment historically are incredible bipartisan issues.
- And we heard earlier today about let's be bipartisan with this, and I couldn't agree more.
- And the history is clear and bipartisan on this exact issue.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's bipartisan unity up here with that review. So it's not just one side pushing for it.
- Bipartisan unity up here with that review.
- And I just want to emphasize that there is bipartisan unity. 280 towns.
- Charter public schools were created with bipartisan support as one means of addressing long-standing
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Summary:
The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts.
Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students.
Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's bipartisan unity up here with that review. So it's not just one side pushing.
- Bipartisan unity up here with that review.
- And I just want to emphasize that there is bipartisan unity. 280 towns.
- Charter public schools were created with bipartisan support as one means of addressing long-standing
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 2/12/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- going</c><00:36:37.760><c> to</c><00:36:37.880><c> take</c><00:36:38.040><c> a</c><00:36:38.160><c> Unity
- </c><00:36:38.520><c> of</c> that uh it's going to take a Unity of that uh it's going to take a Unity
- Last year in the House, Representative Wans introduced a very impressive bill with a bipartisan slate
- introduced a very impressive bill wans introduced a very impressive bill with<00:59:12.079><c> bipartisan
- slate of 13 authors and with bipartisan slate of 13 authors and received<00:59:16.680><c> much</c> received
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Four - Wednesday, May 6
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of freedom, justice, and goodwill, and by your grace, may we learn to live together in a spirit of unity
- Pour out your Holy Spirit in such a measure today that we may turn from division to unity, from poverty
- And I look forward to us being able to work on it in a bipartisan way, everywhere that we're able to,
- , had a really great example of a recommendation that was made through the budget process and a bipartisan
- Since I'm a bipartisan kind of rep here, even though she served on the other side here, I wanted to make
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing family members, interns, public servants, nonprofit leaders, students, and a park ranger honored for life-saving actions. Committee reports and Senate messages followed, including Senate nonconcurrence on numerous amendments to Senate Bill 1421 and the appointment of a conference committee on another bill.
The main floor action centered on budget conference committee reports, especially House Bill 2002 on public education. Members debated whether the conference version fully funded the foundation formula, with supporters arguing it maintained record-level funding and opponents saying it left schools about $190 million short and relied on uncertain funding sources such as blind pension, lottery, and possible ARPA dollars. After a substitute motion to send the bill back to conference was defeated, the House adopted the conference report 83-68 and then third-read and passed House Bill 2002 by the same margin. The House then took up House Bill 2003 on higher education, where members discussed a move toward a future performance-based funding model while keeping current funding flat; the conference report passed 119-28 and the bill was third-read and passed 109-32.
The chamber next considered House Bill 2004, covering the Departments of Revenue and Transportation. Debate focused on transportation funding, rural roads, and a small local safety project in Lebanon that had already been addressed by MoDOT. The conference report was adopted 128-21 and the bill was third-read and passed 127-27. Finally, the House began debate on House Bill 2005 for the Office of Administration and IT-related functions, with the sponsor and supporters emphasizing IT accountability, the Movers project, and the transfer of some staff to DSS; the transcript ends during discussion of that bill.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Four - Wednesday, May 6
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of freedom, justice, and goodwill, and by your grace, may we learn to live together in a spirit of unity
- Pour out your Holy Spirit in such a measure today that we may turn from division to unity, from poverty
- I look forward to us being able to work on it in a bipartisan way, everywhere that we're able to, so
- , had a really great example of a recommendation that was made through the budget process and a bipartisan
- And since I'm a bipartisan kind of rep here, even though she served on the other side here, I wanted
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, approved the House Journal by a 107-1 vote, and then spent much of the day on introductions of guests, family members, interns, and public servants. Members recognized visitors including family of legislators, a park ranger honored for life-saving work, substance-use treatment advocates, nonprofit and apprenticeship program representatives, students, and staff. The chamber also received committee reports and Senate messages, including a conference committee appointment on House Bill 2818 and fiscal review reports recommending passage of Senate Bill 1020 and Senate Bill 1062.
The main floor action centered on the state budget, especially House Bill 2 on public education. The budget chair explained the conference report as providing $8.4 billion for K-12 and the Office of Childhood, with disputes over funding sources and the foundation formula. Several members argued the bill underfunded schools by about $190 million and objected to using blind pension and projected ARPA/lottery-related funds; others defended the budget as record-level funding and emphasized that the total education dollars were unchanged, only the funding mix differed. A substitute motion to reject the conference report and send the bill back to conference failed 62-89, and the conference report on House Bill 2 was then adopted 83-68; the bill was third read and passed 83-68.
The House then adopted and passed House Bill 3 on higher education, after debate over a proposed performance-based funding model and language directing the department to develop a new formula by the end of the year. Members generally supported keeping funding flat this year while studying a longer-term model. House Bill 4, covering Revenue and Transportation, was adopted 128-21 and passed 127-27, with discussion of rural roads funding and transportation investments. The House also took up House Bill 5 on the Office of Administration and IT consolidation/accountability, with the sponsor describing it as the central state-government operations bill; debate on that measure began before the transcript ended.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Unity Christian's website says, "At Unity Christian, the word of God is the foundation of our school
- Unity Christian's website says, "At Unity Christian, the word of God is the foundation of our school
- Unity Christian's website says, "At Unity Christian, the word of God is the foundation of our school
- Unity Christian's website says, "At Unity Christian, the word of God is the foundation of our school
- :01:34.319><c> Unity</c> Christian's website says, "At Unity Christian's website says, "At Unity Christian
Committee:
Senate Education
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> the imminent passage of the bipartisan the imminent passage of the bipartisan secure<02:18:34.000
- Act, my bipartisan legislation with Act, my bipartisan legislation with Representatives<02:26:18.960>
- </c> measure that has broad bipartisan measure that has broad bipartisan support.<02:34:53.520><c> It's
- </c> rise in strong support of my bipartisan rise in strong support of my bipartisan bill<04:40:03.840
- </c> permitting system is bipartisan. permitting system is bipartisan.
Bills:
HR432 , HR312 , HR311 , HR310 , HR309 , HR308 , HB1676 , SB356 , HR1372 , HB2175 , HB1461 , HB2466 , SB2283 , HB1830 , HR1009 , HR1008 , HR323 , HB5131 , HB4503 , HR573 , HB2916 , HB2306 , HB2290 , HB2389 , HB2388 , HB3857 , HB2293 , HR655 , HB4285 , HR1276 , HB2302
Keywords:
federal labor relations, executive order, labor management, federal oversight, government reform, wildlife conservation, Pittman-Robertson, state plans, environment, approval process, Secretary of the Interior, Secure Rural Schools, reauthorization, federal land payments, county payments, state payments, payments in lieu of taxes, PILT, rural counties, forest counties
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, I like unity. So. And I don't like division. Yeah, I like unity. So I am offering to help.
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The American flag is the symbol of unity.
- It's the flag that we every day do the pledge of allegiance, and it's justice for everyone, unity, and
Committee:
House State Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Beyond her role as a counselor, she serves as co-advisor for the school's Unity Club, GSA, a student
- In 2011, Ariana founded the Unity Day Conference to connect local communities with LGBTQ plus resources
- Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on floor recognitions and Pride Month observances. Members welcomed guests and honorees including APICA fellowship participants, the El Dorado Roses, retiring Loma Linda University Health president Dr. Richard Hart and incoming leader Dr. Anthony Hilliard, and Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Shrey Parique. The chamber also heard several personal and community tributes tied to LGBTQ+ Pride Month, including a long series of introductions of Pride honorees from across the state.
The main legislative item was SR 116 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Senators Cervantes, Weber Pierson, Becker, Menjivar, Arreguín, Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Wiener, and Laird, among others, spoke in support, emphasizing the history of Stonewall and other LGBTQ+ resistance movements, the contributions of Black, Latino, Jewish, women, and Asian American LGBTQ communities, and the need to oppose ongoing discrimination, violence, and attacks on transgender people. The resolution was adopted after a roll call vote of 28-0, and the Senate then proceeded to honor a large slate of Pride honorees from multiple districts and organizations.
The Senate also adopted SCR 166 designating Soju Day, with support highlighting Korean American culture and soju as a symbol of hospitality and cross-cultural exchange. SCR 155, naming the State Route 52/Interstate 805 interchange in San Diego County the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange, also passed unanimously after remarks honoring Johnson’s military and police service and the long effort by his partner to secure the memorial. In addition, the Senate confirmed Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections by a 27-9 vote and confirmed Danielle Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology by a 28-0 vote. The body also approved several Joint Rule 62(a) suspensions to allow committee hearings on short notice, moved AB 2294 to the inactive file, and sent SB 1189 back to the Assembly for further action.
The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions for Judith Helene Ware, Huntley Gordon, and Adolfo Franceschi Colon, followed by announcements that the Senate would reconvene on June 25, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- able to bring these holidays together because they do symbolize themes of renewal, compassion, and unity
- And in this day is where we need more unity and togetherness.
- And in this day is where we need more unity and togetherness.
Keywords:
elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-15 (4:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let every relationship in this chamber be marked by unity.
- Let every relationship in this chamber be marked by unity and respect.
- kindness and honor guide their interactions, for we're reminded that where your presence is, there is unity
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and gallery introductions, and several recognitions, including USF Day at the Capitol and visitors from Miami Gardens, Teach For America Florida, and Pathways to Prosperity. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed and others passed after debate and roll call votes.
The Senate unanimously passed several Open Government Sunset Review bills, including SB 7010 and SB 7008, which preserve public records exemptions related to insolvent insurance company receiverships and financial technology sandbox applications. It also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, SB 28 and SB 22 as claims bills involving South Broward Hospital District, SB 8 for relief related to a Pasco County School Board accident, SB 1718 preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking abortions without parental consent, and SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands also passed, but with two amendments and some opposition.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which included technical updates, restrictions on certain additives in public water systems, limits on ESG practices in farm lending, drone-related penalties, truth-in-labeling provisions for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, charity registration requirements, agricultural worker housing, and support for FFA and 4-H. The most contentious debate centered on fluoride provisions in the bill: multiple amendments by Senators Berman and Polsky to remove the fluoride language, require targeted fluoride assistance, or order an OPAGA study were all defeated, while a technical amendment by Senator Truenow was adopted. The bill remained on the calendar for third reading after extensive debate and questioning. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and return CS for SB 7016 to second reading, then adjourned until April 16.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Let every relationship in this chamber be marked by unity, Purpose.
- Let every relationship in this chamber be marked by unity and respect.
- kindness and honor guide their interactions, for we're reminded that where your presence is, there is unity
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions recognizing guests, family members, and a USF Day at the Capitol presentation. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where it first passed two Open Government Sunset Review bills: CS/SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008/HB 7003, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both measures passed unanimously.
The Senate also passed CS/SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, a bill intended to help victims enforce judgments against terrorist entities, and CS/CS/SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, aimed at improving veterans’ access to benefits and transition support. Additional measures passed included CS/CS/CS/SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, CS/CS/CS/SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, and several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric and Jennifer Miles on behalf of EEM, and Marcus Button. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements also passed after an amendment making texting while driving a moving violation with points and a distracted-driving course requirement.
The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 700, where senators discussed provisions on fluoride in drinking water, labeling of plant-based products, drone penalties, charity registration, agricultural housing, and other agriculture-related policy changes. Several amendments on fluoride were offered and defeated, while a technical amendment on financial institution definitions was adopted. Senators also briefly discussed the policy implications of the bill’s fluoride language and its relationship to local control and public health. Several other bills on the calendar were temporarily postponed, and at the end of the session the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and remove CS/SB 7016 from the special order calendar. The Senate then adjourned until April 16.