Transcript Highlights:

• hospital to another, from one state-operated bed to another state-operated bed.
• We, as a state, don't have the capacity.
• They want to be able to sue the state to put that pressure on the state for something that they are also
• Injunction like there was in Washington here.
• In Hennepin County and the state of Minnesota as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a former state legislator.
• I am the State House ADA coordinator.
• SEED is a unique state-local-federal collaboration that supports state and local government leaders like
• at the state level.
• Advocate for the state.

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and began with an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about every individual mattering and making a difference. Members introduced themselves and described their roles in disability services, workforce policy, accessibility, and advocacy. The committee then welcomed Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina from the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), who explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy support to help states improve disability employment outcomes. SEED presented seven broad policy areas where states are active: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health supports, stay-at-work/return-to-work programs, employer recruitment and accommodation supports, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer initiatives. They shared examples from other states, including scholarship and transition policies, peer support training, accommodation funds, procurement goals, and state hiring strategies. Members asked about SEED’s role in Massachusetts, digital accessibility, and the status of PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED’s role is policy-focused rather than implementation-focused, though it can connect Massachusetts with peer states and examples. The discussion then narrowed to two possible Massachusetts projects: developing a state-as-model-employer roadmap and creating a youth/young-adult employment and volunteer pipeline, especially for transition-age individuals. Members noted related state efforts, including the governor’s executive order reestablishing a disability policy subcommittee, the commission’s Meeting the Moment series, and the need to help people navigate upcoming work requirements and transition cliffs. SEED agreed to follow up with a questionnaire and draft briefs on Massachusetts analysis, career readiness, and state-as-model-employer policies, and the group planned an offline follow-up to define priorities and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then at law school, I went to Arizona State University.
• Arizona State University, which has once again an amazing Indian legal program, continued to ensure that
• The speaker said that one of the things they see is Fresno State University, and mentioned Kelly Carrillo
• State your name.
• My youngest daughter, who now attends the University of Montana in Missoula, I will tell you Fresno State

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. The opening prayer and remarks emphasized the significance of holding the first committee hearing on tribal land. Members said the hearing was intended both to hear testimony about ongoing problems in schools and to identify next steps for legislation and policy, especially as the session neared its end. The committee also referenced recent efforts supporting Native students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and broader concerns about representation in education and state institutions. The first panel centered on Native students’ experiences in public schools. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over wearing tribal regalia at graduation, including a restrictive approval form and administrators who she said denied Native identity and made her feel invisible. Morningstar Ghali connected those experiences to the legacy of boarding schools, racial profiling, suspensions, and the “boarding school to prison pipeline,” and called for culturally responsive education, Native educators, counselors, Native studies, and restorative justice. Janet K. Bill, from the Attorney General’s Office of Native American Affairs, described her own path from tribal Head Start to Stanford, law school, tribal council, and state service, and said education, justice, and sovereignty are linked. Members asked about restorative justice, representation, and how to build pipelines into leadership and education roles. The second panel focused on solutions. Chairwoman Michelle Heredia Cordova urged a reimagined education system that is more personalized, experiential, culturally grounded, and balanced with land-based learning, while also recruiting Native teachers and creating stronger tribal partnerships. Chairman Leo Sisku said schools should educate educators, stop tokenizing Native students, and create accountability and consequences for discriminatory behavior; he also supported stronger tribal-school partnerships and more positive outreach. Chairman Fred Bean emphasized consistent engagement from tribal leaders at every level of schooling, stronger transitions from elementary to college, and programs that prepare Native youth for leadership, trades, and higher education. Chairman Shaineto of Tule River argued that schools and administrators should face consequences for violating Native students’ rights, and that Native people should not have to keep educating institutions about basic cultural respect. Committee members responded by discussing possible statewide solutions, including regional tribal boards, better enforcement of existing laws, stronger pipelines into teaching and leadership, and improved representation on boards and in state agencies. Several members raised the need to implement existing laws, fill vacant Native appointments, and consider broader protections for Native regalia and cultural expression. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with a clear call for continued collaboration, accountability, and legislation driven by Native voices.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:58:56.119><c> support</c> funding and the lack of State support funding and the lack of State
• University.
• </c> Metro State Metro State University<01:09:04.920><c> and</c><01:09:05.359><c> as</c><01:09:05.679
• Next we have Washington County Commissioner Carla Bigham, who is a former state senator.
• Washington County Commissioner Carla Bigham, a former state senator, said she was excited to be there

Bills: HF1354, HF1901, HF2124, HF2130, HF2260, HF2099, HF104, HF134, HF1769

Keywords: public safety, school safety, active shooter, active shooter drill, violence prevention, threat reporting, anonymous tip line, See It, Say It, Send It, Minnesota Fusion Center, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, officer-involved death, missing person, endangered missing person, criminal background check, national background check, FBI fingerprint check, adult entertainment license, massage license, correctional facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're very proud to be the land-grant university for the state of Idaho.
• We serve the entire state.
• , Boise State, and University of Idaho faculty.
• State.
• , Idaho State, and the University of Idaho.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Monday, February 16, 2026, and then heard a presentation from the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The dean highlighted the college’s land-grant mission, student placement rates, research and extension work, and major facilities projects including the new Meat Science and Innovation Center, the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE), and the deep soil ecotron. Members asked about genetics research at CAFE, herd acquisition timing, the status of a proposed Jerome-related center, and how endowed positions are handled. The dean also explained how the college is responding to budget cuts by delaying hires and reducing some temporary support. The committee then heard from Dr. Kendra Kaiser of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, who described the institute’s statewide water research priorities and its use of advisory committees, public submissions, and data tools to guide projects. She discussed work on snowpack visualization, flood mapping, managed aquifer recharge water quality, harmful algal blooms, monitoring gaps, canal seepage, Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer modeling, and other water supply and quality issues. Members asked for the project selection materials, clarification on snow-water content and water budget modeling, and more detail on the value of independent review and data access. Dr. Kaiser said the institute is building interactive public data tools and expects initial water quality trend results later in the year. The committee then considered House Bill 630, which would move the airborne shooting of coyotes, wolves, and other predatory animals from rule into statute. Representative Schurz said the bill codifies an existing program to help producers address predation. The committee voted to send HB 630 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. It also heard House Bill 631, which would move agricultural certificates of free sale into statute, and voted to send that bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation as well. At the end of the meeting, the committee recognized its page, Kaylyn, for her service. She spoke briefly about learning how to advocate for agriculture and the importance of family farm operations. The committee presented her with a Capitol-flown flag, a governor-signed certificate, and a necklace before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1320 by State Affairs Committee, an act relating to the State Controller,
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1321 by State Affairs Committee, an act relating to the State Controller,
• He will go to Utah State University for one year to study business management or music production before
• He will go to Utah State University for one year to study business management or music production before
• She plans on attending Boise State University to major in political science. Amanda.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 32 members present, approved the corrected journal, and received communications including notice of Senator Lakey’s designated substitute senator. It also adopted a consent request to read petitions, resolutions, and memorials by number only, and heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 120, which would encourage used nuclear fuel reprocessing capabilities in Idaho and address the 1995 settlement agreement; the resolution was referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing. Committee reports moved several measures forward, including Senate Bill 1276, Senate Bill 1291, Senate Bills 1292 and 1293, and House Bill 613, all sent to second reading. The Senate also received gubernatorial and House messages, including the governor’s signing of Senate Bill 1222 and House-passed bills 528, 591, 498, 539, 516, 522, 635, 594, and 610. House Bill 521, 498, and 539 were referred to committees, along with other House measures, and House Bill 555 was advanced to third reading. On the floor, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1242, a cleanup bill for the Idaho Potato Commission, and Senate Bill 1243, which removed obsolete references to the Idaho One Plan, both by 35-0 votes. It also passed House Bill 514, allowing cosmetology students to take licensing exams after completing 80% of required hours, House Bill 515, which removes an unused bullying data reporting requirement while ensuring parent notification in suspension cases, Senate Bill 1244, repealing obsolete regional library system provisions, and Senate Bill 1261, revising PERSI re-employment rules for retired members returning to public office; all passed 35-0 and were transmitted to the House or returned as appropriate. The Senate then recessed for page graduation, recognizing the graduating pages and hearing brief remarks and introductions from members and guests. After the page program and miscellaneous announcements, including Foster Care Awareness Day and girls’ basketball tickets, the Senate adjourned until 11:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• He earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a social studies focus from Utah State University
• He earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education with a social studies focus from Utah State University
• Allie just graduated last year from Idaho State University, stayed home because there were so many scholarships
• And these Idaho universities are not pushing kids out of the state. They're pushing them to stay.
• And the state has determined, our state, every state determines their own test.

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33019, a joint memorial sponsored by Representative Ben Furman urging Congress to fully fund special education under IDEA. Furman argued that Congress promised 40% funding in 1975 but Idaho currently receives only about 12%, leaving schools and property taxpayers with an unfunded mandate. Several members supported the memorial as a way to press Congress, while others said they wanted a fuller discussion of special education requirements and maintenance-of-effort issues. The committee then voted to introduce RS 33019, with the motion passing on voice vote. The committee next recognized Idaho’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Laren Johnson of Rigby High School, introduced by Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. Johnson spoke at length about the importance of teacher-student relationships, crediting mentors and describing how he works to connect with students through classes, extracurriculars, and community involvement. He highlighted programs and colleagues at Rigby, his work with Holocaust education and Future Hispanic Leaders of America, and the role of Idaho scholarships and career pathways in helping students stay in the state. Members thanked him for his service and remarks. Critchfield then presented a proposal for Idaho to seek federal flexibility on education rules and testing, including an EdFlex-style waiver and changes to assessment requirements. She said the department had reviewed reporting burdens and wanted to reduce requirements not mandated by state or federal law. The main waiver requests would exempt third graders from duplicative reading tests and allow 11th graders to choose among approved assessments, such as the ISAT, SAT, ACT, ASVAB, or technical exams, to better match student goals. Members asked about district testing practices, the portability of the ISAT, and future AI-related policy work. Critchfield said the proposal was out for public comment and would go to the State Board of Education before federal submission.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you look at a state the size of Texas, you know how many states you can fit in our state, right?
• Our unique status as part of three states, two countries, and one region makes us universally distinct
• Last time I checked, in the state of Texas, y'all didn't want Washington, D.C. telling you how to drink
• We are Texas, the Lone Star State, not an extension of Washington, D.C.
• free state.

Bills: HB4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states and countries are moving aggressively to secure innovation-driven industries.
• Texas currently ranks 33rd in R&D investment as a percentage of gross state product, behind states like
• Most states offer a 10 to 15% exemption. Even China provides a 200% super deduction.
• This bill is intended to move state-imposed tax dollars to the control of the state and to an unelected
• I'm the Director of State Advocacy at the North Texas Commission.

Bills: SB263, SB467, SB850, SB1030, SB1352, SB1453, SB2064, SB2206, SB2779, SJR84

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• To the flag of the United States of America.
• She's the California State University Chancellor, but I also want to point out that she's the first Latina
• to ever be appointed as the Chancellor for the Cal State University System, and she's also a first-generation
• The Islander communities make to our state.
• All across our great and diverse state, millions of Californians All across our great and diverse state

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the state.
• </c> companies in every pocket of the state. companies in every pocket of the state.
• </c> in the state over the last two years. in the state over the last two years.
• United States. Um, I feel that just as a United States.
• We have every ingredient here in the state to be an absolute hotbed for this industry, with two R1 universities

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the flag of the United States of America.
• Luke Wood, who's the Sacramento State President.
• She's the California State University Chancellor, but I also want to point out that she's the first Latina
• to ever be appointed as the Chancellor for the Cal State University System, and she's also a first-generation
• The Asian American and Pacific Islander communities make to our state.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• life within the Texas A&M University System.
• A&M University System. Mr.
• Hinojosa is a 1994 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Medicine.
• And that's why it's so important, and I so appreciate no state, and certainly no...
• , probably, if I go on record, the shortest team in the state finals.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard the daily invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, which authorizes the legislature to adjourn for more than three days during a specified period. The chamber then took up several recognitions, including Senate Resolution 8 honoring Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Advocacy Day, a recognition of the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, a delegation from Dimmit County, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Hosey Hinojosa. The main floor business centered on Senate Resolution 15, commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust history, the rise of anti-Semitism, the importance of education, and solidarity with Israel. The resolution was adopted without objection, and Senator Bettencourt moved to add all senators’ names. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17, recognizing Sexual Assault Survivors Day, with remarks focused on the prevalence of sexual violence, underreporting, support for survivors, and the need for prevention and stronger systems of response. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 14 in memory of Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman highlighting his service and using the occasion to call for tougher measures against violent offenders. Additional resolutions SR 3, SR 4, SR 5, SR 6, SR 7, SR 11, and SR 12 were adopted together, and SR 54 granting permission for adjournment for more than three days was approved by a 31-0 roll call vote. The chamber also recognized Leadership Frisco Class No. 28 and later honored former Senator Dr. Joe J. Bernal and, upon adjournment, Sergeant Mark Allen Butler of the Navasota Police Department. The Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Butler.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doctor Shanaway attended Oklahoma State University, where he majored in biomedical science and Spanish
• So he returned to Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and
• She is grateful for what her education from Oklahoma State University. There you go.
• Liberty University to study nursing.
• Our The previous state superintendent of public instruction stated that he was going to eradicate all

Bills: HR1036, HB2975, HB3026, HB3297, HB2981, HB2978, HB4144, HB1322, HB1818, HB3194, HB3767, HB3342, HB3344, HB4170, HB3287, HB3288, HB4454, HB3264, HB3266, HB3268, HB4095, HB4115, HB4316, HB3530, HB3428, HB4272, HB4273, HB4274, HB3405, HB3406, HB3467, HB3469, HB3931

Keywords: Bob Wills, Western Swing, Cain's Ballroom, Oklahoma music history, country music, rock and roll, folk jazz blues, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Oklahoma Historical Society, OKPOP Museum, commemorative resolution, day at the Capitol, musician recognition, heritage celebration, Tulsa, poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Shawnaway attended Oklahoma State University, where he majored in biomedical science and Spanish.
• So, he returned to Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and
• She is grateful for what her education from Oklahoma State University has afforded her family.
• So we’re providing state dollars and there’s no state agency overseeing these programs.
• University to study nursing.

Bills: HR1036, HB2975, HB3026, HB3297, HB2981, HB2978, HB4144, HB1322, HB1818, HB3194, HB3767, HB3342, HB3344, HB4170, HB3287, HB3288, HB4454, HB3264, HB3266, HB3268, HB4095, HB4115, HB4316, HB3530, HB3428, HB4272, HB4273, HB4274, HB3405, HB3406, HB3467, HB3469, HB3931

Keywords: Bob Wills, Western Swing, Cain's Ballroom, Oklahoma music history, country music, rock and roll, folk jazz blues, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Oklahoma Historical Society, OKPOP Museum, commemorative resolution, day at the Capitol, musician recognition, heritage celebration, Tulsa, poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including Veteran of the Week Donald W. DeLap, 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Melissa Yvonne, Doctor of the Day Dr. Corey Shawnaway, Nurse of the Day Rusty Rutherford, and Psychologist of the Day Dr. Glenna Stumbling Bear Riddle. Members also recognized Bob Wills Day at the Capitol with a resolution and musical presentation, and introduced visiting student groups and pages. The chamber then moved into second- and third-reading business on a series of bills. Several measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 2975, a Department of Agriculture cleanup bill on poultry litter spreading/exporting, passed 89-8 after questions about removed misdemeanor language and hauler information. House Bill 3026, allowing children of U.S. military allies to start kindergarten according to their home-country timelines, passed 97-0 and its emergency clause also passed 97-0. House Bill 3297, creating a regulatory framework for highway remediation services, passed 87-0. House Bill 2981, requiring school boards to post approved meeting minutes within two weeks and within two clicks, passed 93-0. House Bill 4144, clarifying that arrest and incident reports are open records, passed 97-0. House Bill 1818, updating social work licensing terminology, also passed 97-0. House Bill 3767, updating controlled dangerous substance scheduling to match federal law and DEA watch lists, passed later in the day. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 3194, which would protect pregnancy resource centers from being singled out for regulation or lawsuits. Supporters argued the bill would shield private nonprofit centers from post-Dobbs legal attacks and let them focus on helping pregnant women and families. Opponents raised concerns about transparency, oversight of private nonprofits receiving state funds, the bill’s abortion definition, and whether it could create liability or reduce accountability. After lengthy debate, the House passed the bill 79-18. House Bill 3342, relating to Medicaid audits, passed 67-25 after discussion about making audits corrective rather than punitive. House Bill 3344, a foster care bill based on an interim study, was extensively debated over kinship placement standards, income thresholds, sleeping arrangements, transportation, tribal placement issues, and whether codifying DHS rules would improve accountability; the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the opportunity today to hear from our University of Idaho folks.
• Give us an overview of the economic status of agriculture in the state of Idaho.
• university for the state of Idaho.
• I think that's fairly important for our state.
• There has been some state legislation in that arena.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee approved the January 14, 2026 minutes and then heard a University of Idaho presentation from extension economist Brett Wilder on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture in 2025. Wilder said Idaho agriculture remains a major part of the state economy, with livestock outperforming crops: he projected record cash receipts of about $12.1 billion, with cattle and calves surpassing milk receipts for the first time since 2003. He also said ag exports were strong, net farm income was expected to rise modestly, and livestock receipts were benefiting from low cattle inventories and strong beef prices, while crop sectors such as potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and barley were under pressure from weak prices and large global supplies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doug O'Connowitz, state senator from Legislative District 3.
• Doug O'Connowitz, state senator from Legislative District 3.
• It is a welfare state, and their academic I think.
• It's not as much implemented around the state.
• It has to be for the entire state of Idaho.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and then heard several Senate RS measures, all of which were moved to print. Senator Blaylock presented RS 33277C1 to create the Idaho High Need Student Fund, which would reimburse districts for extraordinary special education costs above $30,000 per student annually, with caps, documentation requirements, and annual reporting. Senator Cole presented RS 33271, the PROM Act, to let homeschooled students in grades 8-12 buy a social access pass to participate in public school dances, fairs, and cultural events without enrolling, with families paying a $25 annual fee plus event charges. Senator O’Conniewicz presented RS 33334 regarding foreign national students on college athletic teams, describing it as a way to balance athletics with retaining graduates who could stay and work in Idaho. Senator Semmelroth presented RS 33335, a revised code-cleanup bill that restores specialty diploma provisions after an earlier version mistakenly included them for repeal. Each of these RS measures received a motion and unanimous support to be printed. The committee also heard an informational presentation from Sam Abrams, superintendent of Hayden Canyon Charter, who argued that Idaho’s education system is too focused on seat time, compliance, and standardized testing rather than mastery and individualized learning. He urged the committee to consider shifting toward competency-based progression, greater accountability for student well-being and demonstrated learning, and more flexible reporting models. Abrams used examples from his work in Qatar and from a traditional gradebook to argue that students should advance by showing mastery rather than by time spent in class. Committee members responded with comments about the rigidity of traditional public schools, the flexibility of charter schools, and the need for options that fit different students, but no formal action was taken on the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh there development across the state.
• </c> last 20 years in Minnesota and states last 20 years in Minnesota and states across<01:05:46.240>
• Minnesota is a labor state.
• So, we don't workers across this state.
• ,</c> I recognize a member from Washington, I recognize a member from Washington, Representative<01:47

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, and the other question would be, are you speaking of other states being states that has already
• or compared to the state average.
• or compared to the state average.
• Let's not have him destroy our state, our great state of Florida. We are better than this.
• Let's not have him destroy our state, our great state of Florida. We are better than this.

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and took up a presentation from the Governor’s office on proposed congressional reapportionment. Executive Office of the Governor counsel Mo Jazeel argued that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is legally permissible, that race should not be used in drawing districts, and that the Florida Fair Districts provisions are inconsistent with federal equal protection principles and, in the executive branch’s view, are inseverable. Jason Parada then presented the proposed map, explaining that it was drawn using 2020 census block data, with county growth estimates used only as a guide, and that the plan was designed to be race-neutral while also considering compactness, county and municipal boundaries, and other traditional redistricting criteria. He said the map keeps 48 counties and 382 municipalities whole, has compactness scores comparable to the current map, and makes the largest changes in South Florida, with some districts remaining unchanged and others reconfigured around population shifts and geographic boundaries. Members questioned both presenters extensively about the legal basis for disregarding the Fair Districts Amendment, the use of partisan data, the absence of racial analysis, and whether the map truly reflects population growth. Jazeel said the executive branch’s position is that race-based provisions in the state constitution cannot be used if they conflict with the U.S. Constitution, and that the forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Calais could further clarify the law. Parada said he did not use race in drawing the map, did use partisan information as one of several traditional criteria, and relied on 2020 census data for population equality. Senators also pressed him on who reviewed the map, why the public and legislators had limited time to review it, and whether the plan was intended to favor Republicans; Parada denied partisan intent and said he was the only person who moved lines on the map, though he consulted with other Executive Office of the Governor staff and counsel. Several senators raised concerns that the map did not clearly reflect Florida’s recent population growth, that some districts remained highly irregular, and that the plan appeared to be based on a legal theory contingent on future court rulings. The presenters responded that congressional districts must be equal to the person, that growth estimates can only guide orientation rather than replace census data, and that the map was designed to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible while making the largest adjustments in South Florida. No vote or final action on the map was taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting, and the committee continued with questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, and the other question would be, are you speaking of other states being states that have already
• or compared to the state average.
• or compared to the state average.
• Please state your name.
• Let's not have him destroy our state, our great state of Florida. We are better than this.

Keywords: 999, senate, all