Transcript Highlights:

• My master's degree is in substance use counseling and education.
• We need to educate our children. Science-based public awareness campaigns.
• Parents don’t know what their kids are inundated on a daily basis because the parents are out there working
• And so,... ...because the parents are out there working.
• We need to make sure that there’s education out there.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization. The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties. SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Bloomington by 10 college educated men. Bloomington by 10 college educated men.
• </c> success through agricultural education. success through agricultural education.
• And whereas in 1988 the education.
• ,</c> participating in agricultural education, participating in agricultural education, teachers<00:20
• c><00:29:15.840><c> and</c> for specified educational purposes and for specified educational purposes

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be entitled an act relating to the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund.
• When we debate public education, a child's future is being shaped.
• I want to thank my entire family, Eileen's parents, Tony and Maria.
• While I'm mentioning Eileen's parents, they are the best parents a husband could have.
• We educate our children and provide for We choose our own leaders, we educate our children, and provide

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures. Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0. The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2615, Parenting Time Supervision, Professional Supervisor.
• It's essential for their livelihoods, their families, and their education.
• HB 4004, DCS abuse investigation protected parent. HHS. HB 4043, training AED/CPR school personnel.
• Education. HB 4044, Public Safety Parity Fund. ATT.
• Education. HB 4044, Public Safety Parity Fund. ATT.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It educated me.
• It educated me.
• It educated me.
• It educated me.
• It educated me.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Higher education also faces strain.
• We appreciate that there are no cuts to basic education.
• Higher education also faces strain.
• direct support for basic education.
• Finally, educators are concerned about the multifaceted pressures on higher education institutions and

Summary: The Senate Ways and Means Committee heard an overview from OFM Director Katie Chapman See on Governor Ferguson’s 2026 supplemental budget proposal. She said the budget was built in response to higher caseloads and inflation, a roughly $390 million revenue forecast drop, new federal costs tied to H.R. 1, and a relatively small ending fund balance. The proposal would increase near general fund spending by about $1.1 billion and solve an estimated $2.3 billion two-year gap through about $800 million in reductions, revenue shifts and tax preference changes, use of other funds, and about $1 billion from the budget stabilization account. She also noted the budget is balanced over two years but not fully over four years under the state’s outlook rules. Chapman See highlighted reductions in Working Connections Child Care, including a soft cap on enrollment and holding subsidy rates at the 75th percentile, delays to long-term care and developmental disability-related changes, and across-the-board reductions to higher education and administrative spending. She also described investments in wildfire suppression and preparedness, affordability programs like utility rebates and home energy assistance, housing-related planning and permitting support, One Washington IT replacement, behavioral health workforce programs, and continued support for some K-12 initiatives such as ninth grade success and homeless student stability. In response to questions, she said some proposed cuts were based on the governor’s subjective judgment about what was critically necessary, that current child care enrollees would not be cut off immediately, and that the budget would maintain services for about 500 highest-acuity Medicaid clients who lost eligibility under federal changes. Public testimony was largely critical of the proposed cuts in K-12, early learning, and higher education. School officials, educators, nurses, and advocacy groups opposed reductions to Transition to Kindergarten, Local Effort Assistance, Running Start, MSOC, school leadership and support grants, and higher education funding, arguing the cuts would worsen existing funding gaps and harm student outcomes. Several witnesses supported restoring or maintaining funding for ninth grade success, Treehouse’s foster youth graduation program, homeless student stability, and Science on Wheels. In early learning, child care providers and advocates opposed the Working Connections cap and subsidy-rate reduction, warning it would reduce access and destabilize providers. In higher education, campus leaders and labor representatives opposed across-the-board cuts and fund shifts, while some institutions and advocates supported targeted investments such as behavioral health workforce programs and DigiPen aid restoration. In human services, Planned Parenthood advocates praised restored abortion access funding and Medicaid reimbursements. The committee took no votes or final action in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're looking at education.
• </c><01:09:54.159><c> um</c> um utilize the special education um um utilize the special education um
• ,</c> program which for regular education, program which for regular education, special<01:15:00.800>
• </c> and IDEIDA which is special education. and IDEIDA which is special education.
• . education. education.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> parent and a child. parent and a child.
• in education.
• in education.
• in education.
• in education.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're starting off with Education Teacher Education Coordinating Committee, TECC.
• So we're starting off with Education Teacher Education Coordinating Committee, TECC.
• So we're starting off with Education Teacher Education Coordinating Committee, TECC.
• So we're starting off with Education Teacher Education Coordinating Committee, TECC.
• </c> education preparation programs. education preparation programs.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These college-educated gentlemen, along with their founders, are God-fearing and serious-minded men with
• The learning loss is so significant and parents really don't have many options.
• The learning loss is so significant and parents really don't have many options.
• As well as providing assistance to parents.
• And what we're doing today is we're sending a message to those parents.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing guests and groups in the gallery, including representatives from Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and local visitors from Groveland and Polk County. The chamber also noted the doctor of the day and later adopted Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration. The main floor action was on Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell explained that the bill is aimed at improving autism diagnosis, early intervention, and services by expanding screening and referral grants, extending Early Steps services, designating the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, creating grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establishing a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Several senators spoke in support while raising implementation concerns, especially about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, and the need for more research and technology support. In closing, Senator Harrell said the bill is a first step in a broader effort to improve services and research, and she addressed concerns by stating the services would be covered under new contracts and Medicaid, subject to a federal waiver, and that the microcredential would be developed online by the University of Florida with a stipend to encourage participation. The Senate then voted 38-0 to pass the bill. Afterward, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify the bill to the House, which was adopted without objection, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , parents, parents, siblings, siblings, siblings, grandparents, grandparents, grandparents, cousins,<
• Whether it is a parent losing a child or a child losing a parent, or anyone losing a loved one, these
• I and my colleague throughout a parent or anyone losing an a loved a parent or anyone losing an a loved
• Education changes outcomes.
• Education changes outcomes.

Bills: HF3668 , HF2779 , HF2771

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: gun violence, public health, Department of Health, prevention, criminal justice, health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Robeson here on behalf of the Walt Disney Company, which is the parent company of Industrial Light
• I'm Kimberly Wu, and I'm a community organizer for Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network,
• When I asked parents that same question, they would say 10 to 20.
• I was not put in a cage, and I was not separated from my parents.
• I was not put in a cage, and I was not separated from my parents.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• want: excellent education and school safety.
• Excellent education and school safety.
• supporting public schools, educators, and school leaders across Arizona.
• Educational Foundation, I also have a career in education and am the parent of two young children, one
• Investment in education is an investment in infrastructure, and as parents and citizens, we are demanding

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, a stakeholder work group, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create a Medicaid-funded long-term care option for the most disabled SMI patients, reduce costly hospital and state-only care, and improve continuity of care. A committee amendment narrowed eligibility to individuals needing a long-term SMI level of care, changed reporting to semiannual, reduced the initial cap to 250 members with possible growth tied to savings, and required AHCCCS to keep pursuing approval if CMS denies it. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1630 as amended passed 10-0. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1131, which originally required every school district and charter school to adopt a cardiac emergency response plan and appropriated $1 million for implementation. A Warner amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether a plan exists, while shifting the appropriation toward AED grants and limiting school spending to purchasing and maintaining AEDs. The American Heart Association supported the amendment as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, while some members questioned the funding split and the rural-school priority. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1131 as amended passed 9-1. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 1582, dealing with the school safety interoperability fund. The amendment changed the appropriation from ADE to ADOA and allocated funds to specific county sheriff’s offices to continue existing interoperable communication systems linking schools and first responders; supporters said the systems had been used in drills and some real incidents, and were important for school safety. One member raised concerns about the auditor general’s report and whether the program should continue, but sheriffs and school officials described it as a useful communication tool. The amendment was adopted, and SB 1582 as amended passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel and reduce the waiting period for cost-of-living adjustments. The sponsor, police and fire representatives, and pension consultants argued the bill would improve recruitment and retention and align benefits more closely with what employees were promised, while cities, counties, and taxpayer groups warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. The committee spent extensive time on actuarial costs, funding status, and the effect of the amendment exempting the bill from statutory pre-funding requirements; the transcript ends during that discussion before a final vote on SB 1504 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us today in the gallery are Crystal's parents.
• today in the the gallery<00:01:31.000><c> are</c><00:01:31.439><c> Crystal's</c><00:01:32.240><c> parents
• c><00:01:33.159><c> I</c><00:01:33.240><c> want</c><00:01:33.360><c> to</c> gallery are Crystal's parents
• I want to gallery are Crystal's parents I want to welcome<00:01:33.960><c> Marian</c><00:01:34.600><
• 00:09:07.800><c> relating</c><00:09:08.200><c> to</c> draft one relating to draft one relating to education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:15.600><c> as</c><00:23:15.720><c> a</c> taxes of their parents as a taxes of their parents
• </c><00:23:19.120><c> reside</c> dependent um and those parents reside dependent um and those parents
• They can ask their parents not to claim them and sort of hope that their parents don't claim them if
• Catch-22: they can ask their parents whether they're being claimed; they can ask their parents not to
• </c><00:28:08.519><c> or</c> uh parent or uh parent or Guardian<00:28:11.000><c> um</c><00:28:11.600>

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but what you're doing, because we've done a lot to address that issue, we've heard from a lot of parents
• A single misdemeanor can block someone from employment and education.
• I also wrote a book for kids with incarcerated parents. But for parents...
• , and then one day they'll open their eyes and their parents will be there.
• , and then one day they'll open their eyes and their parents will be there.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee opened with a lengthy chair’s statement about Department of Child Safety oversight, saying prior hearings had revealed systemic failures in communication, child placement oversight, response times, transparency, and accountability. The chair said the committee would continue pursuing reforms through legislation and ongoing reporting requirements. Members then discussed allegations involving child trafficking in congregate care settings and the need for separate legal representation for children who are victims of crimes, with one member saying the state and AG’s office were aware of trafficking issues and that outside representation was necessary. The committee then heard and voted on several bills. SB 1141, dealing with presidential electors if a candidate dies, withdraws, or becomes incapacitated before the Electoral College meets, received support from the sponsor and outside groups and passed 4-3. SB 1186, requiring disclosure of certain things of value by companies seeking government contracts or grants, also passed. SB 1808, concerning display of certain flags in HOA and planned community settings, passed after the sponsor said it was intended to protect the ability to fly the Israeli flag. SB 1050, providing a lifetime state parks pass for certain veterans, passed after adoption of an amendment expanding eligibility to some disabled veterans; Arizona State Parks testified neutral but warned of revenue impacts, while members debated the fiscal note and support for veterans. The committee also passed SB 1140, which creates a misdemeanor expungement process for certain people, including trafficking survivors, after testimony from anti-trafficking advocates and service providers who said it would help survivors rebuild their lives while excluding serious offenses. SB 1437, requiring public records to be provided in the least expensive electronic form when possible, passed over opposition from some local government groups. SB 1246, raising the delinquency threshold before a condominium lien foreclosure can occur, passed unanimously. SB 1664, lowering signature requirements for constable candidates in large counties, passed unanimously. Finally, SB 1338, making certain noncitizens ineligible for state or local public benefits, passed 4-3. The meeting ended with members offering farewells and thanks to one another and staff, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• but what you're doing, because we've done a lot to address that issue, we've heard from a lot of parents
• A single misdemeanor can block someone from employment and education.
• I also wrote a book for kids with incarcerated parents. But for parents...
• , and then one day they'll open their eyes and their parents will be there.
• , and then one day they'll open their eyes and their parents will be there.

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a first-generation college student and a lifelong educator, I know firsthand how a college education
• AB 86 would standardize health education for grades K through 8 by requiring the State Board of Education
• AB 86 would standardize health education for grades K through 8 by requiring the State Board of Education
• AB 86 would standardize health education for grades K through 8 by requiring the State Board of Education
• This is an education issue.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file with numerous guest introductions and recognitions, including tributes to outgoing University of California President Michael Drake, student and community advocates, and visitors connected to foster care, military appreciation, and college savings. The chamber also took up several procedural items, including concurrence in Senate amendments to ACR 75 on California Farm Week, which passed 59-0. Members then adopted AJR 7 on protecting federal special education funding and services for students with disabilities, with broad bipartisan support and a 65-0 vote after 63 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 82 recognizing Foster Care Month and ACR 85 recognizing 529 College Savings Day by voice vote after adding co-authors, and ACR 89 recognizing Military Appreciation Month, also adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. These resolutions featured testimony and remarks emphasizing support for vulnerable children, foster youth, military families, and access to higher education. On policy bills, the Assembly passed AB 929 on groundwater and managed wetlands (41-14), AB 1026 on utility connection timelines for housing projects (52-0), AB 1332 on direct shipment of medicinal cannabis under specified conditions (55-0), AB 1356 on follow-up reporting in DHCS death investigations at treatment facilities (54-0), and AB 671 on streamlining restaurant openings through self-certification of certain plans (62-0). The chamber also approved AB 715 on anti-Semitism and school climate after extensive debate and cross-caucus support, 64-0, and AB 33 on autonomous vehicle deliveries requiring a human safety operator, 52-6. Later, AB 5 on election ballot-counting timelines passed 66-0, AB 27 and AB 28 addressing the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster passed 61-0 and 44-6 respectively, and the Assembly began consideration of AB 43 to extend state authority over wild and scenic rivers.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:22.879><c> are</c> in Medicaid and CHIP and the parents are in Medicaid and CHIP and the parents
• ,</c> increase awareness, provide education, increase awareness, provide education, and<00:46:53.200>
• '</c><00:48:38.079><c> plans,</c> transitioning out of parents' plans, transitioning out of parents'
• </c><00:48:55.520><c> and</c> employees receive proper education and employees receive proper education
• ,</c> limited literacy, limited education, limited literacy, limited education, limited<01:09:54.960>

Keywords: 1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00 2. Approval of Minutes – 00:02:10 3. Discussion of State-Based Marketplaces and the Federally-Facilitated Marketplace – 00:02:31 4. Discussion of the Role of Kynectors and Navigators – 00:27:29 5. Discussion of Presumptive Eligibility – 01:11:57 6. Discussion of Medicaid Eligibility, Enrollment, and Redeterminations – 01:20:09 7. Update on Rural Health Transformation Program Application Process – 01:47:35 8. Public Comment – 01:59:57 9. Adjournment – 02:06:10, 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met for its third meeting and approved the July 30 minutes. The chair outlined a full agenda covering the state-based marketplace versus the federally facilitated marketplace, connectors and navigators, presumptive eligibility, eligibility/enrollment/redetermination, and a rural health transformation update. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Assistant Director David Barry presented first on Kentucky’s state-based exchange, Connect, explaining that it is an integrated eligibility and enrollment system for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, child care, and qualified health plans. They reviewed Kentucky’s move from a state-based exchange to healthcare.gov in 2017 and back to a state-based marketplace in 2021, and said the system helps route applicants to the correct program and allows families to move more easily between Medicaid and exchange coverage as circumstances change. The presenters said the exchange is funded by carrier assessments on qualified health plans rather than general fund dollars, with costs allocated across programs based on use. They said Kentucky’s exchange fees are lower than the federal platform’s and that the state-based system provides local assistance through DCBS offices, connectors, and licensed agents in every county. Members asked about startup and operating costs, fee-setting, and whether any general fund dollars are used; the department said it would follow up with the CFO on fee details and said it was not aware of general fund support for exchange operations. Members also raised concerns about Medicaid eligibility verification and improper enrollment, while the department emphasized that the state system uses different questions than healthcare.gov and is designed to identify the correct coverage based on monthly Medicaid income and annual tax-credit income. The board also discussed enrollment trends, including a COVID-era spike during the public health emergency when disenrollments were largely paused, and current qualified health plan enrollment of more than 97,000 people on Connect. Commissioner Lee explained presumptive eligibility as temporary Medicaid coverage, noting it applies to pregnant women and hospital-based cases, with hospitals able to grant it and certain providers able to grant it to pregnant women. She said full eligibility is still determined within 30 days and that presumptive eligibility ends when full Medicaid eligibility is determined or at the end of the following month. The meeting then shifted to connectors, with representatives from Community Action Kentucky and the Kentucky Primary Care Association describing their statewide outreach network, local offices, and role helping residents apply for Medicaid, renew coverage, report changes, and navigate benefits; they said connectors do not determine eligibility but assist with applications, recertifications, and outreach events across the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's happening is a parent A is not showing up to deliver the child to parent B, and nothing's done
• Yeah, how we can educate people. Do you care to respond to that? No, Mr.
• First of all, education is super important, and partnering with ITD to get the education out on new laws
• Yeah, how we can educate people. Do you care to respond to that? No, Mr.
• First of all, education is super important and partnering in with ITD to get the education out on new

Summary: The House Judiciary Rules Committee approved the minutes from February 9, 2026, and announced that Friday would be the last day for new RS hearings before they must go to another committee. The committee first moved House Bill 522 back to the second reading calendar, then later reconsidered that action and sent HB 522 to general orders. It also introduced RS 33227C1, a revised proposal to clarify Idaho’s child custody interference laws, including affirmative defenses, law enforcement guidance, and a graduated penalty structure, with a small wording change from “all” to “any” on page two. RS 33258 was also introduced to add electronic storage detection dogs to the list of protected police-type animals under Idaho law.