Video & Transcript : 'direct care' :
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We also manage two health care programs, the first being TRS Care, which is for our retirees.
- I just want to ask about TRS Active Care to clarify a couple of things.
- Contribution for TRS care active care.
- Now usually most home rule cities can try to take care of their communities on their own.
- And so through the direction of. leadership of this committee.
Keywords:
infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations
Summary:
During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-20 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Though you are high and lifted up, you care deeply about lowly mankind.
- they deserve, and ultimately ensuring delivery of care that benefits all Floridians.
- We are funding for $4 million for a new direct-buy program.
- President, if it's all right, in the health care silo for Chair Trumbull. Yes, sir. Go ahead.
- Senator Davis, we are just aligning the existing managed-care programs with the other managed-care programs
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/28/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections
House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- This should be taken care of by the state. They're your soldiers. You should take care of them.
- They need health care.
- We have to really be careful in how we're exploring. Right?
- Powell, I personally, I don't care. I don't care. I don't care.
- I don't care about that data faster.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2348, which would appropriate state funds for Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs training-center needs, including Wi-Fi for reserve units at joint facilities, a reimbursement program for service members using personal computers, lodging and kind for drill weekends, and HVAC upgrades and maintenance. Two amendments were considered: the Marquez Amendment, which filled in dollar amounts for each purpose, failed; and the Gillette Amendment, which added national-security restrictions on networking equipment, removed the reimbursement and lodging provisions from the underlying bill, and adjusted the funding language, passed. The sponsor and several military witnesses testified that reserve and Guard members at places like Buckeye lack Wi-Fi, adequate HVAC, and lodging, forcing soldiers to use public libraries, personal devices, or sleep in cars or on armory floors. After debate over whether the state should fund needs tied to federal reserve units and how the money would be sourced, the committee recommended HB 2348 as amended by a 4-3 vote.
The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2016, a ballot referral that would cap precinct size at 2,500 registered voters and eliminate county authority to use vote centers, emergency voting centers, and certain on-site early voting options. The sponsor said the measure was intended to restore precinct-based voting and reflect voter preference, noting the change from an earlier 1,000-voter cap to 2,500 after feedback from county officials. County and advocacy witnesses opposed the resolution, arguing that vote centers provide flexibility, are often more cost-effective, and are necessary in rural counties and large counties like Maricopa; they also said precinct voting would require many more locations, staff, and equipment, and could force some counties into central-count tabulation. Supporters argued precinct voting improves voter confidence and access. The committee approved HCR 2016 for the ballot by a 4-3 vote.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2165, which exempts veterans from Arizona State Parks admission fees, and adopted the Marquez Amendment to extend the exemption to active military, National Guard, and reserve members and to broaden acceptable identification. Arizona State Parks testified in a neutral position, saying the agency is self-funded through user fees and already offers discounts to active duty, veterans, and disabled veterans, but warned that expanding free admission could affect park revenue and rural economies. The bill discussion ended with the amendment adopted and the measure moving forward.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- long-term care uh to quality of care in long-term care settings settings settings uh<00:01:08.640><c
- </c> rather than delivering care rather than delivering care um<00:01:22.720><c> drives</c><00:01:23.320
- </c><00:02:13.760><c> about,</c> that we love and care about, that we love and care about, uh,<00:02:
- </c><00:07:17.919><c> care</c><00:07:18.160><c> of</c> funds received on the direct care of funds received
- on the direct care of residents,<00:07:18.960><c> that</c><00:07:19.160><c> there</c><00:07:19.919><
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Jul 31st, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our success in obtaining court orders directing resumption of funding has restored billions of dollars
- Just under half, $12,053,000,000, came in the form of direct aid from the federal government.
- We obtained a court order directing the federal government to resume provision of funding. of funding
- , reinstating $59 million for Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Health (DOH).
- The executive orders themselves, did not impose cuts; they directed agencies to do XYZ things.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 8, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- If we're not careful, they'll be placed and not guided into vocational tracks that aren't options but
- I'm up on your bill, I think, in the right direction.
- I'm going to support this bill because it's in the right direction.
- I think it's in the right direction.
- I think it's in the right direction.
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met with two bills on the agenda. HB 1055, by Rep. Albert, would make permanent the Center for the Study of Election Law at Florida State University’s College of Law, which was created temporarily in 2023. The sponsor described the center as successful and tied to Florida’s election reputation. There was brief public testimony, including support from FSU-affiliated witnesses, and no debate or amendments. The bill passed unanimously.
The committee then heard HB 1105, by Rep. Kinghart-Johnson, a broader education bill affecting Bright Futures and related programs. As explained by the sponsor, the bill would change the Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship requirement from three full credits in one program to three full credits total, align the CTE diploma with scholarship eligibility, add the AP Capstone Diploma as an automatic Bright Futures Academic Scholarship qualifier, and remove barriers for some students whose parents are retired military or public service employees stationed out of state. An amendment was adopted that revised AP Capstone requirements, kept the Gold Seal GPA requirement unchanged, and added the ACE diploma as a qualifier for the Florida Seal of Fine Arts.
Public testimony on HB 1105 included two social work students who supported expanding opportunities but warned that the bill could steer students into vocational tracks without enough safeguards, transparency, or access to transportation, internships, and counseling. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s goal of recognizing multiple paths to success, while also acknowledging concerns raised by speakers. In closing, the sponsor said the bill was intended to improve access and correct language that treated vocational pathways as lesser options. HB 1105 passed unanimously as amended, and the meeting adjourned afterward.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They can be a direct release to expiration. They can be a direct release probation. Sure. Okay.
- Presky... or foster care individuals.
- We have to be exceedingly careful when we talk about these things. Exceedingly careful.
- Ness said, there's also accountability and very clear direction for the judge, very clear direction for
- clear directions for the endgame.
Summary:
The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations.
The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute.
Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees.
Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 037 Feb 20th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- maternal health care.
- There's a direct relationship to not reimbursing at an appropriate level to health care services closing
- </c> are not getting care. are not getting care.
- </c> They are not getting care. They are not getting care.
- A direct relationship. our state. A direct relationship.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House public safety committee debate on HF16 - Pt. 2 3/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> whole host of people who provided care whole host of people who provided care to<00:05:22.319><c
- </c><00:05:28.919><c> provided</c> such a shortage of that care provided such a shortage of that care
- </c> immigrants who are doing our elder care immigrants who are doing our elder care right<00:06:36.240
- </c><00:07:30.919><c> or</c> you know Medicare or Minnesota care or you know Medicare or Minnesota care
- </c> adjudicated because people really cared adjudicated because people really cared about<00:37:02.040
Summary:
The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases.
Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns.
The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Expanding exceptions to gift-giving ban 2/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A good Samaritan under the direction of... there is no direction of... and often times there's no one
- </c> the def definition under the direction the def definition under the direction of<00:30:52.960><c
- </c> of or is an a lot of them are directed of or is an a lot of them are directed as<00:30:56.320><c
- And it also providing emergency care.
- </c><00:36:57.440><c> we</c> amendment and probably the direction we amendment and probably the direction
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm like, 'I don't care. Y'all want a photo wherever you want.'
- Because the narrative, to use the chair's word, was that we didn't care, the state didn't care.
- care.
- Their experience to lead you in the right direction.
- And so I took... ...and people that really care about your development.
Summary:
The committee held an oversight discussion on Louisiana’s reentry landscape, with Chair Villio emphasizing that the hearing was informational only and that no bills were being considered. Department of Public Safety and Corrections officials outlined the state’s reentry mission and current programming in state facilities, local jails, regional reentry centers, and STEP facilities. They described services including literacy and GED preparation, career and technical education, industry certifications, postsecondary partnerships, mental health and substance abuse treatment, victim impact and trauma programming, and pre-release assistance such as state IDs, birth certificates, Social Security cards, Medicaid, SNAP, and driver’s licenses. Officials also discussed a new data-sharing MOU with DCFS for child support matters and a planned “return portal” with Louisiana Works to connect incarcerated people to jobs and training aligned with labor market needs.
A major focus was the reentry court program at Angola for men and at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. Assistant Secretary DeLouche and Assistant Warden Easley explained that the program is limited to nine judicial districts, requires judge and district attorney consent, and includes a two-year institutional phase followed by three years of intensive supervised probation. Participants must earn a HiSET if needed, complete multiple certifications and life-skills programs, and then petition for resentencing; officials said the program’s current recidivism rate is under 14 percent. They also highlighted specialized offerings such as vocational mentoring, a Braille transcription and repair program, and family-focused events like a father-daughter dance.
Testimony from employers and local officials was broadly supportive. Eric Lane described hiring formerly incarcerated workers through the parole project and said the program solved problems he had seen with halfway-house placements by helping people secure housing, IDs, and licenses before release. Sheriff Kevin Cobb said sheriffs are active partners, with 51 of 64 parishes offering some form of programming and more than 75 percent of local facilities providing services; he stressed that local jail programming has grown over time and that data collection is improving. Members repeatedly asked for more data on recidivism, employment outcomes, and what programs are available by parish, and several praised the department and sheriffs for the work already being done. No votes were taken.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- I do thanks to God for all what I have given and for the opportunity to direct me to my colleagues.
- We simply want them to be good community members and take care of their fellow students.
- The clerk will read a summary of the resolution: A resolution directing.
- makes sure that the money flows in that direction first, and then we take care of the issues that are
- My amendment directs the Commission to establish a baseline ROE, My amendment directs the Commission
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and a quorum call before moving into committee reports and floor action. Committees reported a number of bills and resolutions, including measures from Local Government, Energy, Health, Judiciary, Appropriations, Rules, and Finance. The chamber also announced caucus and committee meetings, then recessed and later reconvened for final consideration of legislation.
Several bills passed the House finally, including House Bill 2299 on body cameras for county probation officers, House Bill 167 designating a scenic byway along Allegheny River Boulevard, House Bill 95 requiring disclosure when content or advertising is generated or substantially modified by artificial intelligence, House Bill 1944 expanding medical amnesty and Good Samaritan protections on campuses, House Bill 2443 creating a child victim recovery fund, House Bill 246 updating references from the Public Welfare Code to the Human Services Code, and House Bill 2586 establishing title protection for music therapists. The House also adopted House Resolution 463 recognizing Korean-American Citizenship Day, House Resolution 499 recognizing Juneteenth Independence Day, and House Resolution 547 directing a study of electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration.
The House spent significant time on amendments to House Bill 133, which concerns reinstatement of parental rights, and House Bill 138, which addresses parental incarceration and termination of parental rights. Both bills received bipartisan amendments adding guardrails and exceptions, and the amendments were adopted unanimously. The chamber also debated House Bill 2224, the Fair Act, with multiple amendments on utility rates, return on equity, and scope; some amendments were adopted, several tied votes failed, and the bill was left amended for reprinting. House Bill 2544, dealing with school administrators’ rights and negotiations, saw an amendment to allow individual bargaining, but that amendment failed and the bill was agreed to. The session ended with a correction to the record on House Bill 1944, a motion to recommit several bills to Appropriations, and adjournment until June 22, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- Washington faces a serious and well-documented shortage of nurses and allied health care workers across
- We serve over 1,000 students annually, and we're ready to expand into the allied health care fields.
- This may not be a sexy topic, but if we care about the opportunity of higher education for residents
- staff in IT, to trim staff in facilities, all the places that you go if you're trying to protect direct
- I would say right now, resident undergraduate tuition just covers for us the direct costs of instruction
Keywords:
funding, education, higher education, Western Washington University, state funding parity, financial aid, state funding, student support, educational reform, university procedures, academic policy, student success, Washington Medical Commission, medical license, license relinquishment, voluntary surrender, nondisciplinary pathway, physician regulation, health professional licensing, disciplinary database
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Directions on how to submit public comments on the portal can be found in today's hearing notice.
- House Bill 1787 directs the Department of State Health Services to develop a comprehensive state plan
- House Bill 5092 directs RES to enter into agreements with Texas Tech University to undertake research
- Uh, we do a lot of research in this area like impulse power and directed energy and, and as I said, um
- increase the capacity for nursing education programs to ensure we have enough qualified nurses to care
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, to direct the election judges to, um, affirm their duties as required by statute.
- um to to direct the election are they?
- </c><01:01:18.000><c> to</c> Weslin moves that staff are directed to Weslin moves that staff are directed
- And the bill will be put together as directed and laid over.
- And the bill will be put together as directed and laid over.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And he got an additional $7 million to take care of the backlog in one-time non-recurring appropriation
- And he got an additional $7 million to take care of the backlog in one-time non-recurring appropriation
- And he got an additional $7 million to take care of the backlog in one time non-recurring appropriation
- It kept them out of the elements, and it provided them a decent place to stay and be cared for until
- There were 11 additional direct allocations made to what HUD refers to as entitlement communities.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard two hurricane-recovery presentations focused on Florida’s response and long-term recovery efforts. Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reviewed response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, including meals, water, sheltering, search and rescue deployments, power restoration, debris removal, flood-control efforts, and generator distribution. He also described ongoing public assistance and mitigation funding, the state’s FROC system for standardizing and speeding reimbursement documentation, and the Elevate Florida residential mitigation program, which will use about $400 million to elevate or reconstruct eligible flood-insurance properties and may expand to county-run programs. Senators asked about manufactured homes, school shelter hardening, mobile home tie-downs, reimbursement for USAR teams, debris hauling, regional sheltering, and FEMA review delays; Guthrie said the state is trying to move recovery faster and more proactively, while acknowledging some limits and federal bottlenecks.
The committee then heard from Justin Domer, Deputy Secretary of Community Development at Florida Commerce, on HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery programs. He explained that Commerce administers long-term recovery funds through its Office of Long-Term Resiliency for housing, infrastructure, and economic development, with funds used as a last resort after FEMA and insurance. Domer outlined the process for the most recent $925 million allocation covering multiple disasters, including Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, Broward flooding, and North Florida tornadoes, and said the state currently manages about $3.4 billion in DR funds, rising to over $4 billion with the new allocation. He highlighted completed and ongoing housing programs for Hurricane Irma, Michael, and Ian, plus workforce recovery programs and subrecipient infrastructure grants. Senators asked about Broward and Fort Lauderdale funding, homeowner turnaround times, and mobile home eligibility; Domer said Broward and Fort Lauderdale will have separate HUD-directed programs, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We kept in touch, and I knew he cared deeply about democracy and that he'd actually fought for it in
- </c><00:12:46.279><c> of</c><00:12:46.560><c> their</c><00:12:47.199><c> one</c> care which centri care
- one of their one care which centri care one of their one of<00:12:47.440><c> their</c><00:12:47.600>
- </c> employment and but what if it has direct employment and but what if it has direct conflict<00:25
- These are individuals who care.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- care workforce.
- This question is directed to our CSU representative.
- This question is directed to our CSU representative.
- So we have to be very careful about how we move forward.
- I urge you to make sure that that funding is directed toward direct instruction and student support.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an oversight hearing on the California State University system covering enrollment, core operations, Title IX/civil rights, and basic needs. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s 2026-27 budget does not change CSU enrollment targets from the prior year and proposes a 5% ongoing General Fund increase for core operations as the final year of the compact. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended a lower resident undergraduate enrollment target than the Governor’s proposal, separate funding for enrollment growth rather than folding it into base, a smaller or no base increase tied more closely to inflation, earmarking some base funds for capital renewal, retiring deferred payments, and avoiding new multi-year compact commitments. CSU said enrollment has rebounded for three straight years, but growth is uneven across campuses, with several Northern California campuses still facing structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines.
CSU described a multi-year reallocation plan shifting about 10,000 FTE and $89 million in ongoing funding toward higher-demand campuses, plus $40 million in one-time support, and said seven campuses submitted turnaround plans aimed at recovering enrollment over the next several years. The system highlighted strategies such as dual enrollment, guaranteed admission pathways with community colleges, outreach to high school students, retention and advising efforts, and new degree models for working adults and military-connected students. Members raised questions about how campus targets are set, whether the May Board of Trustees discussion will address a systemwide enrollment framework, and how CSU will manage future deficits if projected out-year funding does not materialize.
On core operations and facilities, CSU said it faces about $320 million in mandatory cost increases in 2026-27 and is pursuing shared services, procurement consolidation, campus administrative sharing, and program redesigns to reduce costs. CSU and the LAO emphasized the system’s large deferred maintenance backlog, estimated at $8.6 billion, and discussed whether CSU’s bond/debt capacity is sufficient to address it; CSU requested up to $1.1 billion for deferred maintenance, while the administration did not propose new funding. The committee also heard CSU’s annual Title IX and civil rights update: CSU said it has implemented 15 of 16 State Auditor recommendations, has dedicated Title IX coordinators at every campus, is using a systemwide case management dashboard, and is piloting centralized investigations at five campuses. Finally, on basic needs, the Governor maintained current funding levels for food assistance/basic needs, rapid rehousing, and mental health. CSU reported heavy use of food pantries, CalFresh support, emergency housing, and counseling services, while warning that federal changes to CalFresh and related funding could make it harder to serve students in need.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Elbridge Colby, of the District of Columbia, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Mar 4th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- We should make Taiwan a porcupine, and Taipei is sprinting in that direction. that direction, we should
- D.P. to kind of drive the overall strategic direction that we need to get better results out of our,
- TCOs, including those transporting fentanyl, pose a direct threat to Americans.
- They don't care about dying. Intelligence is our best defense against terrorism.
- He could make progress in that direction as well.
Keywords:
defense, geopolitical tensions, military readiness, China, Russia, U.S. military, Indo-Pacific, alliance, procurement
Summary:
The meeting focused on critical defense and security matters, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia. There were discussions surrounding U.S. military readiness, with significant emphasis on the potential threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Members expressed concerns about America's military capabilities in relation to the growing Chinese fleet and the importance of maintaining strong alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, the notion of prioritizing the defense industrial base was highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective procurement and modernization efforts to counter adversarial threats. Furthermore, notable commentary included a reference to President Zelensky's remarks regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, expressing a willingness for further cooperation with the U.S.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session D Apr 29th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think the intention was for us to go into that direction.
- In direct... Party, Donald Trump's Republican Party, in direct violation of Florida's Constitution.
- They don't care what happened in California. They don't care what happened.
- They don't care what happened in California. They don't care what happened in Virginia.
- And I don't care if you're going to like me after I said.
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituted with House Bill 1D, both establishing Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Senator Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a proposed redistricting plan on short notice and argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based provisions in the Fair Districts Amendment are unconstitutional. He repeatedly said the Legislature was not being asked to prove the Governor’s legal theory, only to consider the proposal, and noted that no amendments were offered.
A lengthy question-and-answer period followed, with senators raising concerns about the rushed process, lack of statewide public hearings, and the map’s effects on minority communities, compactness, communities of interest, and partisan fairness. Senators questioned whether the map cracked Latino and Black communities, whether partisan data was used, whether the Governor’s office had outside consultants, and whether the plan complied with the Florida Constitution, the Fair Districts Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act. Gates generally deferred on legal conclusions, said the Governor’s representatives had testified the map was race-neutral and used political data only as one factor, and emphasized that any constitutional challenge would be for the courts.
After a motion to temporarily postpone failed by a recorded vote of 12 yeas to 23 nays, the Senate continued debate. Senators Rouson, Bernard, and others spoke in opposition, arguing the proposal was rushed, partisan, and harmful to communities of interest and minority voting power. Gates maintained that the Governor had a constitutional prerogative to propose the map and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The House companion bill was then substituted for the Senate bill, read a third time, and the chamber moved into final debate on the congressional redistricting plan.