Transcript Highlights:

• Trey Warden of Walker County to lead us in the Pledges of Allegiance the United States it's in Texas flags
• I pledge allegiance to the flag For the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• And now the Texas flag. Thank you. Thank you, God.
• importantly, they've provided more than 10,000 hours peer-to-peer counseling for combat disabled military
• policy for establishing age for purposes of admission into a school for certain children foreign military

Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, we pray that you protect and bless our military, law enforcement, and first responders, and keep
• Members and visitors in the gallery, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
• Seven hours later, military personnel Destination.
• Seven hours later, military personnel opened the doors. Several bodies fall into the asphalt.
• Senate Bill 474, a bill to be entitled and act relating to military affairs.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then moved into returning messages from the Senate. Early action focused on CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which would add computer science and artificial intelligence content in high school and create a K-12 teacher certificate program; after adopting a House amendment restoring certificate language and adjusting implementation timing, the House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 105-0. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program and add a five-year sunset, then concurring in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration back to the Florida Digital Service; the bill passed 104-1. The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both back to the Senate. It also refused to concur in the Senate amendment to CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel, saying the Senate version expanded the bill beyond its original autism-focused scope. After a recess, the House unveiled Speaker Daniel Perez’s portrait and heard extended remarks praising his leadership, institutional reforms, and the work of House staff and members. In the second returning-message list, the House debated CS/CS/HB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline provisions for terrorist organization designations, and kept references to Sharia law as an example in the foreign religious law section. Supporters argued the bill was aimed at conduct beyond speech and was intended to protect the Constitution and public safety; opponents warned it would chill free speech, target Muslim Floridians, and give the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate due process. After lengthy debate, the House concurred and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1473, a public records bill tied to HB 1471, and moved to concur in a technical Senate amendment aligning the records exemption with the revised structure of HB 1471.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE US FLAG IN MERCHANT MARINE IS A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE.
• WE ARE KEEN ON THE MILITARY PROGRAM. WE ARE LOOKING TO INCREASE THAT TO 16 SEATS PER YEAR.
• A LOT OF THOSE GO TO SUPPORT THE MILITARY COMMANDS OF TRAINING.
• ESPECIALLY IN THE MILITARY PROGRAM.
• BEING A MILITARY BRAT MYSELF AND HAVING A GRAND CHILD WHO IS A MILITARY BRAT AND HAS ABSOLUTELY COME

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Conley as Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs for the term
• Conley as Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.
• Conley as Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.
• House Bill 2663: An act amending Sections 26-8 and 38-610, relating to military affairs.

Summary: The Senate convened, took attendance, approved the journal, and received gubernatorial communications and nominations. Several nominations were referred to committee, and messages from the House were entered, including transmission of Senate Bills 1058, 1237, and 1294 to the Governor. The chamber recessed for caucus, then reconvened and moved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2082, HB 282, HB 2749, and HB 296 (the transcript also contains some misstatements of bill numbers/titles). Amendments were adopted on HB 282, HB 2749, and HB 296, including a Rogers floor amendment to HB 2749 establishing a sunset and a Shope floor amendment to HB 296 making technical and coordination changes related to water infrastructure and the Clean Water Act. The Committee of the Whole reported all of those measures do pass as amended, and the Senate later adopted the report. The Senate then took up additional business, including confirmation votes on gubernatorial nominees. John A. Conley, Ruby Dylan Williams, Thomas J. Connolly, Charles Essex, and Dr. Lynette Levesay were all confirmed. The chamber then passed several House bills on third reading, including HB 2308, HB 4011, HB 2049 as an emergency measure, HB 2253, and HB 2663, with recorded votes largely showing 24 ayes and 0 nays. Committee announcements were made for upcoming Natural Resources and Education meetings. Near adjournment, Senator Epstein gave a personal privilege statement criticizing ICE conduct in a Minnesota case and calling for accountability, and Senator Gonzales thanked her and offered birthday wishes to a family member. The Senate then adopted a motion to notify the Governor of the day’s confirmations and adjourned until Tuesday, May 26, 2026, subject to earlier recall by the President if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The short of it is there are we're not referring to military voters, but there are certain overseas voters
• and if you look at the PCS, it is explicitly amending Section 14-137, which is part of the Uniform Military
• That we would flag them in the system to only receive what's referred to as the federal write-in absentee
• It's for that limited cadre of voters who are overseas voters but not in the military or their dependents
• It's with the laws that are in place that require electronic transmission of absentee ballots to military

Bills: HB2938 , HB2939 , HB3306 , HB3722 , HB4113 , HB4123

Committee: House Elections and Ethics

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• make America first, to protect our southern border, to make groceries affordable, strengthen our military
• affordable, border, to make groceries affordable, strengthen<00:12:06.800><c> our</c><00:12:07.040><c> military
• ,</c><00:12:08.000><c> and</c><00:12:08.320><c> provide</c> strengthen our military, and provide strengthen
• our military, and provide much<00:12:09.040><c> needed</c><00:12:09.519><c> support</c><00:12:09.839

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• 48.079><c> the</c><00:57:48.240><c> Third</c><00:57:48.480><c> Congressional</c><00:57:49.040><c> Military
• Members of the State Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs, listen up. Oh, y'all got really quiet.
• :05:35.199><c> veterans</c><02:05:35.520><c> and</c><02:05:35.679><c> milit</c><02:05:36.320><c> Military
• </c> state civic veterans and milit Military state civic veterans and milit Military and<02:05:36.800

Transcript Highlights:

• We are hurting our military families as well by limiting the number of seats.
• We are hurting our military families as well by limiting the number of seats.
• We have 21 military bases we need to protect.
• They do not always come with a foreign flag or a formal declaration of war.
• You know, you’ve spent years in the military in leadership roles.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report and a rules report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber also heard several recognitions and a farewell speech from Representative Nixon, who reflected on constituent service and her legislative priorities. On the floor, HB 1405, relating to a statewide project for missing persons with special needs, passed unanimously. The House then took up CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew questions about the handling of surplus conservation lands and agricultural uses; it passed 94-10. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, was explained as a broad package restricting foreign-country influence in government, procurement, gifts, cultural agreements, and related areas. An amendment adding restrictions on surrogacy and adoption involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern was adopted after debate over possible impacts on families and adoption practices, and the bill then passed 80-20. The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1197, a bill to modernize state information technology procurement and contracting, unanimously after debate about improving oversight of large IT projects. HB 1103, allowing local governments to fast-track action on derelict vessels, also passed unanimously. The chamber then considered CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use development and development regulations, including limits on development fees, changes to local voting thresholds for comprehensive plan and boundary actions, manufactured homes in RV parks, and resort-related provisions. Several amendments were debated, including one on local control and rural boundaries that failed and another strike-all amendment ruled out of order; the bill ultimately passed 71-38. The final item reached before the transcript ended was a local bill for the Pace Fire Rescue District in Santa Rosa County, described as adjusting its assessment formula to provide tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pledge of the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation
• credits, annuities, and other financial benefits that are provided to veteran service members and military
• Commonwealth. ...annuities and other financial benefits that are provided to veteran service members and military

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its fifth public hearing of the 2025-2026 session, chaired by Senator John Velis and Representative Joe McGonagle. The chairs said the hearing focused on legislation involving tax credits, annuities, and other financial benefits for veterans, service members, and military families. Senator Velis highlighted recent action on the HERO Act, which increased the annual annuity for 100 percent disabled veterans, Gold Star parents, and Gold Star spouses from $2,000 to $2,500, and noted that legislation to ensure eligibility for Gold Star spouses had been enacted and signed into law, removing a remarriage restriction on receiving the annuity. No members of the public had pre-registered or appeared to testify in person or virtually on the bills on the agenda. After confirming that no one was present to offer testimony, the committee briefly acknowledged attendance and then moved to adjourn. The motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Military affairs and elections. HB 2167, Attorney General news...
• Federalism, military affairs and elections. HB 2167, Attorney General. Judiciary.
• Federalism, military affairs and elections. HCM 2006, endangered species act.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Ladies and gentlemen, Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to military service
• Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for certain military service leave protections to include
• Ladies and gentlemen, Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to military service
• Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for certain military service leave protections to include

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and first postponed SB 1650. The committee then heard and favorably reported SB 308, which implements the Florida Museum of Black History task force recommendations by designating St. Johns County as the museum site and creating a board to work with a supporting nonprofit. It also favorably reported SB 7020, which reenacts a public records exemption for certain Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services aquaculture and shellfish production records. Members then considered SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability. The bill creates a presumption against liability for private businesses that follow updated cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements, and a similar protection for local governments that comply with state standards. An amendment was adopted to prevent local governments from imposing separate cybersecurity standards on vendors and to clarify vendor definitions and effective dates. The Florida Justice Association opposed the bill, raising concerns about local government immunity, the practical effect of the presumption for private entities, and retroactivity, while business and industry groups supported it. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also favorably reported SB 572, which updates ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; SB 1442, which revises the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; SB 1106, which replaces references to the West Bank with Judea and Samaria in state agency and educational materials; SB 474, which revises military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, with three amendments adopted; and SB 350, which revises public records protections for crime victims and law enforcement officers who are victims, including a 72-hour confidentiality period for officers in certain cases. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibility from DMS to state agencies while preserving reporting to DMS. The meeting ended after members recorded additional votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• Ladies and gentlemen, Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to military service
• Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for certain military service leave protections to include
• Ladies and gentlemen, Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to military service
• Specifically, the bill expands eligibility for certain military service leave protections to include

Bills: S7020 , S0308 , S0692 , S0474 , S0572 , S1106 , S1650 , S0350 , S1442 , S7032

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The committee heard and voted on several measures. SB 308 on the Florida Museum of Black History was explained as implementing a prior task force recommendation by designating St. Johns County as the museum site, creating a board, and coordinating with a supporting nonprofit; it passed favorably. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability was amended to bar local governments from imposing cybersecurity requirements on vendors beyond generally accepted best practices, and after testimony both for and against, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 572 updated ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; after a technical amendment and support from the Ethics Commission, it passed unanimously. SB 1442 revised the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 1106, as amended by a strike-all, to require state agencies and certain educational materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” despite opposition arguing it would impose political language and conflict with federal and international terminology. SB 7020 reenacted a public records exemption for certain aquaculture and shellfish production records and passed with support from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. SB 474 expanded military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, including members of the Coast Guard and Florida State Guard, and added three amendments before being reported favorably. SB 350, dealing with public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement victims, was heavily amended to add time-limited confidentiality for an officer’s name in some cases and then passed favorably after discussion about balancing transparency and safety. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibilities from DMS to individual agencies, while still requiring data reporting to DMS for legislative oversight. SB 1650 by Senator Gates was temporarily postponed. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...and join with the South Shore Technical School, who leads us in the Pledge of Allegiance of the flag
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• House 3388, an act designating September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veteran Suicide Awareness

Summary: The House convened with the South Shore Technical School leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and members recognized the school’s FFA teams for national achievements in nursery landscape and floral career development events. The chamber also introduced guests and Representative Sweezy before turning to scheduled business. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended four House bills for consideration: H.2799 on protecting local retirees, H.3008 on non-continuous farmland, H.3306 establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, and H.3424 enhancing cooperative purchasing opportunities for cities and towns. The House suspended Rule 7A, advanced those bills to a third reading, and then approved H.4249, as amended, relative to vital statistics, for reenactment. The House then passed several engrossed bills to be enacted, including S.1830 authorizing Brookfield to continue employing Herbert A. Chafee II, H.3388 designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, H.4135 establishing an appointed clerk position in Allington, and H.4170 addressing a vacancy in the Ward 7 councillor office in Malabur. The House adopted an order to reconvene the next day at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to meet Thursday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
• In air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
• The Fergusons are a military family and have two kids with learning differences.
• hall packed with hundreds of U.S. troops, gathered thinking they were having dinner with senior military
• President, I re-enlisted in the military because of you.'

Summary: The meeting was the opening of the Arkansas General Assembly’s 2026 fiscal session, beginning with quorum calls, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including law enforcement officers, a doctor of the day, nurse of the day, constitutional officers, Supreme Court justices, and family and friends of legislators. The House adopted House Resolution 1001 to convene a joint session for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s address, appointed committees to notify the Senate and the Governor, and later received the Senate into the chamber before recessing for the joint session. In the joint session, members observed a moment of silence for former Representative Stan Berry, then heard Governor Sanders’s fiscal session address. Her remarks focused heavily on the proposed budget and her administration’s priorities: fully funding education and the LEARNS Act, supporting teachers and literacy efforts, funding public safety and corrections, expanding the 1033 initiative to move people from crisis to career, and holding down government growth while pursuing further income tax cuts. She also highlighted economic development, low cost of living, and support for veterans, while emphasizing conservative policy themes and thanking several Arkansans whose stories illustrated the administration’s agenda. No substantive legislation was debated or voted on beyond the adoption of House Resolution 1001 and the procedural motions to adjourn the joint session and then adjourn the House until the next day. The House announced that Joint Budget would meet later that afternoon and again the following morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• People join the military for all different reasons.
• That's what you want your military people to be.
• I did uh for a variety of the military.
• You don't your military people to be.
• </c> join certain branchs of the military. join certain branchs of the military.

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Military Management has 58 FTP, including...
• This is a And dedicated fund appropriation to the Military Management program.
• discount because he saw my military ID.
• active service in the U.S. military.
• And please express to all of your military team our appreciation.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Idaho Military Division, the Division of Veterans Services, and the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). For the Military Division, analysts and Major General Tim Donnellan reviewed the division’s structure, recent transfer of emergency medical services into the division, and the fiscal year 2027 request. The request included a small general fund amount for hazardous materials response, a pay-parity adjustment for state employees tied to federal military pay scales, and a dedicated-fund enhancement for overhead recovery, offset by rescissions including vacant positions and reduced tuition assistance. Members asked about the 3% rescission, EMS transition costs, and why certain CEC-related positions appeared in and out of the budget; the general said the division had absorbed the cut but that further reductions could affect education assistance for Guardsmen. He also described the EMS transition as smooth and said the division was modernizing its Army and Air components. The committee then reviewed the Division of Veterans Services budget and heard from Administrator Mark Champal. The analyst outlined the division’s homes, cemeteries, veteran assistance programs, and fiscal year 2027 requests, including one-time equipment and replacement items, an ongoing reduction for expiring software fees, and reductions for long-vacant positions. Questions focused on nursing shortages, contract labor, the miscellaneous revenue fund, and memory-care capacity. Champal said the division is using a temporary nursing pool to reduce reliance on contract nurses and expects to save nearly half a million dollars, while continuing to struggle with staffing. He said the Boise home currently meets memory-care needs and that the new Boise facility could expand if needed. He also highlighted outreach efforts, claims assistance, cemetery services, and the division’s efforts to connect veterans with outside support. Finally, PERSI’s budget was presented and discussed with Director Mike Hampton. The analyst described the retirement system’s defined benefit and defined contribution plans, the ongoing pension software upgrade, and one-time requests for the final software phase, disaster recovery planning, and IT replacements. Committee members asked about administrative growth, who participates in PERSI, software maintenance costs, and why there was no general fund rescission. Hampton explained that PERSI is fully funded by employer and employee contributions, that the software project is nearing completion, and that the annual maintenance increase reflects licensing costs. He also discussed post-retirement allowance adjustments, saying the board recommended a retroactive catch-up through 2022 and that future increases depend on fund performance and legislative action. The committee also discussed the merits and risks of defined benefit versus defined contribution plans, and Hampton said PERSI remains well funded, with strong investment returns and broad participation across Idaho public employers. The meeting ended with adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• I've also gotten increasingly involved in claims dealing with military sexual trauma, mental health claims
• instead of just coming to the office saying, "I need help with my PTSD," we go through the whole military
• We explain to them what they need to do if it is truly service-connected and related to their military
• It's truly service-connected and related to military service, and we guide them on how they can proceed

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• May continued to serve the community and the public good when his military service ended.
• barrier-breaking service with the Tuskegee Airmen and for his lifetime of service that followed his military

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a special recognition of Dr. Harold May, an original Tuskegee Airman. The Majority Leader highlighted Dr. May’s military service and his later career in medicine, including graduating from Harvard Medical School, working in Haiti, helping develop Boston’s emergency medical services, and founding a children’s support organization. A citation from the Massachusetts Senate was presented, and the chamber briefly recessed for photos and signatures. The Senate then adopted a resolution recognizing the legacy of Senator Mock and Mr. Pachico. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to the appropriate committees. An order was adopted for the Senate to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Before adjournment, the Senate honored former State Representative Thomas S. Cahir, with remarks noting his long service in the Massachusetts House, leadership on transportation issues, work on commuter rail and other projects, and later service with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. The Senate approved adjournment in his memory, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• <c> the</c><00:01:43.880><c> United</c><00:01:44.360><c> States</c><00:01:44.800><c> of</c> to the flag
• of the United States of to the flag of the United States of America,<00:01:45.960><c> and</c><00:01:
• To Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, Senate Bill 11.
• ><c> and</c> To veterans, military affairs, and To veterans, military affairs, and public<01:01:38.280

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, and adopted a legislative citation honoring Dave Buzz Baker for his long career with WKYT and the UK Sports Network. The Senate clerk then reported several Senate bills passed by the Senate and requested concurrence. The House approved the journal and received committee reports advancing a wide range of bills on agriculture, banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing and regulations, education, and information technology, covering topics such as agricultural procurement, pesticide labeling, vehicle financial protection products, proxy advisory services, financial exploitation, status offenses, firearms liability protections, school administrator salaries, sick leave, school safety, and data privacy. The chamber then considered House Bill 468 on civil rights. The bill would update the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to align the definition of disability with the federal ADA, and it would remove the Kentucky Human Rights Commission’s adjudicative powers over employment and public accommodations disputes while preserving investigative functions. House Floor Amendment 1 was adopted; it removed language barring attorney’s fees, preserved local commissions’ investigative powers, authorized local commissions and private plaintiffs to file civil actions in circuit court, and extended the probable-cause determination period from 30 to 180 days. The bill, as amended, passed 72-22. House Bill 757, the session’s revenue bill, was then debated. Its sponsor described provisions including moratoriums on certain local school district taxes, Internal Revenue Code conformity, new taxes on data brokering, fantasy contests, and predictive markets, EV charging station inspection fees, elimination of some tax expenditures, Department of Revenue cleanup provisions, and process changes for inheritance tax, property tax delinquencies, and other measures. Members raised concerns that the bill would limit local school boards’ taxing options and could affect bonding and school construction; the sponsor said TIF-related provisions would sunset future participation, not existing projects, and that the bill had been developed with agency input. House Bill 757 passed 69-18. The House also passed House Bill 727, creating the Kentucky Education Placement Service System for teacher applicants and district job postings, by a vote of 94-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 776, a modernization of the Dental Practice Act, with changes to board authority, licensure renewal, hygienist and assistant rules, and telehealth standards; the sponsor noted an ownership-related issue and presented House Floor Amendment 1 for consideration, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that amendment and the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask a special blessing for our military members and our first responders who daily protect our freedoms
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• We ask a special blessing for<00:02:09.119><c> our</c><00:02:09.200><c> military</c><00:02:09.720><c>
• members and our first for our military members and our first responders<00:02:11.520><c> who</c><00:
• </c><00:02:50.520><c> of</c><00:02:50.680><c> the</c> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the I pledge

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and excused absent members. The chamber received second readings of several bills and resolutions, including measures on ad valorem taxes, planning and zoning, tax-dollar restrictions, provisional medical licensing, Medicaid oversight, environmental regulations, municipal financial reporting, nuclear workforce development, and county law libraries. Committee reports advanced bills on economic development, education, judiciary, and veterans/public protection, and the body also received a list of newly filed bills and resolutions covering topics such as rural revitalization, athletics, SNAP eligibility, diaper tax exemption, domestic violence, middle school math, pedestrian bridges, constitutional amendments, education, and several honorary resolutions. The Senate then took up House Bill 314, which would reorganize the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (Kentucky Wired) by moving it under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, restructuring its board, and adding members representing cities and counties. Supporters said the bill was an administrative change, not a funding measure, intended to focus the network on students, teachers, and public users while awaiting an audit. Critics argued the project has been a costly taxpayer burden and called for stronger oversight. The bill passed final passage 32-6. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 157, which aligns Kentucky law with federal mortgage rules so that certain rate buy-down payments do not count against borrower fee caps, with supporters saying it would help housing affordability and reduce costs for borrowers. Senate Bill 214 also passed unanimously; it allows the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to accept non-federal funding for grants without routing those funds through the Department of Finance. The Senate later adopted several resolutions, including Senate Resolution 61 recognizing Links Incorporated Day, Senate Resolution 114 commemorating the 80th Southern Legislative Conference, and Senate Resolution 118 honoring Joseph H. Mattingly Jr. Additional remarks highlighted a Black History Celebration event and a lengthy floor speech criticizing the Kentucky Hospital Association’s reserves and urging investigation, followed by consideration of Senate Resolution 55 on Profound Autism Day in Kentucky.