Transcript Highlights:

• So this is partly her statement on behalf of HB 537.
• a statement of purpose for requires a statement of purpose for which<00:11:11.560><c> the</c><00:11:
• In their statement of purpose, they say they are for the welfare or the benefits of the condominium.
• In their statement of purpose, they say they are for the welfare or the benefits of the condominium.
• The statement of purpose is stated in that form.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• little bit and my interest, of course, in being a trustee over at the University of West Florida.
• little bit and my interest, of course, in being a trustee over at the University of West Florida.
• Beyond that, then, I am interested in the University of West Florida because of my local ties to the
• Now, in terms of research funding, it's a very interesting question.
• Second of all, I want to commend you for your interest in military affairs.

Summary: The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction. For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote. Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• It ends their parents' financial obligation to the minor regardless of the minor's own level of financial
• It ends their parents' financial obligation to the minor regardless of the minor's own level of financial
• It ends their parents' financial obligation to the minor regardless of the minor's own level of financial
• :14.800><c> level</c><02:07:15.000><c> of</c><02:07:15.159><c> financial</c> the Minor's own level of
• financial the Minor's own level of financial Independence<02:07:16.440><c> normally</c><02:07:16.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Health and Labor heard testimony on HB 1244, a measure relating to labor standards at health care facilities and nursing staff ratios. Committee members opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a suggested two-minute testimony limit and Zoom rules. The bill drew extensive testimony from hospitals, nursing organizations, unions, and individual nurses, with the central debate focusing on whether staffing ratios should be set by statute or left to collective bargaining and unit-level staffing decisions. Opponents included the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Queen’s Health Systems. They argued that fixed ratios are too rigid for the changing conditions of hospital care, could worsen workforce shortages, and should be handled through labor negotiations, staffing committees, and existing agreements. Several also pointed to investments in nursing education, loan repayment, and workforce development as better solutions. Queen’s said it had recently reached an agreement with nurses after more than 40 meetings that included a staffing framework, and Kapiolani and others emphasized the need for flexibility in emergencies and specialty care. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Pride at Work Hawaii, the Hawaii Nurses Association/American Nurses Association chapter, Hawaii Nurses Association Local 50, UNAC/UHCP, and individual nurses, said unsafe staffing levels contribute to burnout, turnover, errors, and patient harm. Testifiers described chronic short staffing, emotionally and physically exhausting workloads, and situations in which nurses were responsible for too many patients at once. Supporters argued that safe ratios are necessary to protect both patients and nurses, and that collective bargaining has not been enough to ensure safe conditions statewide, especially in facilities without unions. No vote or final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• an immediate financial distress of a hospital.
• Also includes information on changes in equity position, income statements, statements of cash flow,
• an immediate financial distress of a hospital.
• To an immediate financial distress of a hospital.
• follow up with if that’s of interest.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of success of evidence-based process of success of evidence-based policym. policym. policym.
• Chairman, I would like to share something that Stephanie will be interested in hearing: a couple of the
• </c> of of their government. of of their government.
• Anyone who is accused of contempt of court or at risk of being found in contempt of court, whether indirect
• being</c> contempt of court or at risk of being contempt of court or at risk of being found<00:47:27.440

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , services, or supports to be assessed for conflicts of interest prior to receiving State funds, licensure
• interesting because there are examples of when a woman does need to have an abortion because of many
• rent increases, do they reflect the financial realities of certain municipalities and working families
• There's a certain element of lack of security, lack of interest.
• I'm just going to read a statement before we close, and then that'll be the end of our session today.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unless members of the committee want to make a statement, I think we should proceed with the panel.
• The orders also eliminate the use of carrying charges, which are the interest expenses associated with
• The orders also eliminate the use of carrying charges, which are the interest expenses associated with
• And so you have a lot of interest in avoiding new natural gas infrastructure.
• degree that they're reading it and claiming not to understand, that too would be of interest to us.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on two related issues: gas utilities’ climate compliance plans filed with the Department of Public Utilities and the recent DPU orders reforming the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts must reduce gas use, shrink the gas distribution footprint, and move customers to alternatives such as heat pumps, network geothermal, and non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs). DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand said the new GSEP orders lower the annual revenue cap from 3.0% to 2.5%, phase it down toward 1.5%, eliminate carrying charges, require more rigorous risk prioritization, and push utilities to consider advanced leak technology, relining, repairs, and NPAs. He also described the climate compliance plans as the start of a longer process covering decommissioning, stranded costs, line extension allowances, integrated energy planning, and targeted electrification demonstrations. Senators pressed the DPU and utility witnesses on the lack of specificity in the climate compliance plans, especially the absence of numeric goals for gas usage reduction, customer conversions, and near-term deployment of NPAs. Utility representatives from Eversource and National Grid said their plans include NPA frameworks, integrated energy planning, targeted electrification pilots, network geothermal, and workforce transition efforts, but argued that implementation takes time, requires customer participation, and depends on coordination with electric utilities and communities. They said some NPA and electrification projects are being evaluated now, while larger-scale deployment is expected later in the decade. Senators also raised concerns about line extension allowances, with utilities explaining that new customers may be charged based on whether existing ratepayers would otherwise be harmed, while National Grid said it has begun increasing customer contributions to send stronger price signals. Attorney General Mary Gardner supported the DPU’s GSEP reforms and said the office favors eventually stepping the GSEP cap down to zero by 2030, with repair and replacement costs recovered in base rate cases instead. She argued that the utilities’ plans still rely too heavily on business-as-usual approaches, do not adequately quantify scope 3 emissions, and leave unresolved questions about the obligation to serve and the future of line extension allowances. Advocacy witnesses from the Conservation Law Foundation and Acadia Center were more critical, saying the plans lack the detailed modeling, targets, and transparency needed to show how the utilities will help meet the Commonwealth’s heating and cooling sublimits and broader climate goals. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll give an opening statement in a moment and kind of... ...lay out the rules of what we're going to
• Following opening statements, we will begin the consideration of amendments to the Chairman's mark.
• Aside from the obvious conflict of interest, given the fact that Mr.
• Not a political statement of fact.
• So, given my colleagues' comments and my interest in really getting rid of some of these glaring loopholes

Committee: Senate Senate Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a packed agenda with a lot of interesting legislation.
• It's a packed agenda with a lot of interesting legislation.
• But that's less of a question, more of a statement.
• But that's less of a question, more of a statement.
• , but due to a lack of access to financial resources.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held its first hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including hunger-free campuses, FAFSA completion, early college/college-in-high-school programs, banning legacy preferences, AP credit consistency, and tuition equity for the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Committee leaders opened by outlining the hearing process and noting the three-minute testimony limit. Legislators and advocates generally framed the bills as equity and access measures aimed at improving college affordability, student success, and workforce development. Representative Vargas testified for H. 1466 and H. 1467, arguing that hunger-free campus should be codified because many public college and community college students face food insecurity, and that FAFSA completion should be improved through individualized outreach and an opt-out or completion requirement. Senator Lovely, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and other advocates supported the hunger-free campus bill, citing data that 44% of public university and community college students experienced food insecurity in 2023 and that food insecurity harms graduation rates. Femi Stoltz and Shanti Lopez Toro backed the FAFSA bill, saying many students miss out on Pell grants and need direct support; they pointed to state examples such as Louisiana and to recent state action requiring FAFSA awareness. Committee members asked about the federal FAFSA rollout, regional equity in food access, and the need for long-term funding and data collection. A large panel supported H. 1455 on college and high school/early college, including former Chair Roy, the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College, a student graduate, MBAE, and Tripp Jones. They described early college as a proven model that helps low-income and first-generation students, improves degree attainment, and supports workforce needs; witnesses said the goal is to scale from about 9,000 students and 55 partnerships toward 22,000 to 25,000 students by 2030, with possible future growth beyond that. Members raised questions about funding, public-private partnerships, parental involvement, faculty development, and whether the bill should include data review and more standardized policies across institutions. Representative Garcia also testified for H. 1432 on AP credit, saying students should receive consistent credit for AP scores of 3, 4, or 5. Senator Edwards and James Murphy testified for the legacy preference ban, arguing it is unfair and rooted in exclusionary history; they said some states have already banned legacy preferences in public and private institutions. Finally, UMass Dean Michael Fox, alumnus Dan Mayer, and student Jake Rasmussen supported S. 920 to include Stockbridge associate degree programs in MassEducate, saying tuition equity would help enrollment and support Massachusetts agriculture and green-industry jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, we'll be for all of us. You can do my closing statement. Okay, thank you.
• As part of those discussions, we have been working with them on a more comprehensive policy statement
• period for bidders and interested parties outside of the procurement process.
• , but if you have a job outside of the legislature in whatever industry and there's no conflict-of-interest
• laws, or barely any conflict-of-interest laws in the state of Arizona with any teeth, you can come down

Committee: House Government

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that are affected or interested in this, and you've... ...collaborate with a lot of the parties that
• you go and make any kind of statement or take any kind of position about a rural area of Florida, you
• It provides additional reporting to OIR related to the financial stability of NICA.
• Education's statement of status of eligibility requirements, minimizing front-end delays, and expands
• Education's statement of status of eligibility requirements, minimizing front-end delays, and expands

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law. The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option. The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• the background questionnaire, financial disclosure statement, and responses to additional pre-hearing
• . and its value in the interests of the United States.
• Think of that.
• It has also brought tens of thousands of unvetted Afghans into the United States of America.
• But as you say in your opening statement, the threat of terrorism remains serious and ongoing.

Committee: Senate Intelligence (Select) Committee

Keywords: national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities

Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> Freeman's statement we have lots of Freeman's statement we have lots of bills<01:04:57.240><c> in
• :37.199><c> the</c> resolves to protect the interests of the resolves to protect the interests of the
• </c><02:27:33.040><c> um</c><02:27:33.479><c> and</c> interest of animals and their um and interest of
• </c><02:31:31.120><c> their</c> interest of the animals under their interest of the animals under their
• ><04:03:27.199><c> I</c> just in the interest of time to um I just in the interest of time to um I think

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on several bills, beginning with HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training. Members said the bill had been sent to the Animal Protection and Licensing Subcommittee, where Representative Kuttab is expected to schedule a meeting soon to consider possible amendments based on testimony and other ideas. The committee later returned to HB 153 and confirmed a work session was planned for February 14, with discussion also including whether to explore a task force concept raised in testimony. The committee also discussed HB 215 and HB 566, both related to landfill permitting and leachate or harm/benefit reporting. Representative Gerana said he had met with the DES director and was working on amendments that would add a preliminary screening phase for determining net public benefit and expand the list of benefits beyond capacity need to include items such as economic and infrastructure benefits. HB 566 was said to be in the same posture as HB 215, and both were slated for subcommittee review the following Tuesday morning. HB 171 was also added for subcommittee discussion, with members saying the changes would be technical rather than substantive. HB 240, which removes forfeiture penalties for non-payment of dog licenses, drew support for a simple amendment changing a statutory “shall” to “may” so municipal officials would have discretion about issuing a warrant. Representative Bixby said OLS advised that this was the cleanest way to provide flexibility, and he reported that the sponsor was agreeable to the change. The committee also discussed HB 179, concerning hazardous waste accident fees, where the sponsor proposed a revised amendment imposing a $1,000-per-day penalty after 90 days of non-payment. Members raised concerns about homeowners, hobby farmers, and whether the bill could unfairly burden people who were not negligent or whose insurance claims were delayed. The sponsor and others said the intent was to recover costs from responsible parties, especially businesses, and to protect local taxpayers and fire departments from bearing the cost of damaged hazardous materials equipment. No votes were taken; the bills were left for further subcommittee work and amendment drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a really interesting report out of Cato recently on the effects of the tax exemption.
• There's a really interesting report out of Cato recently on the effects of the tax exemption.
• making statements, which I love all of y'all.
• making statements, which I love all of y'all.
• That creates a serious conflict of interest. Up and down.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:11:18.760><c> of</c> engineering models in the U interest of engineering models in the U interest
• There is a very interesting book I would recommend that all of you who support DEI read.
• There is a very interesting book I would recommend that all of you who support DEI read.
• There is a very interesting book I would recommend that all of you who support DEI read.
• There is a very interesting book I would recommend that all of you who support DEI read.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of any personal holdings, investments, or interests that could constitute a conflict of
• interest or create the appearance of such conflict should you be confirmed and assume the office to
• We should also consider the further use of intergovernmental agreements to promote our U.S. interests
• this committee and members of the staff in furthering the interest of nuclear energy for the benefits
• I'm talking about a more broad program of conveyance of public lands to states or private interests.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• But with the rest of Missouri, you actually have to pay the entire amount plus any interest or filing
• A lot of times it collides with financial hardship around Christmas.
• of that.
• , some uncertainty around how much funding is going to come through the formula, a lot of interest around
• "I would hate to speak on behalf of DESE. And I'm also not a financial expert, but..." "Okay.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tax Reform

Summary: The Special Committee on Tax Reform met in executive session and first adopted a substitute and then gave do pass recommendations to H.J.R. 115, which would align homestead language with the Senate version by changing the acreage limit from 2.5 acres to 5 acres, and to HB 2869, which was amended to tie a $500,000 threshold to CPI and use assessed value rather than market value. The committee also voted HB 3303 do pass without amendment after brief discussion about its purpose and potential tax implications. In regular hearing, the committee heard HB 2234 from Rep. Tricia Burns, which would change how surplus proceeds from tax foreclosure sales are handled. Burns and witness Tamara Rucker explained that when a home is sold for more than the delinquent taxes owed, the surplus can currently escheat to county revenue after three years; the bill would move those funds to the unclaimed property division and improve notice to property owners or heirs. Members discussed how the process works, the lack of uniform notification and payout standards, and the amount of surplus involved in some counties. No opposition testified. The committee also heard HB 2964, another bill from Rep. Burns, to move property tax bill mailing and delinquency dates later in the year, from early December/January to late February/April. Burns said the change would ease hardship around the holidays and help seasonal residents. Testimony from the Missouri School Boards Association raised concerns that districts would need to carry an additional 60 to 90 days of reserves, or roughly 15 to 20 percent more, to bridge the delayed revenue, though the witness said the impact would vary by district. The hearing concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• A small think tank of two or three staffers in San Antonio asked if I would be interested In being their
• And I know your family has significant financial interest in the oil industry.
• based on financial interest, ever, and that certainly will not begin now.
• I want to thank you and the Ranking Member for your opening statements, both of you.
• During the President's first term, USDA had to allocate tens of billions of dollars to offset the financial

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I AM INTERESTED IN BEING A TRUSTEE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA AND I WANT TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY
• THEY ARE LOCALS OF THE EMERALD COAST AND THEY DECIDED TO COME OVER HERE TO SUPPORT ME AND HAVE INTEREST
• BEYOND THAT I AM INTERESTED IN THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA BECAUSE OF MY LOCAL TIES TO THE AREA AND
• UWF SHOULD BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. >> Senator Gaetz: I AGREE.
• SECOND OF ALL, I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN MILITARY AFFAIRS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the Senate proceed to the order of statements. That objection is so ordered.
• And so I wanted to rise today and make that statement on behalf of him and his legacy.
• House Bill 5545, a bill to amend the Consumer Financial Services Act. First reading of the bill.
• House Bill 5548, a bill to amend the Consumer Financial Services Act. First reading of the bill.
• President, will the Senate proceed to the order of statements? Without objection, so ordered.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading. On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.