Transcript Highlights:

• But in 2022, Florida Administrative Code 65H-2.0172E shut us down, enforcing a one-size-fits-all secular
• , Florida to have an administrative code that specifically exempts or prohibits or denies this type of
• And I would love in your closer, Blanco, to maybe explain to us where the administrative code hearing
• Regular standard land use laws and local ordinances and local land development codes would apply.
• This wouldn't give... ...laws and local ordinances and local land development codes would apply.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met with a full agenda and reported all measures favorably. The committee first heard HB 1327, which would codify the Hope Florida program in state law, and HB 1329, the related public-records exemption for Hope Florida participants; both bills drew questions about oversight, duplication of services, staffing, and data privacy, and both passed 17-0 after an amendment to HB 1329. The committee then approved HB 391, allowing certified batterers intervention programs to include optional faith-based content while remaining grounded in required therapeutic models; an amendment clarified that participation in faith-based components must be strictly voluntary. Supporters argued the bill restores choice and access, while opponents raised concerns about church-state separation and uneven availability of secular alternatives; the bill passed 17-0. Members also advanced HB 1065, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs, with broad support from members who shared personal experiences and emphasized early detection and public education. HB 1163, dealing with recovery residences, passed 12-5 after debate over local zoning authority, home rule, and whether the bill would help or hinder placement of level four recovery homes near urban cores. Several members said they supported recovery housing in principle but wanted more clarity on task force findings and local impacts before fully backing the measure. The committee next approved HB 969, which shifts evaluation of school district mental health assistance programs to OPAGA and requires reports on outcomes and effectiveness; members stressed the need to know whether substantial mental health funding is improving student outcomes. HB 1191, which decriminalizes allowing children to travel to school, play outdoors, or stay home for reasonable periods and codifies current DCF policy, passed 16-0 with support framed around parental rights and child development. Finally, HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, passed 15-0 and would expand mental health diversion and treatment options, including training for first responders, a forensic hospital diversion pilot, a behavioral health data repository, and additional evaluation requirements before inmate work assignments. The meeting adjourned after all agenda bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, by 2022, that increased exponentially to 111 ghost guns being recovered at crime scenes.
• Uh, by 2022, that increased exponentially to 111 ghost guns being recovered at crime scenes.
• In 2022 alone, there were 32 gunfire.
• In 2022 alone, there were 32 ghost<00:10:00.959> guns<00:10:01.279> that<00:10:01.440><
• <00:19:22.480> is repeatedly held that computer code is repeatedly held that computer code

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3407, authored by Chair Pinto, which would restore Minnesota’s prior serial-number requirement for firearms after a recent Minnesota Supreme Court decision narrowed the existing law, while also creating a method to serialize firearms that do not already have serial numbers. Supporters said the bill is needed to close a loophole involving ghost guns and to aid investigations, background checks, and trafficking enforcement. Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, and former ATF official Mariana Mitchum testified in favor, citing increases in unserialized gun recoveries, the difficulty of tracing such weapons, and examples of crimes where serial numbers helped identify traffickers. Opponents argued the bill conflates different categories of firearms and could burden lawful gun owners. Mariah Day of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Anna Ley of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and Brian Gosh of the NRA said privately made firearms are distinct from illegally altered guns, warned about vague definitions and possible First Amendment issues, and said the bill could criminalize lawful conduct or create confusion for owners who modify firearms. They urged a no vote. Representative Bliss offered a DE1 amendment to replace the bill’s serialization approach with increased penalties for people who use guns in crimes. Chair Pinto and others opposed it, saying it would remove the bill’s public-safety benefits and likely create a fiscal impact. The committee took a roll call and rejected the DE1 amendment, 8-9. Afterward, members discussed the bill further, including questions about the difference between unserialized guns and guns with removed serial numbers and comments both supporting and criticizing the proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is policed and managed in its own section of code. We're not touching that. Okay. Thank you.
• There's even a code of conduct that's being released at this time, which, to me...
• The code talks about exempting release at the discretion of the agency.
• So I could, you know, I think you probably have that code near you, Occupations Code 1701, that outlines
• Well, Government Code 311, the Code Construction Act, sets forth many principles for how to reconcile

Bills: SB 15

Keywords: law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE UNIVERSITIES ARE WORKING TO CONSOLIDATE OVER 30 PROGRAMS UNDER A DIFFERENT DISCIPLINE CODE.
• THE STATUTE WAS REVISED IN 2022.
• AS I MENTIONED WE DID AN UPDATE ON THIS LIST BASED ON THE LEGISLATION THAT PASSED IN 2022.
• IN SOME CASES WE ARE HAVING UNIVERSITIES THAT HAVE REQUESTED TO CHANGE PROGRAM CODES AND THIS IS INTO
• I WOULD LIKE TO NOW WHAT DOES THE DATA SHOW THAT FROM 2019 AND 2022 AND 2023 WHAT DOES THE DATA SAY THAT

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a code of conduct that is part of the administrative regulations, but you are correct: there
• is nothing to prevent them, aside from the code of conduct, from practicing outside of their area of
• but we do have a requirement in our code but we do have a requirement in our code of<00:56:33.599
• I think because you have the code of conduct in there and because of the requirement for examination
• <00:59:25.079> of I think because you have the code of I think because you have the code of

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 46, which would allow lottery winners of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. After brief discussion and a motion with a second, the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the House floor. Members then heard House Bill 54, a workforce and education measure aimed at aligning dual credit and project-based learning with licensed construction trades and other high-demand careers. The sponsor and witness said the bill is intended to help students meet both education and on-the-job training requirements, address labor shortages, and speed entry into the trades. Several members raised concerns about possible abuse of internships, the need for input from unions and other trade groups, and the amount of authority left to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to write regulations. The sponsor said the bill does not replace current hands-on training requirements and expressed willingness to continue discussions. The committee passed the bill, with some members explaining their votes as conditional or in hopes of further amendments. The committee also approved House Bill 261, which would let retired CPAs provide certain uncompensated services, such as nonprofit work, while retaining their CPA designation, and would create a retirement-based CPE waiver for those limited services. A question from Representative Donworth focused on how retired CPAs would disclose their status to nonprofits; the board representative said retired status is noted in board records, but there is currently no separate requirement governing use of the CPA designation. The bill passed. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 262, which would remove restrictions on small CPA firm names after an owner dies or retires. The sponsor said Kentucky is an outlier because current law requires the remaining owner to change the firm name. The bill passed unanimously. After that, the chair turned the gavel over to the vice chair and began presenting House Bill 306, which would change engineering education requirements for licensure, especially to help Eastern Kentucky University fire protection engineering technology graduates qualify for licensure in Kentucky rather than leaving the state. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the bill would not change the rest of the PE licensure pathway, only the education component, and said most other states already allow this route. Members noted that engineers may have concerns and encouraged continued discussions before the bill advances further.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:40:30.720> of enforcement for any educator code of enforcement for any educator code of
• and found to have violated this section of this chapter, they shall be deemed to have violated the code
• and found to have violated this section of this chapter, they shall be deemed to have violated the code
• at do high school uh had class of 2022 at do high school uh had just<03:34:04.720> committed<
• there would be a violation of the code there would be a violation of the code of<03:35:25.840>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference spent most of its time on Senate Bill 96, which deals with educator conduct and when information may be withheld from parents. The main dispute was over the House-amended language on violations and the “compelling state interest” standard. The Senate sponsor objected to extending penalties to third-party medical or mental health contractors and to language suggesting psychological or emotional injury to a child would not constitute a compelling state interest. The House side argued its draft was intended to keep the bill focused on credentialed educators and administrators, to include parents or guardians, and to avoid creating competing standards by relying on existing abuse definitions in statute. The House also added a requirement that any withholding of information be documented and reported to the school board in nonpublic session, and both sides discussed whether educators, administrators, nurses, and guidance counselors would be covered under the statutory definition of educator. The discussion also covered enforcement and penalties. The House draft proposed that an educator found to have willfully violated the law could have a credential suspended for a first offense and would face a minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, while the Senate raised concerns that this was too rigid and did not allow enough discretion or address revocation. The House later explained that the department would still have discretion on first offenses and that the one-year rule applied only to multiple offenses. Another point of disagreement was a three-year statute of limitations for investigations, which the House said was meant to prevent “witch hunts,” while the Senate noted New Hampshire’s constitutional prohibition on retroactive laws. After caucusing, the Senate rejected the House amendment, and the House then voted non-concur; the committee of conference adjourned without agreement. The transcript then moved to Senate Bill 87, concerning one-day liquor license requirements and allowing salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise licenses. The members discussed a House amendment that would allow two drinks instead of one, with supporters saying the change reflected the longer time customers may spend in salons and that alcohol service would still be covered by existing training requirements, including the EDGE course. Opponents worried that allowing multiple drinks would create over-serving and enforcement problems and could complicate business practices. After discussion, the Senate member agreed to go along with the House position, and the bill was reported ready for final sign-off.

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply amends the Family Code to clarify California's jurisdiction over these proceedings.
• On the one hand, what the MPA is arguing is that Civil Code Section 527 already requires, already allows
• On the other hand, our industry is, you know, concerned, and those are kind of code words for, you know
• words for you know concerned and you know those are kind of code words for once you try to help our
• SB 497 builds on SB 107, a law rushed through the Legislature in 2022 without proper debate and which

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on civil rights, family law, privacy, housing, and artificial intelligence. SB 477 would clarify FEHA procedures for the Civil Rights Department, including tolling deadlines by agreement and updating complaint definitions; it drew some concern about venue and convenience but was moved forward. SB 450 would confirm California jurisdiction over adoption proceedings for children born in the state even if families have moved away, and would require all legal parents to be listed on adoption orders; it received strong support, especially from LGBTQ family advocates, and passed to Appropriations. SB 683 would clarify that people whose name, image, or likeness is misused may seek TROs or injunctions under existing publicity-rights law; opposition from media and First Amendment groups focused on the 48-hour compliance default and speech concerns, but the bill advanced as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also considered SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, which would regulate voice, image, and video cloning technology, require warnings, and direct the Judicial Council to develop evidence standards for AI; it passed to Public Safety. SCR 66, a resolution designating May 1 as Law Day and emphasizing the rule of law, was adopted unanimously after supportive comments from members. SB 808 would create expedited judicial review for housing permit denials that violate state law; supporters said it would reduce costly delay and help housing production, while the Judicial Council opposed it as imposing unreasonable timelines and staffing burdens. The bill passed to Appropriations despite concerns about court resources and broader housing-law issues. The committee then took up two privacy bills from Senator Wiener. SB 59 would automatically keep confidential court records for adult and retroactive gender/name change petitions, expanding protections previously enacted for minors; supporters described real-world doxxing and harassment, while opponents raised First Amendment and public-records objections, and the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 497 would require warrants for out-of-state law enforcement access to California prescription monitoring data, expand transgender shield protections for gender-affirming care records, and bar certain disclosures without legal process; the author framed it as a response to out-of-state anti-trans enforcement, and the bill was presented with support from trans advocacy groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, this is the latest version, Chairman Gates, from 2022.
• Now, this is the latest version, Chairman Gates, from 2022. Okay.
• Section 402.031 in Chapter 21 of the Texas Property Code.
• Section 402.031 in Chapter 21 of the Texas Property Code.
• “Section 111.019 of the Texas Natural Resources Code was enacted to deal with surveys.

Bills: HB5489, HB5695, HB5699, SB291, SB292

Keywords: impact fee, moratorium, local government, Texas legislation, infrastructure funding, municipal utility district, eminent domain, bonds, assessments, infrastructure, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Harris County, Municipal Utility District, territory exclusion, debt service taxes, property taxation, condemnation, property acquisition, real property, appraisal reports

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we're going to go to Tab 14 Cs for SB 806 on the riveting Florida dress code.
• Time increased by 5 seconds from 2021 to 2022. 5 seconds. Doesn't seem like a big deal.
• All bar code 3, 1, 6, 6, 5, 4, man. I take that up and explain it. >> Yes. Of said.
• , as as early as 2022 legislature took a printer as education.
• The only thing that would be present to the public will be your city and your zip code.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legal framework for the agency and really for the alcoholic beverage code is really divided between
• And liquor, and liquor is what in the code is considered wine and spirits.
• We issue licenses, we collect excise taxes, we ensure compliance with the alcoholic beverage code, um
• I had an interim hearing on June 7th, 2022.
• were scanning a QR code that was not the official Texas lottery QR code.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in 2022, it was called Energy Communications and Cybersecurity Subcommittee.
• And in 2022, it was called Energy Communications and Cybersecurity Subcommittee.
• of electric safety engineers that are inspecting new construction to meet national electric safety codes
• Utilities are required to meet all safety codes and local ordinances. Thank you.
• of electric safety engineers that are inspecting new construction to meet national electric safety codes

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say most of the equalization formulas in the K-12 code do have fixed statutory factors.
• In the year previous, in fiscal 2022, the statewide general levy totaled approximately $1.3 billion.
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.
• are coded also in chapter 126C, but not in that particular section.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Between 2022 and 2024, there were over 6,500 HPD and HFD responses on the toll road.
• 2022 to 2024. These are real emergencies.
• Fire chief, thank you for telling me those numbers between 2022 and '24. I can get back those.
• "Calls from 2022 through 2024, all of those calls were actually inside the city of Houston.
• When you said 8,000-plus of the fire, 8,000 in two years, basically since 2022, that's amazing.

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee reconvened on SB 2722, as substituted by Senator Bettencourt, which would redirect a portion of Harris County Toll Road Authority surplus revenues to the City of Houston and impose audit and tax-rate penalty provisions. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Fire Chief Thomas Munoz testified in support, arguing that Houston bears a large share of toll-road public safety burdens, citing thousands of police and fire responses on toll-road property and the need for compensation for emergency services. Bill King, testifying neutrally, said the toll authority generates large excess revenues and urged stronger oversight and clearer controls on how the money is spent. Opponents, including Harris County officials, business and neighborhood representatives, and toll-road critics, argued the bill would divert transportation dollars, create a precedent for taking toll revenues for general municipal use, and could worsen project delivery and incentives; several also questioned the accuracy and interpretation of the revenue figures and the lack of comparable audit requirements for the city. The committee took extensive testimony but left SB 2722 pending without a vote. The committee then heard SB 2129, which would increase fines for motorists who disregard railroad crossing gates or flaggers, and SB 2323, which would redact railroad crew members’ personal information from public accident reports. Both bills were presented as safety measures, with railroad labor testimony in support, and both were left pending after brief public testimony. The committee also heard SB 2141, a Zaffirini bill concerning specialty license plates for judges, with the substitute aimed at reducing security risks by changing how judges are identified on plates; it too was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2439, another Zaffirini bill, described as a TDLR cleanup measure related to ATV and off-highway vehicle safety certification. The bill would abolish the current training and certification program, which supporters said was burdensome and underused given the small number of approved instructors statewide. With no significant opposition on the record, the committee closed testimony and left SB 2439 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the tenant does not respond, we begin the foreclosure process as defined by the Texas Property Code
• This property code was written in 1983, 41 years ago.
• Texas Property Code empowers HOAs to issue unlimited fines and even foreclose on homes.
• Currently, the tax code defines a rental as up to 180 days, but the Business and commerce code contradicts
• CDW coverage for the full rental period up to 180 days, just like the tax code already allows.

Bills: HB 186

Keywords: public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• You see that kind of peak at 2022. I think it was at 1.4 or 1.3 million.
• You see that kind of peak at 2022. I think it was at 1.4 or 1.3 million.
• You see that kind of peak at 2022. I think it was at 1.4 or 1.3 million.
• You see a very steady period between 2010 and 2020, 2021, 2022. 2022 is really where you see the inflationary
• A lot of bills came due, I think, for the market in 2020, 2021, 2022.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance convened with a quorum present, and Commissioner Michael Yaworsky of the Office of Insurance Regulation delivered a broad update on Florida’s property insurance market. He outlined the division of responsibilities between OIR and the Department of Financial Services, then reported market indicators including 7.61 million residential policies in force, an average premium of $2,755, 1.5 million Citizens takeout approvals, and recent negative trends in homeowners rate requests. He credited recent legislative reforms, especially tort reform and the Insurer Accountability Act, with improving market stability, increasing competition, and allowing the office to conduct more examinations and investigations, recover consumer restitution, and fine insurers for misconduct tied to recent hurricanes. Yaworsky emphasized that Citizens Property Insurance has been rapidly depopulating from its 2022 peak and may fall below 300,000 policies, while cautioning that over-depopulation could create residual-market risks and assessments if a major storm hits. He also discussed the distinction between admitted and surplus lines markets, the role of reinsurance in Florida pricing, and the effect of inflation on total insured values and premiums. He said Florida has seen comparatively modest property rate increases relative to other states and noted that recent hurricanes did not produce the kind of rate spikes seen in prior years, which he attributed to a more stable market and reduced fraud and litigation pressure. In response to a question from Senator Martin, Yaworsky explained that California’s wildfire crisis and regulatory structure are not a direct one-to-one comparison for Florida, but that California’s market problems can affect global reinsurance capacity and serve as a cautionary example of regulatory missteps. He also highlighted a recent Progressive auto insurance excess-profits refund of about $1 billion to policyholders, discussed possible federal changes to the National Flood Insurance Program, and urged greater home resiliency and code-plus adoption. The commissioner closed by calling for clearer consumer disclosures and responsible oversight of AI use in insurance filings. No bills were considered and no votes were taken; Senator Hooper moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Town of Southbridge secured seven new district licenses approved through Chapter 214 of the Acts of 2022
• Our DPW director resigned in 2022.
• Additionally, these digital materials often utilize single-use access codes, which expire at the end
• For forensic psych, all of the slides and notes by the professor were from an access code.
• For a STEM seminar, ...notes by the professor were from an access code.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills and home rule petitions, with both in-person and remote testimony. Committee chairs reviewed logistics for public testimony and then heard a series of bill presentations on topics including nitrous oxide sales, liquor license extensions and alcohol license density, cosmetology licensure compacts, electronic textbooks, HVAC supervisor licensing, and automotive warranty reimbursement rates. Several members asked questions about the public health, consumer protection, economic mobility, and regulatory impacts of the proposals. Representative John Barrett testified in support of H. 4907, which would regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, arguing it is a public health measure aimed at reducing recreational misuse by young people while preserving legitimate culinary, medical, dental, and industrial uses. Southbridge officials Peg Dean and David Adams supported a local liquor license extension bill, saying delayed revitalization and staffing disruptions from the pandemic-era “Great Resignation” had slowed development and postponed demand for the licenses. MassPack supported H. 4597 to limit new alcohol retail licenses near existing stores after 2026, citing oversaturation and public health concerns, while the committee also heard testimony on a cosmetology compact bill from industry and state-government representatives who said it would improve workforce mobility, especially for military spouses, though members questioned its fee structure and interaction with existing reciprocity rules. Representative Mindy Domb testified for H. 559, which would create a commission to study electronic textbooks and automatic textbook billing, arguing that digital course materials can limit consumer choice, raise costs, and reduce students’ ability to share or resell materials. Student testimony echoed those concerns. The committee also heard strong support for H. 4719, a bill to create HVAC construction supervisor licensing, from industry witnesses who said it would improve consumer protection, accountability, and clean-energy implementation; and opposition testimony on H. 4019, which would change how auto dealers are reimbursed for warranty work, with dealers supporting a fix to manufacturer reimbursement practices and manufacturers warning the bill would raise costs and allow overpayment. At the end of the hearing, the chairs read the agenda items and the committee adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And employment rates, it is true that it has been falling since the creation of AI in 2022 and since
• AI is very good at teaching students how to code.
• The course codes are virtually the same across the universities. You can transfer credits easily.
• The course codes are virtually the same across the universities. You can transfer credits easily.
• And members, you know, right now we are supposed to have common course codes.

Summary: The meeting began with a report on institutions of higher education for annual certification/solvency, which required no action and was noted as coming later in the week. The main presentation featured students from Arkansas State University, Valley View High School, and the University of Central Arkansas discussing artificial intelligence in education and the workforce. They argued that AI should be taught responsibly in K-12 and higher education to prepare students for jobs, support Arkansas’s growing tech sector, and reduce misuse such as cybercrime, scams, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty. They also cited survey results from teachers showing broad support for responsible AI instruction, district-level management, and teacher training, while noting concerns about critical thinking, ethics, and unequal access. Examples were given of AI already being used at UCA and the University of the Ozarks, and the group suggested a statewide AI library and related training built on the Access Act framework. Committee members asked about student reactions, and the presenters said responses are mixed, especially in the arts, but that AI is already being used in real-world careers and should be integrated with clear standards. The committee then heard from a Pine Bluff community coalition led by Pastor Jesse Turner about school-based outreach and youth support programs. The group described long-running work in Pine Bluff schools and Watson Chapel, including Pass on Patrol, mentoring, anti-bullying and nonviolence efforts, drug and vaping education, gun-violence prevention, and leadership clubs for students. They emphasized that their approach is nonreligious in the schools, focused on encouragement, citizenship, scholarship, and keeping students engaged in class. They also highlighted the use of free curriculum resources on African American history and said they help students see themselves as having promise rather than being “at risk.” Members asked about whether the programs could be shared elsewhere and about impacts on behavior; the group said some materials are trademarked but can be adapted with support, and cited reported reductions in negative behavior and referrals in participating schools. The meeting ended after members praised both the AI presenters and the Pine Bluff outreach group, and the committee adjourned with no votes taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arkansas Code allows the Office of State Technology to borrow from the budget stabilization trust fund
• Arkansas Code allows the Office of State Technology to borrow from the budget stabilization trust fund
• Arkansas Code allows the Office of State Technology to borrow from the budget stabilization trust fund
• Under the code, it's a five years is the maximum time we can pay it back.
• Under the code, it's a five years is the maximum time we can pay it back.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, opened with a prayer recognizing the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson, and then worked through a series of appropriation and transfer requests. In Section B, it approved a $273,000 temporary appropriation for the Department of Labor and Licensing. In Section C, it approved two Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests: $280 million for the Department of Transportation and $195 million for the State Broadband Office to support Arkansas BEAD broadband grants, including an extra help position. Members questioned the broadband awards, provider amendments, buildout timelines, accountability, and the status of unawarded locations; the broadband director said no provider had requested speed changes, awards would be monitored with milestone-based payments, and remaining locations would be addressed later as federal guidance is received. The committee also approved transfers in Section D, including $458,000 for the Department of Correction, $25 million for Department of Education programs such as declining enrollment and teacher incentive funding, and $229,000 for Shared Administrative Services project management support. In Section E, the committee considered a $4.7 million budget stabilization trust fund loan for the Office of State Technology to implement ServiceNow and related IT modernization, cybersecurity, and governance tools. Members pressed agency officials on repayment, cost savings, and whether the loan would simply roll over existing costs; officials said repayment would come through agency rates over a five-year period and that the new payment would be lower than the current loan being retired. The committee voted to give favorable advice to the Governor on the loan request. In Section F, the committee reviewed cash fund requests for wage and hour claims, unclaimed property, and a heritage grant; in Section G, it reviewed a $1.1 million federal grant to expand college and career coaching in rural districts; in Section H, it reviewed pay plan and performance fund requests totaling millions across multiple agencies; and in Section I, it reviewed budget manual formatting changes. The latter part of the meeting focused on reports, especially the Medicaid trust fund. DHS and DFA officials reported the fund balance had declined from prior years and was down to about $394 million after seven months, with further decline expected by year-end. Senators and representatives asked about the appropriate reserve level, the impact of pending Medicaid rules and legislation, FMAP changes, and whether additional funding would be needed in the upcoming budget. Officials said projections are updated regularly, more than 10 rule packages remain pending with CMS, and the governor and legislative leaders will discuss additional capital needs during budget development. Members also discussed the importance of balancing Medicaid spending with new federal funding and maintaining flexibility for critical areas such as labor and delivery. The committee then adjourned without further action on the reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• oldest known legal codes. oldest known legal codes.
• offers a way to discuss how moral codes offers a way to discuss how moral codes have<00:43:06.079
• the historical root roots of moral codes the historical root roots of moral codes that<00:48:54.400
• > million 2022, there was $53 million 2022, there was $53 million 50<01:27:21.679> to<01:27
• Constitution of Alabama of 2022 Constitution of Alabama of 2022 including<01:52:23.040> but

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were five that failed in 2022.
• Under the current code, if you're going to make a code change, you have to submit that to DFS.
• And that would be the current fire code.
• So, under the current code, if you're going to make a code change, you have to submit that to DFS.
• And that would be the current fire code.

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.