Transcript Highlights:

• that raises fears about antibiotic resistance. few unsolved questions regarding how some of these genetically
• We are not genetically modifying them.

Bills: SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155

Keywords: wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Jordan is an act to amend Title 22 relative to health insurance, to require coverage for genetic

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Jordan is an act in Title 22 relative to health insurance, to require coverage for genetic

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Summary: The Senate convened with 26 members present, heard a prayer from Dr. Steve Horn, and recited the pledge. The chamber then handled messages from the House, including concurrence in SCR 83 and appointment of conference committee members on several disagreements. A number of Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, mostly creating study task forces or commending individuals and organizations, including resolutions on energy infrastructure, breast pump access, insurance coverage for auto repairs, biomarker testing, higher education funding, public-private partnership contracting, and various commendations. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, while others were returned to the calendar or concurred in by recorded vote, including SCR 29 and SCR 33 with House amendments. The Senate also considered House and Senate bills and resolutions returned from the House, with many measures adopted or concurred in. Notable actions included concurrence in HCR 117 on homeowner insurance claims processes, adoption of HCR 5 on special red drum harvest permits, and passage of bills on TOPS Tech eligibility (HB 325), vapor product permitting (HB 623), ABLE/Tuition Trust administration (HB 749), design services contracting (HB 755), rare cancer advisory board composition (HB 761), non-emergency medical transportation reimbursement (HB 1028), public meeting notices (HB 1049), healthy food retail financing (HB 1194), genetic testing coverage for SCN2A disorders (HB 1199), grocery initiative grants (HB 1222, which failed), and a constitutional amendment on retirement debt repayment order (HB 27). The chamber also adopted HCR 95, creating a joint rule requiring a fiscal review of certain tax measures for sales and use tax uniformity. Several measures drew extended debate. HB 181, which would allow the legislative auditor access to Medicaid and SNAP-related tax information for eligibility verification and fraud review, prompted concerns about privacy and scope but ultimately passed 26-8. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners generated amendment discussion about board composition and transparency, including live video broadcasting of meetings, but was returned to the calendar before final action. HB 1018, creating a temporary local moratorium on certain alcohol permits in one Shreveport district, passed after discussion about broader policy solutions. The Senate then recessed for lunch at 2 p.m. after completing the subject-to-call list for the morning session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill prohibits prior authorization requirements for certain genetic medications prescribed by qualified

Summary: The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 13, 2026, adopted the May 6 minutes, and then took up several bills dealing with pharmacy benefit managers, prescription access, behavioral health coverage, and Citizens Property Insurance. HB 938, as amended, was the main PBM reform measure. After the committee adopted a large amendment set that narrowed the bill, members heard extensive testimony in support from Mark Bloom, Justin Joseph of Capital Rx, and Kathy Ue of Pontchartrain Cancer Center, all emphasizing transparency, pass-through pricing, reverse auctions, and patient access. Supporters described savings from reverse auctions and administrative models, while the cancer center testified that PBM-owned specialty pharmacy requirements can delay cancer medications and create financial hardship. The committee reported HB 938 favorably with amendments. The committee also heard HB 1154, which prohibits prior authorization for certain generic medications prescribed by qualified physicians, with a $250 cap discussed as a safeguard against higher-cost generics. The bill was supported by representatives from Ochsner Health and the Louisiana State Medical Society and was reported favorably. HB 909, which requires commercial coverage for behavioral health crisis services, was amended to clarify the insurers covered and then reported favorably with support from the Office of Behavioral Health and several outside groups. Testimony on HB 909 focused on reducing emergency room and law enforcement burdens and expanding crisis response capacity across the state. HB 1187, dealing with excess emergency assessment funds from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, was explained by the Insurance Commissioner as a way to transfer remaining Katrina-era assessment funds to the Fortified Roof Program. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, SB 511 and SB 512 were deferred and converted into a study resolution approach because there was not yet consensus on the underlying issue. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to give you some highlights from this last year, February of 2025, a DNA match using genetic genealogy

Bills: HCR1026, SB1130, SB1134, SB1131, SB1132, SB1133, SB1142, HR1049

Keywords: light pollution, bird mortality, migration, energy conservation, wildlife protection, University Hospitals Authority, funding, behavioral health, appropriation, adolescent health, emergency legislation, Oklahoma State University, Medical Authority, human performance, pharmaceutical expansion, emergency funding, juvenile justice, youth services, pandemic relief, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think that this bill, as written, discriminates against anyone who would identify or whose genetic

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and recognition of guests, including Maricopa Community Colleges representatives, Club America students, and the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jane Lyons. A proclamation honoring Maryvale High School’s Mariachi Las Panthers de Oro was read and adopted, with Representative Abaitia praising the program’s cultural and educational impact. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole for calendar consideration. In Committee of the Whole, several Senate bills received do-pass recommendations, including SB 1011, SB 1170, SB 1400 as amended, SB 1456 as amended, SB 1476, SB 1511 as amended, and SB 1805 as amended; SB 1519 was retained on the calendar. Members debated multiple measures, especially SB 1476 on prenatal child abuse penalties and SB 1511 on CDL licensing and immigration status, with opponents warning about impacts on mothers, the trucking industry, and law enforcement. SB 1400, SB 1456, SB 1511, and SB 1805 all had amendments adopted before favorable recommendations were reported. The House then took up third reading and passed SB 1121, SB 1137, SB 1206, SB 1477, and SB 1786 by recorded vote. In a second Committee of the Whole on calendar number two, the House gave do-pass recommendations to SB 1043, SB 1095, SB 1316, SB 1421, SB 1649, and SB 1711, with SB 1095 drawing the most extensive debate over gender-affirming care for minors and SB 1421 and SB 1711 also prompting sharp disagreement. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, bills were assigned for third reading or engrossing as appropriate, and the House adjourned until April 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• 4008, commerce and judiciary; HB 4009, data center, natural resources, energy and water; HB 4010, genetic

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of Dr. Jimmy Sade as Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation commending law enforcement and Border Patrol personnel involved in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation, with several members praising the interagency cooperation and the officers’ actions. The chamber then handled routine desk business, committee substitutions, first and second readings of numerous bills, and reported attendance at 56 present, three absent, and one excused. The Committee of the Whole considered HB 2096, HB 2173, HB 2451, and HCR 2001. HB 2096, HB 2173, and HB 2451 each received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2121 was retained on the calendar. HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election requirements, drew extended debate over voter ID, mail ballots, ballot deadlines, and election security. A subfloor amendment was adopted by a 32-26 vote, and the amended resolution then received a do-pass recommendation. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the measures were assigned accordingly. On third reading, the House passed HB 2010 on digital consumer licensing disclosures by 59-0, HB 2132 on drug offenses by 59-0, HB 2155 on the Arizona Beef Council by 57-2, HB 2178 on state agency licensure requirements by 51-9, HB 2310 on employment relationships by 59-0, and HB 2395 on a Department of Education fitness-related measure by 59-0. HCR 2001 also passed on third reading by 32-27 and was sent to the Senate. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing election integrity and consumer or public-safety benefits, and opponents criticizing the election measure as restrictive and unnecessary. The House then heard multiple personal privilege remarks and announcements, including a proclamation for Cary Elwes Day, birthday and community notices, and a request for JLBC to review election-related funding. Committee meeting announcements followed, additional bill referrals and withdrawals were announced, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• SYNDROME AND FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR IT IS A RARE GENETIC DISORDER THAT IS VERY CHALLENGING.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's think about some genetic things. Cystic fibrosis.
• Representative Hewitt worked on last session, green burial modification.

Transcript Highlights:

• We soon learned through genetic testing that we didn't have time to wait for that my son would have died
• We soon learned through genetic testing that we didn't have time to wait for that my son would have died
• We soon learned through genetic testing that we didn't have time to wait for that my son would have died

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have missed the genetic revolution with the New World screw worm.
• But that work is going to take decades for the genetically engineered organisms to be developed, tested
• We have sent our genetics over there to help them build out those herds in those five top states.

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• But all this does is basically says that we cannot use someone's own genetic material to create an embryo
• But all this does is basically says that we cannot use someone's own genetic material to create an embryo
• But all this does is basically says that we cannot use someone's own genetic material to create an embryo

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is driven by complex interactions among genetics, biology, environment, and social determinants of
• driven by complex<01:04:11.200> interactions<01:04:11.960> among<01:04:12.280> genetics
• , complex interactions among genetics, complex interactions among genetics, biology,<01:04:13.520

Bills: HF4493, HF3133, HF4595, HF4143, HF4142, HF3756, HF4289, HF1724, HF2291, HF4568, HF4547

Keywords: opioid use disorder, OUD, medication-assisted treatment, MAT, pharmacist prescribing, pharmacy practice, controlled substances, Schedule III, Schedule IV, Schedule V, DEA registration, Board of Pharmacy, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, buprenorphine, naltrexone, harm reduction, prescription authority, pharmacist intern, Minnesota pharmacy law

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's things like specialty prescription drugs for rare and genetic diseases.
• c><00:15:59.120> and prescription drugs uh for rare and prescription drugs uh for rare and genetic
• genetic diseases. genetic diseases.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there's a kind of like outside leading edge is looking at the private sector for genetic warfare
• <01:34:31.360> for looking at the private sector for looking at the private sector for genetic
• <01:34:33.600> There's<01:34:33.760> no genetic warfare against ants.
• There's no genetic warfare against ants.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, genetic testing, digital dermatology, and home diagnostics. Now, um, so I put this in Dr.
• 47.920> um health early deposits of soft plaque. um health early deposits of soft plaque. um genetic
• testing,<01:28:49.679> uh<01:28:49.920> digital<01:28:50.239> dermatology, genetic
• testing, uh digital dermatology, genetic testing, uh digital dermatology, and<01:28:51.360> home<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Jack on behalf of the American Beverage Association and Kentucky Beverage Association. Dr. Jack argued that the “totality of the science” supports low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe and useful tools for reducing sugar and calories, citing FDA and other domestic and international reviews, clinical trials, and the FDA’s recent healthy-label rule. He also described the industry’s transparency efforts, including a “Good to Know” database compiling ingredient and safety information, and said the beverage industry has voluntarily worked to offer more choices with less sugar. Members questioned him about whether beverage ingredients are restricted in other countries, possible health effects beyond weight and cancer, concerns about metabolic issues and gut microbiome effects, whether sweeteners are addictive, and why companies do not simply remove sweeteners. Dr. Jack responded that most ingredients are permitted in many jurisdictions, that broad food-safety reviews have looked at multiple endpoints and found the ingredients safe, that the gut microbiome is still being studied, and that recent clinical evidence does not show increased sweetness preference. He also said business decisions about formulations are up to companies and noted that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are metabolically similar. The committee also discussed consumer apps and ingredient-scoring tools; Dr. Jack said the industry’s website presents facts without interpretation and is based on food-safety agency assessments. At the end of his testimony, the chair accepted additional fact sheets for the committee. The meeting then moved on to introduce Dr. Gary Huber, who began testimony by emphasizing integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and the role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress in health, but his full presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second thing is, as far as birth control and other medications, there are genetic reasons why children
• other other other medications,<01:45:40.400> there<01:45:40.719> are<01:45:41.400> genetic
• <01:45:42.400> reasons medications, there are genetic reasons medications, there are genetic

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on Senate Bill 72, a parental rights in education measure, and considered an amendment offered by Representative Raymond. Raymond explained that his changes were intended to narrow the bill so it would not force schools to act as “surveillance operatives” for parents, especially regarding older students, and to avoid requiring teachers to disclose private family matters such as a student’s sexual orientation or pronouns. He also struck the bill’s “clear and convincing” standard and replaced it with a lower “evidence” standard, arguing teachers should have some basis for concern but not a burden equivalent to terminating parental rights. He said the amendment was meant to preserve due process, avoid weaponizing the bill in civil disputes, and reduce the risk of lawsuits. Members then debated the scope of the bill and amendment. Supporters said schools should not withhold information about a child’s health, school environment, behavior, bullying, self-harm, or criminal conduct, and argued that parents have a right to know about serious issues such as mental health concerns, sexual assault, drug use, or other misconduct. Several members emphasized that teachers do not diagnose mental illness, but should report observable concerns and involve school administrators or counselors when necessary. Opponents argued the bill would chill communication between students and trusted adults at school, especially for children from dysfunctional or unsafe homes, and said it could force outing of gay or trans students and increase the risk of harm or self-harm. One member cited the Department of Education’s trusted-adult approach and said teachers are not covered by formal confidentiality rules in the same way as lawyers or doctors. The discussion included examples and hypotheticals about bullying, sexual assault, drug use, self-harm, gender dysphoria, and whether a teacher would have to tell parents if a student used different pronouns or a nickname. Raymond and supporters said the bill would require disclosure of serious safety concerns but not compel teachers to diagnose or pry into private matters. Opponents argued the bill’s language still sweeps too broadly and could force disclosure in situations where a student fears abuse or being kicked out at home. The transcript does not show a final vote on the amendment or bill in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the wolves in general, This bill is a direct attack on the current federal efforts to improve the genetic

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests, including the Doctor of the Day, representatives from the Arizona LEND Program, Friends of the Salt River Wild Horses, and other visitors. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on two calendars. On the first calendar, SB 1280 drew the most discussion and a failed floor amendment by Representative Gutierrez related to Mexican gray wolves; members debated wildlife recovery, federal conservation efforts, ranching impacts, and state funding restrictions before the amendment was defeated and the bill received a due pass recommendation. The committee also recommended due pass for SB 1418 and SB 1785, while SB 1200 was retained on the calendar. On the second calendar, members debated SB 1053 on concealed carry permit fees, SB 1259, SB 1372 on health care provider recruitment and anesthesia access, SB 1475 on student participation in interscholastic activities after certain criminal offenses, and SB 1478 with a technical floor amendment changing its effective date. SB 1053, SB 1259, SB 1372 as amended, SB 1475, and SB 1478 as amended all received due pass recommendations. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, placing SB 1372 and SB 1478 on engrossing and SB 1053, SB 1259, and SB 1475 on third reading. The House then took up third-reading votes on several bills. SB 1078, SB 1107, SB 1123, and SB 1142 were passed by recorded vote, with SB 1142 prompting extended debate over a federal education tax credit and whether it would divert resources from public schools; supporters argued it would not affect state revenues and would help Arizona families, while opponents said it favored wealthier households and undermined public education. The session ended with personal announcements and adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many people, it is hereditary or genetic.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 9, 2026, approved the prior journal, and took up several procedural items, including substituting identical Senate Bill 6734A for Assembly Bill 4382A and adopting a resolution calendar with exceptions for Resolutions 1718 and 1723. The chamber also received amendments on another bill and heard multiple guest introductions, including students from Ahavas Bas Yaakov of Monsey and Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, who was recognized for her work on food and nutrition policy and health equity. A major portion of the session was devoted to Resolution 1680 commemorating Bronx Day. Senators Fernandez, Bailey, Myrie, Serrano, Sepúlveda, Krueger, and others spoke in praise of the Bronx’s history, diversity, culture, resilience, and contributions to music, fashion, sports, and civic life. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1718 recognizing Harriet Tubman Day, with remarks highlighting Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad, her Civil War service, and her later life in Auburn, and adopted Resolution 1723 marking the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and emphasizing the continuing importance of voting rights protections. The Senate then passed a series of bills from the calendar. These included measures on general municipal law, public health, executive law, education, vehicle and traffic law, criminal procedure, labor law, and legislative law. Several members explained their votes on health-related bills: Senator Cleare spoke about period poverty and access to free menstrual products in educational institutions; Senator Webb supported a bill requiring hospital governing boards to include a registered professional nurse; and Senator Murray, joined by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, described personal experiences with blood clots and pulmonary embolism in support of a bill creating a working group on the issue. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable negative votes, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• An individual's health, genetics, age, and immune system all determine how they may respond to a threat

Summary: The committee first received a Department of Environmental Protection presentation on Florida Forever and the sale or exchange of conservation lands. DEP described Florida Forever as the state’s main conservation land acquisition program, funded in recent years at high levels, and said most acquisitions since 2019 have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The presentation also explained the legal process for disposing of conservation lands: requests are reviewed by the Acquisitions and Restoration Council, then the governor and cabinet decide whether land is no longer needed for conservation or whether an exchange provides a net conservation benefit. Senator Smith asked several questions about recent land-swap proposals, public notice, political influence, and whether any transactions had bypassed the usual sequence; DEP said applications can be withdrawn before ARC review, notice is posted seven days in advance, and the council and cabinet are the decision-makers. Senator Harrington asked about the difference between Florida Forever land sales and water management district surplus lands, and DEP said the reported 2.3 acres sold referred only to Florida Forever-funded projects. The committee then heard presentations from the Department of Health and DEP on PFAS and PFOA. DOH outlined what PFAS are, their common uses, possible health impacts, and ways Floridians can reduce exposure, including water filtration and avoiding certain products. DOH said it conducts well investigations, health consultations, fish consumption advisories, and monitoring in coordination with DEP and FWC. DEP followed with a more technical overview of PFAS regulation and cleanup, explaining federal testing and drinking-water standards, Florida’s provisional cleanup levels, and the state’s response at contaminated sites, including bottled water and filtration for affected residents. Senators asked about testing requirements for public systems and private wells, disposal of used filters, and how federal rulemaking and litigation could affect Florida’s standards; DEP said public systems are required to test under EPA monitoring rules, private wells are not directly required to test, and Florida may adopt its own standards if federal action does not occur by the statutory deadline. Finally, the committee took up SB 150, which would designate the flamingo as the state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. The sponsor argued the bill better reflects Florida’s identity and conservation values, noting the flamingo’s iconic status and the scrub jay’s status as a Florida-only species. Members asked lighthearted questions about mockingbirds, flamingo color, and feeding costs, and an appearance card was filed in support by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The committee debated the bill briefly and then passed SB 150 favorably by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes except Senator DiCeglie, who was excused.