Video & Transcript : 'closed primary' :
Page 342 of 500
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (3-31-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:20:40.000><c> room</c><00:20:40.480><c> for</c><00:20:40.680><c> your</c><00:20:40.840><c> primary
- </c> the emergency room for your primary the emergency room for your primary care,<00:20:42.040><c> we
- care, we want to try to have you find care, we want to try to have you find your<00:20:44.000><c> primary
- 44.880><c> home</c><00:20:45.320><c> outside</c><00:20:45.840><c> of</c><00:20:45.920><c> the</c> your primary
- care home outside of the your primary care home outside of the emergency<00:20:46.760><c> room.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum to consider the Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2, a major Medicaid bill. Members first adopted the substitute and then adopted Amendment 9770. The bill was described as a lengthy rewrite aimed at aligning Kentucky Medicaid policy with federal requirements under HR 1, while also preserving program integrity and addressing due process concerns. Senators and staff repeatedly emphasized that the measure was the product of extensive meetings with providers, associations, and work groups.
The sponsor’s section-by-section summary highlighted several key changes: delaying and reducing cost-sharing requirements; pushing eligibility redetermination deadlines to the federal date; restoring some flexibility for hardship waivers; allowing self-attestation as a last resort; modifying MCO audit provisions; clarifying non-emergency medical transport GPS costs; expanding waiver attestation authority to nurse practitioners and licensed psychologists; adding qualified aliens to waiver eligibility to comply with federal law; requiring Medicaid data sharing with the oversight board; limiting changes to Medicaid benefits without General Assembly authorization; narrowing the prescription drug exclusion to drugs prescribed primarily for weight loss; and delaying the dental ASO transition until 2029. The substitute also deleted a proposed auditor review requirement and retained an emergency clause.
Committee discussion focused heavily on the policy and fiscal implications of the cost-sharing and recertification provisions. Senators raised concerns about whether the co-pays would be effective or simply shift costs to providers, whether the recertification process would burden the Cabinet and cause eligible people to lose coverage, and how the bill would affect people transitioning from Medicaid into work. Supporters said the lower cost-sharing amounts were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, protect providers, and comply with federal law, and they noted that the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board would help shape future changes. A public witness, Maggie Chisholm, gave emotional testimony about her daughter’s experience with a Medicaid waiver and argued that policy delays and administrative disconnects can harm vulnerable families. No final vote on the bill itself was recorded in the excerpt, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- continue because they just have costs every year, and so some states are still operating, but it's a closed
- continue because they just have costs every year, and so some states are still operating, but it's a closed
- The commissioner explained that there is one primary staff person whose sole responsibility is to administer
- :10.399><c> one</c> the commissioner explained there's one the commissioner explained there's one primary
- staff person whose sole primary staff person whose sole responsibility<00:27:13.480><c> is</c><00:27
Summary:
The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously.
The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously.
Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Seven - Thursday, April 23
Missouri House Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 6th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will close the roll. There are 62 co-authors added.
- Senator Barakian, you may close. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
- The clerk will close the roll. There are 61 co-authors added.
- To close. Thank you to all my colleagues for the robust debate.
- The Clerk will close the roll. There are 67 co-authors added.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, the chair recognizes Representative Oliverson to close on the bill. I close.
- We're at a close. Thank you, Chairman and members, and if there's no further questions, I close.
- Chairman, I want to close on the bill. Thank you.
- That's the right to close. Fraud.
- Seeing none, the Chair recognizes Chairman Dutton to close. I close, Mr. Chairman.
Bills:
HB5621 , HB4904 , HB5067 , HB5076 , HB5081 , HB5354 , HB4862 , HB3847 , HB4088 , HB4157 , HB2966 , HB2287 , HB4203 , HB4803 , HB4737 , HB5093 , HB783 , HB5411 , HB4281
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
HB 5621, consumer protection, Deceptive Trade Practices Act, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code, attorney general, consumer protection division, district attorney, county attorney, local prosecutor, civil investigative demand, CID, voluntary compliance, financial institution records, bank records, privacy, protective order, in camera review, trade secrets, insurer
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Thu Apr 10, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- study the possibility of a highway patrol and speed cameras along major freeways and highways in primary
- ><00:17:24.640><c> and</c><00:17:24.880><c> highways</c><00:17:25.360><c> in</c><00:17:25.760><c> primary
- </c> major freeways and highways in primary major freeways and highways in primary areas<00:17:26.720
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation heard and later voted on several Senate resolutions related to transportation, safety, and infrastructure. Early testimony covered STR 23, on studying highway patrol and speed cameras in speeding hotspots, with support from the Department of Transportation and the Aahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from five individuals. STR 37 and STR 38 concerned Maui road planning for the Kihei area; the Kihei Community Association and DOT supported both, and the committee later advanced them with amendments to correct the county department with jurisdiction. STR 150 SD1, on a working group for subsidizing waterborne cargo transport, drew support from DOT, the Department of Agriculture, and industry groups, but the committee deferred it for further discussion. STR 153, about transferring jurisdiction over Ho‘i roads to Maui County, received support from the judiciary and was advanced with amendments. STR 180 SD1, on sharing safety and performance information about commercial tour operators, drew mixed testimony, including opposition from DOT and helicopter operators and support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters; the committee advanced it with amendments narrowing the scope to helicopter and air tours. STR 181 SD1, proposing a working group to lower the blood alcohol limit to 0.05, was supported by DOT, the Governor’s office, public health and safety groups, and one individual opposed; it was advanced with amendments naming the DOT director or designee as chair and adding legislative committee chairs. STR 182, encouraging a Honolulu summer streets pilot program, was supported by the Department of Health, Oahu MPO, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and after reconsideration the committee passed it unamended. STR 184, seeking increased enforcement against improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, had one supporter and was passed as is. STR 200 SD1, on continuing transportation management training programs, was supported by Oahu MPO and one individual and was passed as is. STR 231 SD1, directing DOT to use scanning equipment at airports and harbors to detect illegal fireworks, was supported by DOT and one individual and passed as is.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration and Rules Subcommittee on Committees - 02/21/25
Transcript Highlights:
- 30 and prohibits members from accepting employment or receiving compensation for businesses whose primary
- c><00:15:43.240><c> whose</c> compensation for businesses whose compensation for businesses whose primary
- 44.160><c> Revenue</c><00:15:44.600><c> ised</c><00:15:45.600><c> um</c><00:15:45.720><c> from</c> primary
- source of Revenue ised um from primary source of Revenue ised um from certain<00:15:46.240><c> government
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to reserve my right to close.
- 2287 sitting on the chair recognizes Representative Oliverson to close on the bill. I close.
- We'll reserve your right to close. The chair calls Renzo Soto.
- Close Chairman Scho. Actually, I didn't have that question.
- I close, Ms. Tenwright. Uh, thank you. Members.
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Education Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator McNerney, would you like to close?
- Is that something that would be happening behind closed doors?
- closed session, right?
- The state legislature does things behind closed doors and makes negotiations behind closed doors.
- And so when we talk about open meetings and closed session and behind closed doors, like, virtually all
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee heard several bills related to school nutrition, campus safety, college financial aid, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement grants, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize quality, local sourcing, cultural responsiveness, and healthier meals. Supporters from school nutrition and education groups said it would help districts better serve students and local farmers without increasing state costs. After questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, the bill was moved do pass and later approved 7-0.
SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects. Supporters said the bill closes a gap that can leave gates or doors unsecured and could help prevent unauthorized access to campuses. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the bill unanimously. SB 959 was also taken up on consent and passed.
SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award and tie future increases to inflation using the California Consumer Price Index. Supporters said the current award has lost most of its value and does not cover basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and books, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. Members discussed the fiscal impact and the need to keep aid aligned with rising costs; the bill was moved forward and later approved 7-0. SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar UC contracts with businesses that pay UC executives or where executives serve in paid roles, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest. UC and the Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill as too broad and potentially disruptive to operations, while supporters argued existing rules are insufficient because many contracting decisions happen outside public view. After extended debate over recusal, transparency, and the scope of the restrictions, the committee passed the bill 4-2 and then finalized all bills on the agenda before adjourning.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator McNerney, would you like to close?
- Is that something that would be happening behind closed doors?
- closed session, right?
- behind closed doors.
- And so when we talk about open meetings and closed session and behind closed doors, like, virtually all
Committee:
Senate Education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-15 (4:30PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Angolia, having waived, close.
- Senator Burgess, you are recognized to close on the amendment. We've closed.
- Senator Truenow, you recognize to close. Way close.
- Senator Simon, you're recognized to close. Wave close.
- Senator Burton, you're recognized to close. Wave close. Secretary will unlock the board.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and gallery introductions, and several recognitions, including USF Day at the Capitol and visitors from Miami Gardens, Teach For America Florida, and Pathways to Prosperity. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and considered a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed and others passed after debate and roll call votes.
The Senate unanimously passed several Open Government Sunset Review bills, including SB 7010 and SB 7008, which preserve public records exemptions related to insolvent insurance company receiverships and financial technology sandbox applications. It also passed SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings for terrorism victims, SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, SB 28 and SB 22 as claims bills involving South Broward Hospital District, SB 8 for relief related to a Pasco County School Board accident, SB 1718 preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking abortions without parental consent, and SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands also passed, but with two amendments and some opposition.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which included technical updates, restrictions on certain additives in public water systems, limits on ESG practices in farm lending, drone-related penalties, truth-in-labeling provisions for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, charity registration requirements, agricultural worker housing, and support for FFA and 4-H. The most contentious debate centered on fluoride provisions in the bill: multiple amendments by Senators Berman and Polsky to remove the fluoride language, require targeted fluoride assistance, or order an OPAGA study were all defeated, while a technical amendment by Senator Truenow was adopted. The bill remained on the calendar for third reading after extensive debate and questioning. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and return CS for SB 7016 to second reading, then adjourned until April 16.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (02/07/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- sponsor on this pill San sanie primary sponsor on this pill San sanie manahar<00:18:04.120><c> was</
- </c><00:28:39.320><c> the</c> this bill not seeing we will close the this bill not seeing we will close
- Not seeing any, I will close. Is that a pink card coming for this? No? Oh, another one? Okay.
- and, with no further cards, said he was going to close the hearing.
- </c> again to mind I've never worked closely again to mind I've never worked closely with<04:07:09.520
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 659, which would establish the New Hampshire College Graduate Retention Incentive Program. A Department of Revenue Administration analyst explained technical issues in the bill, focusing on whether the incentive is intended to operate as a rebate or a tax credit, how it would be administered, and how it would interact with the business enterprise tax and business profits tax. She said the bill’s language was unclear on the administering agency, effective tax years, caps, and carry-forward treatment, and noted that reducing BET can also reduce the BET credit against BPT, though not on a one-for-one basis. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the BET/BPT interaction, administrative costs, and whether the Department of Business and Economic Affairs would need additional staffing. Andrew Horn then testified in support, saying the bill is meant to address the large number of New Hampshire college graduates who leave the state after graduation by encouraging them to stay and by incentivizing businesses to hire them. The chair closed the hearing on HB 659 after no further public testimony.
The committee then took up HB 770, a bill to establish a program allowing New Hampshire high school students to earn tuition credits at state higher education institutions through community service. Representative Schultz described the bill as a “triple play” intended to increase volunteerism, expand service and internship opportunities for students, and make college more affordable. Ryan Casey, a junior at Bishop Brady High School, testified that the proposal would help students reduce future loan debt while benefiting communities and encouraging young people to attend college in New Hampshire. Committee members asked about eligibility, including why private and preparatory school students were excluded, whether public school students would qualify, whether mandatory service hours would count, and how the bill’s references to education and business eligibility should be read. Schultz said the exclusion of private and prep schools was intended because public school students are more clearly New Hampshire residents, and she noted that mandatory school service hours had been excluded in revisions. The Department of Education then testified that the program would require significant administration, estimating at least three full-time staff, software or tracking systems, and rulemaking to oversee volunteer sites, schools, student eligibility, and tuition credit distribution. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the hearing remained in testimony phase.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If not, the chair recognizes Representative Raymond to close on the bill.
- We'll reserve the right to close and we'll proceed to public testimony.
- If not, the chair recognizes Representative Isaac to close on the bill.
- Will they be invited to come back and are we, are we closing on the bill?
- Yeah, he closed on the bill.
Bills:
HB311
Committee:
House Elections
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Pass this bill, and with that, I close. Thank you, sir.
- I close on the bill. Thank you, Chairman. I close. Thank you, sir. Members, any questions?
- Questions, I reserve the right to close.
- Chairman, I request the right to close. Thank you, Chair.
- And are we closing on the bill?
Committee:
House Elections
Keywords:
voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the primary reasons for this decision is the inclusion of new provisions addressing lithium-ion
- As the board considered the adoption of the 2024 codes, we focused on three primary objectives.
- As the board considered the adoption of the 2024 codes, we focused on three primary objectives.
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The House Business Committee met with a quorum and first considered two pending fee rules from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The committee approved Rules Docket 24-21-2501 for the Idaho State Contractors Board, which raises annual registration and renewal fees from $50 to $60 to help the board meet statutory cash-balance requirements. It also approved Rules Docket 24-2201-2501 for the Board of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety, which increases licensure fees by 15 to 20 percent to address a negative cash balance and comply with Idaho’s board solvency statute. Members asked about the causes of the shortfalls, possible consolidation of boards, and why one training fee was left unchanged.
The committee then took up Rules Docket 24-2801-2501 for the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. Representative Graham moved to hold the docket subject to call of the chair, citing concerns raised by industry participants and the need to work through issues with the department before advancing the rule. The motion carried, and the docket was held in committee.
The longest discussion centered on Rules Docket 24-3930-2502, the Idaho Building Safety Code rules, which would adopt the 2024 building codes with Idaho-specific amendments. Supporters said the proposal would improve housing affordability, add flexibility for builders, address lithium-ion battery fire risks, and update energy and residential provisions while preserving many 2018 standards. Committee members raised concerns about overlapping authority with the State Fire Marshal, wording on garage heat detectors, whole-house ventilation language, and whether some provisions should remain in the building code at all. After public testimony from building officials, home builders, and city representatives in support of the rule, the committee first failed a substitute motion to hold the docket, then adopted a motion to reject the rule docket. The meeting adjourned with a reminder that the next floor session would begin at 11 a.m. the following day.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- That kind of summarizes the two primary elements of the bill, but what I will say is that there are some
- SB 145 seeks to accomplish two primary objectives, as discussed.
- Audits are one of the primary mechanisms taxpayers and grantors rely on to verify that funds are being
Committee:
Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 143, which would raise caps on certain agriculture fees so they can keep pace with inflation. Senator Woods explained that the bill only adjusts fee ceilings, not automatic increases, and an amendment was adopted to tie the caps to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the U.S. Department of Labor. There was no public support or opposition testimony, and the bill was then passed on an 8-0 do-pass vote, with several members excused.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 145, which would change the state audit system by raising thresholds for smaller local public bodies and creating a statewide federal single audit for state agencies. The State Auditor and DFA said the bill was intended to streamline audits, reduce delays, and align New Mexico with federal rules and other states, but multiple CPA and audit witnesses opposed the statewide single-audit concept, warning it could reduce transparency, weaken accountability, and increase the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse. Committee members pressed for clarification on how the audit structure would work, which agencies would be covered, and whether DFA or independent auditors would conduct the work; the sponsors said amendments were needed to clarify the bill and remove problematic language, including the appropriation and references to gifts and donations. The committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation language and then continued questioning without taking final action in the excerpt.
The final portion of the meeting shifted to the House Bill 2 budget presentation. Committee members reviewed the Senate Finance version of the budget, which included about a 2.7% increase in recurring spending, 30% reserves, and major investments in health care affordability, early childhood, public education, housing, clean energy, water, and agriculture-related priorities. Members asked about water testing needs, water settlement funding, career technical education funding, and the contingency fund/disaster reserve structure. The presenters said some items still needed technical work and that additional adjustments would be made before final passage.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Health Care & Wellness
Transcript Highlights:
- care provider before entering into or renewing a contract: the contact information for the carrier's primary
- On the right is just a chart of the primary diagnoses that we see, though I will say there's a very broad
- On the right is just a chart of the primary diagnoses that we see, though I will say there's a very broad
Committee:
House Health Care & Wellness
Keywords:
phthalates, medical equipment, healthcare regulation, intravenous therapy, toxic substances, Medicaid, healthcare, traditional practices, health insurance, coverage expansion, therapy, psychotherapy, mental health, regulation, professional standards, tribal data, data protection, privacy, sharing of information, Indigenous rights
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 6 (1-13-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the primary sponsor and I have filed the paperwork with the clerk. >> Thank you. >> That, without
- I am the primary sponsor and I have filed the paperwork with the clerk. >> Thank you. >> That, without
- To Primary and Secondary Education: House Bill 11 and House Bill 35.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator McNerney, would you like to close?
- Is that something that would be happening behind closed doors?
- closed session, right?
- and makes negotiations... ...behind closed doors.
- And so when we talk about open meetings and closed session and behind closed doors, like, virtually all
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The Senate Education Committee heard several bills focused on school nutrition, campus safety, college affordability, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize meal quality, cultural appropriateness, local sourcing, and sustainability. Support came from school nutrition officials, education agencies, and school business groups; there was no opposition. Members raised questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, and the bill was ultimately moved forward on a due pass motion.
SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects by limiting unattended entry points such as open doors and gates. Supporters included Brady Campaign, Moms Demand Action, school employees, labor groups, and Prism. Members discussed how the bill would apply to both new construction and ongoing maintenance, and the measure advanced on a due pass motion. SB 959 was taken up on consent and also moved forward.
SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award to a new minimum and tie future increases to inflation, with related supplemental awards for student parents and former foster youth also indexed. Support came from higher education advocates, CSU, student groups, and public advocacy organizations, with testimony from a Sac State student describing housing, transportation, and food insecurity. Members generally supported the bill, though questions were raised about fiscal impact; the author estimated about $21 million in first-year costs. The bill passed the committee on a due pass motion.
SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar businesses from contracting with the University of California if a UC executive is paid by, or has been paid by, that business within the prior year, aiming to address conflicts of interest in UC contracting. AFSCME and UC workers supported the bill, citing examples of executives serving on corporate boards while their institutions contract with those companies. UC and business groups opposed it, arguing it was overly broad, could capture ordinary dividends or unpaid advisory roles, and could disrupt essential contracts and operations. After extensive debate over existing conflict-of-interest laws and whether the bill would create practical problems, the committee approved SB 1141 on a 4-3 vote and then reported the remaining bills out 7-0 as calls were lifted, concluding the agenda.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, to close on the amendment. Senator Berman, you are recognized to close on the amendment.
- Senator Polsky, recognized to close.
- Senator Truenow, you're recognized to close. Well, close.
- Senator Simon, you're recognized to close.
- Senator Burton, you're recognized to close. Wave close. Secretary will unlock the board.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions recognizing guests, family members, and a USF Day at the Capitol presentation. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where it first passed two Open Government Sunset Review bills: CS/SB 7010, preserving a public records exemption for certain Department of Financial Services receiver information, and SB 7008/HB 7003, preserving confidentiality for financial technology sandbox application records. Both measures passed unanimously.
The Senate also passed CS/SB 1430 on post-judgment execution proceedings relating to terrorism, a bill intended to help victims enforce judgments against terrorist entities, and CS/CS/SB 910 on veterans benefits assistance, aimed at improving veterans’ access to benefits and transition support. Additional measures passed included CS/CS/CS/SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands, SB 796 on general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems, CS/CS/CS/SB 700, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, and several claims bills, including relief for Darlene Angerville and J.R., Eric and Jennifer Miles on behalf of EEM, and Marcus Button. SB 994 on driver’s license education requirements also passed after an amendment making texting while driving a moving violation with points and a distracted-driving course requirement.
The most extended debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 700, where senators discussed provisions on fluoride in drinking water, labeling of plant-based products, drone penalties, charity registration, agricultural housing, and other agriculture-related policy changes. Several amendments on fluoride were offered and defeated, while a technical amendment on financial institution definitions was adopted. Senators also briefly discussed the policy implications of the bill’s fluoride language and its relationship to local control and public health. Several other bills on the calendar were temporarily postponed, and at the end of the session the Senate adopted motions to certify passed bills to the House, retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and remove CS/SB 7016 from the special order calendar. The Senate then adjourned until April 16.