Transcript Highlights:

• Clem specializes in family medicine. Welcome to the Florida Senate.
• , with my family.
• Across Florida, YMCA, leadership, and a commitment to public service.
• with my family.
• And so with that, I ask for your favorable support.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognitions for the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Thomas Clem of Lakeland, and a large YMCA delegation visiting for the organization’s 175th anniversary. Senators highlighted the YMCA’s youth leadership programs and community service, and the chamber entered a proclamation recognizing the YMCA’s long service and its work in community support, youth development, and public health efforts. The chamber then took up several bills on the special order calendar. Senate Bill 100 adopted the 2026 Florida Statutes and the 2025 regular session’s statute materials; Senate Bill 102 removed repealed provisions from the statutes; and Senate Bill 104, the general reviser’s bill, deleted obsolete language, updated cross-references, and corrected drafting errors. Each of those bills was advanced to third reading and passed unanimously, 36-0. Senators also passed Senate Bill 7010, which authorizes Roth post-tax contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans, also by a 36-0 vote. Senate Bill 320, relating to administrative efficiency in public schools, drew the most substantive policy discussion. Its sponsor said the bill would reduce district-level mandates, expand teacher apprenticeship pathways, create longer-term teacher contracts and certificates, streamline salary supplements and assessments, increase flexibility in district finances and Title I use, adjust facility planning requirements, and shift oversight of district-run VPK programs. The sponsor emphasized reducing bureaucracy while preserving accountability and focusing resources on students; the bill passed 36-0. The Senate also withdrew Senate Bill 1720 from further consideration, waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would ask you to some Foley support this bill.
• These aren't just statistics they represent lives, changed, family, support it and community strengthen
• Services and to your legal Manatee County.
• And we just, you know, the family.
• or services trustee in Florida.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the division director for long-term supports and services, and I'm here today to present to you the
• So they work with families to identify service needs.
• </c> with families to identify service needs. with families to identify service needs. they<00:48:02.960
• And then, for individuals, either the individual or the family requested not to start services.
• And all of those nine individuals started receiving full or partial services. supports.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled roll call and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members discussed attendance and substitutions, then moved to the DHS commissioner’s update, which focused on New Hampshire’s Medicaid 1115 waiver and the new community re-entry initiative for people leaving correctional facilities. The presenter explained that the waiver lets the state cover certain services not normally covered under Medicaid, including substance use disorder treatment, serious mental illness services, adult dental benefits, and the new community re-entry component. She also noted that a separate youth re-entry component is federally required, with youth defined up to age 21 and foster-care-related coverage extending to age 26. The update described how the adult re-entry program works for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs, providing up to 45 days of pre-release services, care coordination with managed care organizations and DOC staff, telemedicine assessments, discharge prescriptions, insurance cards, and connections to community mental health, primary care, and substance use providers. For youth, the program includes more intensive case management, 30 days of pre-release services, and 30 days of post-release care coordination, with a stronger emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and holistic assessment. The presenter said New Hampshire received the adult waiver in July 2024, has implemented the program in state correctional facilities, and is beginning work at the youth center. Members and the presenter discussed why the program is structured as a waiver rather than a standard Medicaid benefit, with the explanation that CMS is allowing this as a newer policy area and that states generally pursue waivers for certain services. The chair and others emphasized the need for real cost and outcome data, and the presenter said an independent evaluator and evaluation plan are required under the 1115 waiver. Early results cited included 30 adults enrolled so far, 10 released, five youth enrolled with one released, and anecdotal early successes such as housing, employment, and better continuity of medication and treatment. The committee did not take any additional votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• low. you have families knowing it is is low. you have families that<00:16:01.680><c> are</c><00:16:01.959
• </c> case of a resident who is or a family case of a resident who is or a family member<00:20:04.000>
• </c> the designated support person language. the designated support person language.
• I think positive behavioral supports?
• </c> use of restraints, positive supports use of restraints, positive supports helps<00:39:56.320><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When a family member passes away, we all mourn, and families mourn.
• But it also matters for their family caregivers.
• We ask for your support for these local businesses to ensure they remain able to deliver essential services
• And the need for our services never waivers.
• I am testifying in support of Substitute House Bill 2334.

Bills: HB1269, HB2624

Keywords: pawnbroker, fees, interest rates, consumer protection, financial regulation, real estate transactions, nonprofit, land conservancies, unsolicited offers, property rights, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So all of my point is, all of these services are not just to support DeHerd, but to support the entire
• These services are not just to support DeHerd, but to support the entire state.
• c><02:16:41.880><c> the</c><02:16:42.040><c> AWS</c> Services uh to also support the AWS Services uh
• /c><02:47:40.720><c> loan</c> Support Services to get the loan Support Services to get the loan application
• Employment Support Services Division, we have Scott Mor here.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As it stands, courts have the ability to offer community service.
• Um, it's poor families, white, black, Latino, whatever it is, it's the poor families who have trouble
• do community service, when?
• and if community service is somewhere else, you're gonna get to community service how?
• The answer is to provide resources to schools so they can provide the social services that the families

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and so the more concrete<00:46:36.720><c> supports</c><00:46:37.119><c> families</c><00:46:37.760
• Family Services, the Kentucky Health and Family Services, the Kentucky State<01:09:44.319><c> Data</
• So anything that would be a child service, a family service would live in one place within the state
• ,</c><01:19:57.199><c> a</c><01:19:57.360><c> family</c> that would be a child service, a family that
• would be a child service, a family service<01:19:58.000><c> would</c><01:19:58.239><c> live</c><01:19

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Program advisory committee supports the CTE programs in a Program Advisory Committee supports the CTE
• And our information support networking service.
• In our information support networking services program, advisory committee recommendations were incorporated
• It also creates a centralized space for educators and families to support students in a more coordinated
• sustainability, scalability, and stronger support for students and families.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Green cards are for support. White cards are for information only.
• floor, we'll be able to present it to the family.
• He loved God, his wife Betty, and his family very deeply.
• Ginnart was a great guy, and so I'm very much in support of this, and I know this will make the family
• your support is going to mean the world to me.

Bills: HB129, HB130, HB148, HB149, HB221, HB346, HB354, HB355, HB356, HB358, HB360, HB384, HB401, HB657, HB675, HB716

Keywords: HB 129, Act 783, highway designation, memorial highway, Louisiana Highway 173, Louisiana Highway 3194, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Dr. Harry Blake Sr., Virginia Green Evans, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, road signage, honorary naming, commemorative sign, transportation, HB 130, Act 124, Louisiana highway memorial, road naming

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 10 and took up a series of highway and bridge naming bills, beginning with House Bill 346, which redesignates a portion of U.S. Highway 171 as the Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway. The bill was presented with extensive tributes from the sponsor, former colleagues, and Secretary of State Nancy Landry, all praising Salter’s public service, education background, and character. The committee reported HB 346 favorably without objection. Members then heard House Bill 221, which names a proposed Mississippi River bridge connecting LA 1 and LA 30 as the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. The sponsor argued the naming would help draw attention and funding to a long-discussed, toll-free bridge project and described possible financing through development districts and federal programs. Some members questioned the political and practical logic of naming a bridge before it is built, while others supported the concept as a way to advance a needed infrastructure project. The committee adopted a roll-call vote and reported HB 221 favorably by 12-2. The committee also advanced several memorial highway and bridge designations, including HB 356 for the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, HB 149 for Senior Police Officer Trevor Abney Memorial Highway, HB 148 for the Eugene Washington Memorial Highway, HB 716 naming the Schaumet Ferry Terminal after Michael C. Ginnart Jr., HB 355 naming Highway 10 in Washington Parish as Veterans Park Memorial Highway, HB 675 naming part of U.S. 425 as the Bill Putt Linder Memorial Highway, HB 657 naming portions of LA 182 for Burrick B.J. Lejeune Jr. and Judge Richard T. Dickey Hike Sr., HB 354 renaming the Magnolia Bridge for Caleb Easterling, HB 358 naming a portion of LA 433 for Charles R. Bordelon Sr., and HB 384 naming part of U.S. 11 as the Dan de Blanc American Hero Memorial Highway. Several bills were amended to add or remove the word “Memorial.” The committee reported the measures favorably, with amendments where applicable, and then voluntarily deferred HB 129, HB 130, HB 360, and HB 401 to a later agenda before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another could be supported decision-making.
• The added language, even with appropriate supportive services, technological assistance, or supported
• Strong support of Senate Bill 1240.
• I strongly support this legislation.
• I appreciate the support on this bill and the support of the committee. I know it took a long time.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• several years at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., supporting the Joint Chiefs of Staff there.
• Lieutenant Colonel Damron and family, welcome to St. Paul. If you would stand for a second.
• Lieutenant Colonel Damron and family, welcome to St. Paul. If you would stand for a second.
• Lieutenant Colonel Damron and family, welcome to St. Paul. If you would stand for a second.
• </c><00:18:14.679><c> and</c> guys thank you for your service and guys thank you for your service and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness says they are not necessarily in support either. local families that are hurt um people local
• First up to testify, we have HTDC in support. HTDC, in support.
• So again, we're in strong support.
• First up to testify, we have HTDC in support. HTDC, in support.
• So again, we're in strong support.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism, Housing, and Economic Development and Technology began with House Bill 604, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point starting January 1, 2026 and direct the revenue to the Hawaiian Homes General Loan Fund. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a source of consistent funding, while the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed it, warning that Hawaii already has very high tourism taxes and that further increases could hurt visitors, workers, and the broader economy. The committees later voted to pass HB 604 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date; the vote was adopted, with one member noted as having reservations in the housing committee vote and one no vote in that committee. The committees then heard House Bill 973, which would require transient accommodations brokers and others to display all resort fees, taxes, and government-imposed charges upfront in advertised prices and would establish penalties. The Office of Consumer Protection expressed concerns about the bill’s intent requirement and noted a forthcoming federal FTC rule on junk fees; the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the measure as promoting transparency and uniformity, and a public witness also supported price transparency while questioning the size of the penalties. After questions about federal rescission of the FTC rule and enforcement authority, the committees voted to pass HB 973 with amendments as an HD1, including removal of the intent requirement and technical changes, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. House Bill 594, relating to hotel service disruptions, would require hotel keepers to give notice of disruptions to guests and third-party vendors and allow damages. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to add a purpose section and savings clause to address First Amendment and contract clause issues, and Unite Here Local 5 supported the bill, saying guests are not always notified of disruptions and that the measure would improve transparency; the union agreed with the legal amendments. The committees voted to pass HB 594 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date, adopting the recommendation. The final measures were House Bill 448 and House Bill 449, both related to technology enablement and economic development for small businesses, including tourism-related businesses. HTDC strongly supported both bills but emphasized that technology should be targeted to the actual problem and coordinated with sister agencies rather than applied broadly; the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce also supported HB 448, and HB 449 received support from HTDC and HFIA. The committees adopted amendments to HB 448, including moving a $250,000 appropriation to the committee report, and to HB 449, including deleting duplicative language tied to HB 448 and moving a $500,000 appropriation to the committee report; both bills were passed as HD1s with deferred dates, and the hearing adjourned after the votes were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• The added language, even with appropriate supportive services, technological assistance, or supported
• I strongly support this legislation.
• I strongly support this legislation.
• While the vast majority of these cases involve family members who are appointed to support and protect
• I appreciate the support on this bill and the support of the committee. I know it took a long time.

Summary: The committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes, then took up Senate Bill 1240, a major rewrite of Idaho’s guardianship and conservatorship laws. Sponsor Sen. Ruchti and witnesses from TEPI, Disability Rights Idaho, AARP Idaho, the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities, the courts, and professional fiduciaries said the bill modernizes outdated statutes, strengthens least-restrictive alternatives, clarifies notice and hearing rights, adds a new short-term protective proceeding, and improves oversight and protections against isolation and abuse. One public witness raised concerns about ambiguity, agency authority, and possible overreach, but no formal opposition was presented by stakeholder groups. The committee voted unanimously to send SB 1240 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered three cleanup or clarification bills from Sen. Lakey. Senate Bill 1248 repeals the obsolete capital crimes defense fund now that the state has taken over public defense; it passed without testimony and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Senate Bill 1249 updates a statutory reference to current time-zone terminology; it also passed without opposition and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1251, which clarifies that the Idaho Attorney General has statutory authority to civilly enforce state laws through declaratory or injunctive relief when no specific enforcement mechanism is provided. Sen. Lakey said the bill is meant as a catch-all and does not mandate action in every case. One public witness opposed the bill over concerns about broad authority and potential conflicts with local control, while Sen. Wintrow also raised separation-of-powers concerns during debate. Despite those objections, the committee voted to send SB 1251 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her family is standing by her.
• Thank you for your service, Carolyn. You and the family are also in our prayers.
• Health and Human Services. HB 2179, Air Ambulance Services. Human Services.
• Health and Human Services. HB 2179, Air Ambulance Services. Health and Human Services.
• Health, Human Services and Appropriations. HB 2181, death certificates for rural services.

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Ernesto Ramirez and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Rachel Keshel. The journal from January 12 was approved, and Dr. Andrew Carroll was introduced as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13 as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts. The chamber then handled routine business, including messages from the Senate and two motions related to adjournment. The House agreed to grant the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and also requested the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Members observed personal remarks for former Senator Barbara Left and Representative Kyle Powell. A long list of bills and resolutions was introduced and read for first and second reading, covering topics such as elections, water policy, education, public safety, health care, agriculture, taxation, and several memorials and resolutions. No substantive debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee announcements were made for several meetings, and the House adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This could never happen to my family.
• Hey, I don't have the family support that I need at home, and/or we're economically challenged.
• services, and de-escalation during moments of crisis.
• community support.
• supports around the clock.

Summary: The committee held a hearing on active and mass shootings in California, focusing on prevention, response, training, communications, and gaps in preparedness across law enforcement, schools, campuses, fire, EMS, and state agencies. Opening remarks emphasized the frequency and impact of gun violence, the need for faster coordinated response, and the importance of learning from recent tragedies such as the Stockton-area mass shooting described by Sheriff Patrick Withrow. The first panel included representatives from police, sheriff, and campus public safety agencies, who discussed incident command, interoperable communications, next-generation 911, threat assessment, emergency notification systems, and the value of joint drills and cross-agency planning. Witnesses also highlighted differences in training and authority across jurisdictions, especially for private university public safety departments versus public campus police. Campus representatives said they rely heavily on municipal law enforcement for armed response, while also using run-hide-fight protocols, text alerts, surveillance, and threat assessment teams. Members raised concerns about standardized training, after-action reviews, mental health resources, school resource officers, and whether campus safety plans and drills are sufficiently consistent or workable. Sheriff Withrow argued that early intervention and accountability are being weakened by well-intentioned laws, while other witnesses stressed prevention through relationships, diversion, and coordinated support services. The second panel from Cal OES, the Department of Education, POST, and EMSA described statewide systems and standards. Cal OES outlined its Reduce the Risk initiative, gun violence restraining orders, mutual aid, unified command, after-action reporting, and nonprofit security grants. The Department of Education explained California’s statutory school safety framework, annual safety plans, regulated armed assailant drills, and local flexibility, while acknowledging compliance gaps and the need for more mental health support. POST described the new requirement for 16 hours of standardized active shooter training for recruits and ongoing local training options. EMSA explained its role in medical response and terrorism training standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, having this already public information available will better support residents and families in locating
• This is a protection residents and families should be able to rely on to ensure payment for services
• being</c> services results in services being services results in services being provided.<00:07:39.759
• Uh, welcome back to human services<00:54:12.640><c> and</c> services and services and &gt;&gt; so<00:
• </c> in support of bill SF2972. in support of bill SF2972.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• families? families?
• Um, it supports families that are paying taxes to support our public schools and asking very little in
• Um, it supports families achievement.
• Um, it supports families that<01:57:54.480><c> are</c><01:57:55.280><c> paying</c><01:57:55.679><c> taxes
• It's bad for families.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your service. Her commitment to service did not end with her military career.
• HB 1396 by. 719 and financial services.
• HB 1440 by Gervin Hawkins, relating to the Department of Family and Protective Services annual report
• and Protective Services refer to the Committee on Human Services.
• services.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Karen Morillo, waiving in support, AARP of Florida.
• in support.
• I am in support of this great bill.
• Karen Morillo, waiving in support, AARP of Florida.
• in support.

Summary: The Committee on Physical Policy met to consider CS for SB 57A, the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative, sponsored by Senator Simon. The bill would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection and diagnosis, brain health, clinical trials, and outreach to older adults and higher-risk populations, with the department contracting with nonprofits for education and awareness efforts. Senator Simon and supporters cited Florida’s high Alzheimer’s prevalence, the lack of a state-funded awareness campaign, and the need to help families access information and treatment earlier. The committee heard supportive testimony from John Strader of the Alzheimer’s Association, who described his experience as a caregiver and said a local pilot awareness campaign increased calls to the helpline by more than 30 percent. Karen Morillo of AARP Florida and Tyler Jefferson of the Alzheimer’s Association waived in support. Several senators voiced strong support, including comments recognizing the burden on caregivers and praising Senator Simon’s advocacy. Senator Osgood asked about funding for implementation, and Senator Jones emphasized the need for the initiative to be fully funded. In closing, Senator Simon spoke personally about his mother’s diagnosis and the difficulty families face navigating Alzheimer’s without guidance, saying the bill is intended to help families get support earlier and prevent them from falling apart under the burden of the disease. The committee then voted on CS for SB 57A, and the bill was reported favorably. The meeting adjourned afterward.