Transcript Highlights:

• I'm joined by my colleague and House co-chair, Representative Dan Hunt.
• Good afternoon, and thank you, Chair Keenan and Chair Hunt.
• Thank you to the chairs, Keenan and Chair Hunt, and everyone Thank you to the chairs, Keenan, Chair Hunt
• Chairs Keenan and Hunt, members of the committee.
• Thank you, Chair Keenan and Chair Hunt.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing focused primarily on ranked choice voting (RCV) legislation and several local home rule petitions, along with one petition to authorize remote participation in Concord town meetings. Chairs Keenan and Hunt outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would hear both in-person and virtual testimony. The committee also took testimony on Concord’s request for remote participation in open and special town meetings, with supporters arguing it would make town meeting more accessible to residents with childcare, mobility, work, or disability barriers while preserving direct democracy. A large portion of the hearing centered on RCV local-option bills and municipal petitions from communities including Concord, East Hampton, Salem, Chelsea, Arlington, Revere, Amherst, and others. Supporters—among them local officials, legislators, election advocates, educators, veterans, and nonprofit leaders—said RCV would reduce vote-splitting, encourage more candidates, promote more positive campaigning, improve representation, and increase turnout. East Hampton officials described their existing use of RCV, saying it produced record turnout, was easy for voters to understand with education, and could be expanded to multi-winner races without major added cost. Concord and Amherst witnesses said their voters had already approved local steps toward RCV and urged the committee to let municipalities implement the system without further delay. Testimony in favor of the local-option RCV bill emphasized home rule and local control, with several witnesses arguing the state should not block communities that have already voted to adopt RCV. Speakers from MassVOTE, the AFT Massachusetts, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Progressive Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, and Veterans for All Voters said the reform would strengthen democracy, broaden participation, and save money by avoiding low-turnout preliminary elections. Some witnesses also referenced examples from Cambridge, Maine, and Utah to argue that RCV is workable, nonpartisan, and familiar to voters. The hearing ended with no votes or final committee action taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Petuskey, seconded by Representative Hunt, moves to pass on Amendment 1579. tincture.
• Now the motion, Representative Petuskey, seconded by Representative Hunt, moves to pass as amended.
• Representative Hunt. Representative Hunt.
• Okay, Representative Hunt, seconded by Representative Petuskey, moves inexpedient to legislate.
• <00:40:52.600> Petuskey Hunt seconded by Representative Petuskey Hunt seconded by Representative

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Dan Hunt. I'm the House Chair, joined by my co-chair in the Senate, Senator Keenan.
• Hello to the honor of committee Chair Hunt, Chair Keenan.
• Good afternoon, Chair Hunt and Chair Keenan and honorable members.
• Good afternoon, Chairs Hunt and Keenan and members of this committee.
• Thank you, Representative Hunt. Thank you, everyone.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on Boston’s home rule petition (H. 4262) and Bedford’s petition (H. 4916). Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, explained the three-minute testimony limit, and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. The hearing featured testimony from a wide range of supporters, including advocacy organizations, community leaders, Boston City Council members, and Bedford residents. Witnesses generally argued that ranked choice voting would produce majority-supported winners, reduce vote-splitting and negative campaigning, encourage coalition-building, and give voters more freedom to rank candidates without fear of wasting their vote. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to adopt the system. Others highlighted potential benefits for women, historically marginalized communities, and voter participation more broadly. Boston councilors and supporters also described the city’s local approval process and said the proposal would still require voter ratification if enacted by the legislature. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. The committee took no substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; after testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're in the process of considering opening up the bear hunt again.
• Is the public dialogue that you've started to solicit related to bear hunts?
• Is that a direct result of Amendment 2's past... ...related to bear hunts.
• He said, let's talk about a bear hunt. And Mr.
• It was completely inappropriate, and so that's what I can say about the bear hunt.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to consider confirmation appointments, beginning with Rodney Barreto’s reappointment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Barreto described his background and defended his record, saying the commission has expanded public access, conserved land, supported youth conservation programs, and maintained strong law enforcement and wildlife management. Senators questioned him about public opposition to his confirmation, his role in supporting Amendment 2, a proposed use of submerged land near Singer Island, the Split Oak land swap, and whether FWC may reopen a bear hunt. Barreto said he saw no conflict in his Amendment 2 involvement, denied that any condo application existed for the Singer Island property, defended the Split Oak deal as a conservation and land-acquisition tradeoff, and said bear-hunt options would be presented later by staff and biologists. Several members of the public spoke against Barreto’s reconfirmation, arguing that FWC needs reform, term limits, and more scientific leadership, and criticizing his real estate and lobbying ties as conflicts of interest. Speakers also objected to his positions on development, habitat protection, trap use, herbicide spraying, and the handling of bear management and public notice at FWC meetings. Senator Avila spoke in strong support of Barreto, citing FWC’s role in Biscayne Bay restoration, juvenile redfish releases, invasive species control, and community involvement. The committee then voted to recommend Barreto’s confirmation favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee next considered tabs 2 and 3, the reappointments of Kathy Chapman and Michael Kennedy to the Florida Inland Navigation District. With no separate vote requested and no public opposition, the committee recommended both confirmations favorably by voice roll call. The meeting concluded with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• My area was the Deer Park, Pasadena, and Sagemont area. Thank you. Good afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• My area was Deer Park, Pasadena, and San Diego. Monterrey. Thank you. Good morning.

Bills: HR33, HR138, HR200, HR243, HR267, HR307, HR353, HR383, HR443, HR446, HR449, HR451, HR453, HR457, HR459, HR460, HR461, HR462, HR464, HR466, HR467, HR474, HR475, HR477, HR479, HR481, HR482, HR483, HR484, HR486, HR487, HR490, HR491, HR497, HR502, HR505, HR509, HR510, HR511, HR512, HR513, HR515, HR516, HR527, HR531, HR532, HR541, HR542, HR547, HR548, HR549, HR550, HR555, HR557, HR564, HR568, HR574, HR575, HR576, HR577, HR578, HR580, HR584, HR586, HR587, HR588, HR589, HR594, HR595, HR597, HR599, HR606, HR607, HR608, HR609, HR610, HR611, HR612, HR613, HR615, HR616, HR617, HR619, HR620, HCR65, HCR119, HR434, HR447, HR450, HR454, HR455, HR458, HR463, HR476, HR478, HR488, HR489, HR492, HR496, HR499, HR522, HR523, HR524, HR533, HR534, HR535, HR536, HR537, HR539, HR546, HR552, HR553, HR554, HR556, HR579, HR582, HR598

Keywords: autism, neurodiversity, awareness, acceptance, public health, HR 138, H.R. 138, House Resolution, Texas House, 89th Texas Legislature, Susan Christian, Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events, MOSE, retirement resolution, congratulatory resolution, ceremonial resolution, Houston, special events, city events, civic events

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2031 by Kolkhorst relating to the removal of fence surrounding a breeder-deer release site

Transcript Highlights:

• The only possible pushback would be hunting, and all the trails around this 10-mile approximate area
• the rest of the trails where hunting the rest of the trails where hunting comes<00:08:12.120>
• He said these dogs are very expensive and are a very expensive hunting tool.
• alone would definitely deter any birds that he might be hunting.
• deter any birds that I might be hunting deter any birds that I might be hunting I<00:12:26.519><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 15, landowner hunting...
• Senate file 37, K quoted hunting areas.
• Landowner Hunting Licenses Limitation.
• the public hunting opportunity.
• Provided that not less than 40% of the hunting licenses in a limited quota hunting area shall be made

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also creates a nearly four-month hunting season tax holiday that includes items such as ammunition
• Just going to Section 41 of the bill regarding the hunting season tax holiday, Mr.
• So that certainly makes it a good time frame to have that tax holiday specific to hunting.
• I'm here today to urge you to vote no on a hunting season tax holiday and vote no on SPB 7034.
• In my opinion, this proposed holiday does not exist to encourage hunting.

Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee considered several tax-related measures. SB 674, allowing county property appraisers to budget for and pay hiring or retention bonuses with Department of Revenue approval, was supported by property appraisers and reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 318, as amended, would create a tangible personal property exemption for agricultural land used in agricultural production or agritourism; the amendment clarified the property’s location and allowed the Legislature to define conditions, and the resolution was reported favorably with support from Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber. The committee also advanced C.S. for SB 1664, as amended, which requires locally approved discretionary taxes to be reauthorized by voters when they expire and sets rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds. Local government and tourism-related groups raised concerns about impacts on tourist development taxes, beach funding, transportation surtaxes, and long-term planning, while supporters argued voters should periodically reaffirm taxes; the bill was reported favorably. C.S. for SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, were both amended to sharply narrow a proposed long-term lease property tax exemption to one qualifying property and to single-family homes, mobile homes, and condominiums; counties and cities opposed the measures as tax shifts, but both were reported favorably. The committee then took up SPB 7034, the Senate tax package, which includes permanent sales tax exemptions for certain clothing and bullion, multiple tax holidays, a temporary motor vehicle fee reduction, a property tax study, corporate and insurance tax credit changes, a communications services tax freeze, and other tax provisions, with staff estimating $2.1 billion in total revenue reduction. Testimony included support for studying property taxes and strong opposition to the firearm and ammunition tax holiday from students and advocacy groups, who argued it was unsafe and inappropriate; others urged adding combined reporting or removing tourist development tax changes. After debate, the committee reported the package favorably and also approved a motion to submit it as a committee bill. The meeting ended after Senator Bernard recorded an affirmative vote on tab 5 and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sam Hunt will be remembered for his steady leadership, his generosity, his spirit, and his unwavering
• <00:10:03.240> for<00:10:03.360> his Sam Hunt will be remembered for his Sam Hunt will
• Senate conclude our session today on a rising vote observing a moment of silence in memory of Sam Hunt
• Please join me in rising to observe a moment of silence in honor of the memory of Sam Hunt.
• I further move that memory of Sam Hunt.

Bills: SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• I'M CURIOUS ABOUT FWC HISTORY WITH BEAR HUNTS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
• I THANK YOU ARE IN THE PROCESS OF CONSIDERING OPENING UP THE BEAR HUNT AGAIN.
• I WAS GONE ON THE COMMISSION WHEN THEY VOTED THE PREVIOUS TIME TO DO A BEAR HUNT.
• HE SAID LET'S TALK ABOUT A BEAR HUNT. AND MR.
• IT WAS COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE AND SO THAT'S WHAT I CAN SAY ABOUT THE BEAR HUNT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our neighbors, Ingram Hunts.
• There's no service. out and hunt. I do a lot of work in hunt.
• And that happened... in the hunt area.
• And I was born and raised in Hunt, Texas. I was born at the Hunt-Peterson Hospital. Oh, sorry.
• I was prohibited from going to the Hunt Store reopening, the Hunt Store concert.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no service out in Hunt. I do a lot of work in Hunt.
• We are a ranching and hunting community.
• I was born and raised in Hunt, Texas.
• I was prohibited from going to the Hunt Store reopening, the Hunt Store concert.
• That's a little bit deeper into Hunt. It's right before the Hunt crossing.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it also has a carve out for hunting or bow fishing during that period of time in less than 3 ft of
• We heard from the fishing and hunting community that within 3 ft of water this Validation stickers on
• We heard from the fishing and hunting community that within 3 ft of water this Number, and this would
• > bow<00:50:05.200> fishing for hunting or bow fishing for hunting or bow fishing during
• the fishing fishing and hunting the fishing fishing and hunting community<00:50:17.040> that<

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tell, tell me about the, about the marketplace for these kinds of hunts.
• All that sheep provide an opportunity for someone to get that same sheep hunting experience at a much
• lower cost, but still, um, it's several $1000 to hunt a big mature all dad ram, like in the $10,000
• And are these hunts taxed or not taxed? Uh, I couldn't, I couldn't speak to that.
• I'm, I'm not aware of, uh, taxes on those hunts.

Transcript Highlights:

• we should try to help small businesses, and it so happened three weeks later my wife, Jenny, hit a deer
• Um, so she hit a deer and we had over $10,000 worth of damage on our car.
• After I brought this bill, we hit a deer and I had to pay $2,000 out of my own pocket when I'm paying
• bill,<00:28:56.960> we<00:28:57.120> hit<00:28:57.279> a<00:28:57.440> deer
• After I brought this bill, we hit a deer After I brought this bill, we hit a deer and<00:28:58.389

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Deer at DEES, and she's now supports the repeal of that because even though it is making a little bit
• morning<00:58:59.520> with<00:59:00.240> uh<00:59:00.359> Mr<00:59:00.680> deer
• 00:59:01.119> at<00:59:01.319> Dees<00:59:02.119> and this morning with uh Mr deer
• at Dees and this morning with uh Mr deer at Dees and and<00:59:02.760> she's<00:59:03.480>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen, uh, many of y'all know uh Gina Deer, my committee assistant, multipar committee

Keywords: MS House Floor - 17 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members dispensed with the reading of the journal, and there were no reports from select committees, no resolutions or memorials, and introductions of bills and constitutional amendments were handled without reading. The chamber also recognized several guests and pages, including a large group of nursing students from Alcorn State University, along with other visitors and constituents in the galleries. A number of members used the announcements period to highlight events and personal matters. Representative Powell asked that the House adjourn in memory of Pat Husler, the mother of a committee assistant, and the request was accepted. Representative Bell also asked to adjourn in memory of the late Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, describing him as an inspiration. Representative Fondren announced a Mississippi Association for Justice event later that evening, and Representative Wallace gave an update on the Sale of Champions, noting scholarships awarded, animals sold, and funds raised. The only formal committee action mentioned was an announcement that Appropriations A would meet at 10:00 a.m. the next day in room 2011A, and that the appropriations committee would also meet five minutes after adjournment to consider a bill that had been omitted earlier. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• GOING TO SECTION 41 OF THE BILL REGARDING THE HUNTING SEASON TAX HOLIDAY, MR.
• THAT CERTAINLY MAKES IT A GOOD TIME FRAME TO HAVE THAT TAX HOLIDAY SPECIFIC TO HUNTING. >> Sen.
• CERTAINLY FOR A LOT OF OUR RESIDENTS TO PARTAKE IN HUNTING.
• I'M HERE TO URGE YOU TO VOTE NO ON A HUNTING SEASON TAX HOLIDAY AND VOTE NO ON SPV 734.
• I BELIEVE THE HUNTING SEASON PART OF THE BILL BELIEVE THERE IS WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO IT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all