Transcript Highlights:

• This is just more discrimination in a hidden way to dehumanize and silence.
• and more capacity to hold data, along with the rise in the amount of digital evidence due to Ring cameras

Bills: S0212, S0218, S0442, S0460, S0532, S0554, S0644, S0686, S0692, S1054, S1106, S1128, S1134, S1138, S1338, S1434, S1506, S1620, S1748

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups. Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition. The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• during the session we strengthened some of the laws or gave you some more tools to work with, such as cameras
• during the session we strengthened some of the laws or gave you some more tools to work with, such as cameras
• But yes, the cameras that you alluded to, the work-zone cameras, I think this body passed that maybe
• We did expand that earlier this year to— Those cameras can detect cell phone use, and they do that by

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from ARDOT Director Jared Wiley, who introduced Highway Commission members and reported that the agency has completed the final five recommendations from its long-running efficiency review. He highlighted new public-facing maintenance and construction dashboards on the agency website, and noted quarterly reports on land conveyances, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, annual revenue expenditures, and major projects were provided with no major questions or objections. Members asked about ARDOT’s budget priorities, project delivery, and specific corridors. Wiley said roughly 75% of construction dollars go to maintaining the existing system, with additional maintenance and operations funding also directed to upkeep; he said Arkansas has about 16,300 centerline miles, nearly 40,000 lane miles, and about 73,700 bridges. He gave updates on Interstate 57 and Highway 5 work in Lonoke County, Interstate 49 public meetings in northwest Arkansas, passing-lane projects on Highway 412/62 in north central Arkansas, widening plans for Interstate 40, the Toad Suck Bridge flood mitigation project, and Highway 82 improvements in south Arkansas. The director also discussed ARDOT’s litter control efforts, saying the agency spends about $8 million annually on litter pickup and is exploring future legislation. He said work-zone safety tools such as cameras and mobile work-zone enforcement are helping reduce dangerous driving, though distracted driving remains a problem. Wiley also announced new agency initiatives on human trafficking awareness training for staff, a “Street Smart” traffic-safety education program for students, and a spring cleanup effort in which ARDOT crews and some office staff will collect litter statewide. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, Section 14 prohibits the use of state funds to purchase or deploy surveillance or security cameras
• In recent months, researchers have discovered high-risk Chinese surveillance cameras that were stealthily
• In August, the Florida AG subpoenaed Lorex, a security camera company, for deception and material non-disclosure
• In August, the Florida AG subpoenaed Lorex, a security camera company for deception and material non-disclosure
• So it's imperative that we not allow these cameras to operate here in Florida or across the United States

Bills: S1622, S1178

Keywords: financial disclosure, statement of financial interests, ethics, late filing, late-filed disclosure, automatic fine, waiver, Florida Commission on Ethics, public officials, state officers, local officers, state employees, ethics enforcement, government transparency, sunshine law, reporting persons, penalty reduction, first-time offender, election ethics, general revenue fund

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act, sponsored by Senator Garcia. The bill would expand state restrictions on foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including creating a state registration framework for foreign agents, banning gifts to public officials from covered foreign entities, requiring ethics training on foreign influence, tightening procurement limits for information technology and critical infrastructure, restricting sister-city/sister-state encouragement, revising linkage institute rules and tuition provisions, and criminalizing certain conduct tied to foreign governments or unauthorized enforcement of foreign law. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect election technology, software development, federal foreign-agent registration, educational exchanges, and the treatment of organizations such as CARE; the sponsor said the bill focused on ownership/control and foreign countries of concern, not specific components or general participation in events. An amendment by Senator Grall was adopted to clarify definitions, align penalties with willful violations, and specify that new ethics training content is additive. The committee then heard supportive testimony from Kelly Curry of State Armor and Rob Pierce of American Global Strategies, both of whom argued the bill would help Florida counter foreign influence, protect data and infrastructure, and improve transparency. CS for SB 1178 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure under specified conditions, including that the filer submitted the disclosure before the maximum fine accrued and had not previously received such a waiver. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified in support, saying the bill preserves transparency and compliance goals while making the fine and appeals process more workable. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. Finally, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments in tabs 3 through 26. No separate votes were requested, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointees was recommended favorably to the full Senate by roll call vote. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am so honored to be in this room and with all these advocates, and if you're holding a camera I ask
• I am so honored to be in this room and with all these advocates, and if you're holding a camera I ask
• <00:04:42.639> you're<00:04:42.759> holding<00:04:43.080> a<00:04:43.280> camera
• <00:04:43.680> I<00:04:43.800> ask and if you're holding a camera I ask and if you're
• holding a camera I ask that<00:04:44.160> you<00:04:44.440> pan<00:04:44.840> to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ANOTHER WAY, CAMERAS. ALL THE CAMERAS YOU HAVE AROUND HERE HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF AI WITHIN THEM.
• YOU HAVE OVER 6000 CAMERAS AT ALL OF OUR SCHOOLS.
• I PUT UP MY SCREEN AND LOOK AT EVERY SINGLE CAMERA AND I CAN USE AI TO LOOK FOR THOSE BEHAVIORS, SEND
• LET ME AI SUPPORT NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY INSTEAD OF US TRYING TO GUESS WHICH CAMERA.
• USE THAT FOR CAMERAS AND SAFE SECURITY. THE LAST ONE I WILL HIGHLIGHT IS WITH THE DATA ITSELF.

Transcript Highlights:

• see we looked at various in-cabin technologies that included occupant restraint systems, in-cabin cameras
• So some of the agencies do not have, you know, cameras and in-cabin monitoring systems.
• And then I've been asked about in-camera systems. What are those calls?
• And then I've been asked about in-camera systems. What are those calls?
• I've been asked about in-camera systems. What are those costs?

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met, took roll, and heard introductory remarks from members about their districts and transportation priorities, with several senators noting congestion and mobility challenges in their regions. The committee then received a presentation from the Florida Transportation Commission on its oversight role for FDOT, including annual and quarterly performance reviews, review of the five-year work program, and monitoring of tolling and transit authorities. Members asked whether the commission gets involved in project prioritization; the answer was no, because it is statutorily limited to high-level oversight rather than day-to-day project decisions. The committee next heard two reports related to transportation disadvantaged and paratransit services. FDOT’s Melissa Smith described the statewide Transportation Disadvantaged program, its governance structure, service models, and challenges such as fragmented administration, cost, inconsistent reporting, and rural service limitations. She outlined recommendations including better use of technology, regional partnerships, improved training, and alternative delivery models like microtransit and TNC partnerships. A University of South Florida researcher, Martin Katala, discussed best practices for paratransit and demand-response service, emphasizing route optimization software, dynamic dispatching, service standards, vendor accountability, and the use of TNCs and mobility management to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. A later presentation from UF’s I-Street program focused on emerging technologies for transit, including in-cabin monitoring, automatic restraints, accessible booking and tracking tools, and the need for statewide safety standards and better driver interfaces. Finally, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and District 5 Secretary John Tyler provided an update on the transition of SunRail local entities. They explained the differences among commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail, and said SunRail’s financial transition to local partners was completed on January 1, with operational transition to follow over up to three years. They contrasted that with Tri-Rail, where FDOT still funds operations and discussions about a future transition are ongoing. Members asked about the differences between SunRail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and Brightline, and the presenters explained that commuter rail serves regional daily commuters while intercity rail connects regions. The committee concluded without taking any formal votes or other legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• camera.
• camera.
• camera.
• Let's move on. often times those cameras are not often times those cameras are not activated<01:32:36.520
• > and<01:32:48.520> and not wear body warn uh cameras and and not wear body warn uh cameras

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused. The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided. The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know we've got some covered right now, but beyond that, safety in the parks, possibly cameras in and
• We have contracts out right now to do security cameras and license plate readers at the entrance.
• Not cameras inside, basically entering our state parks, leaving our state parks.
• I know we've got some covered right now, but beyond that, safety in the parks, possibly cameras in and
• We have contracts out right now to do security cameras and license plate readers at the entrance.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance Committee and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation considered Governor Hochul’s nomination of Kathleen “Kathy” Moser to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Moser described her background in conservation and public lands, and said her priorities would include improving access and belonging for all New Yorkers, maintaining health and safety, modernizing infrastructure, addressing climate change and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with local governments, community groups, and the Legislature. Members questioned her on a range of park issues, including visitor fees, safety at swimming areas such as Lake Welch, security measures at parks, access for urban residents through nature buses and school transportation grants, maintenance and capital needs, event permitting, workforce recruitment and retention, and coordination around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Moser said the department has targeted capital and safety investments at popular parks, is installing fencing, lighting, cameras, and license plate readers at entrances at selected sites, and is planning extensive 250th commemoration programming and historic-site renovations. She also discussed efforts to expand community stewardship, including partner groups, culturally specific amenities like cricket fields, and outreach through traveling exhibits and social media. Senators raised concerns and suggestions about renewable energy siting, cell service in rural areas, invasive species prevention, and local infrastructure needs. After questioning concluded, the committees voted to advance the nomination, and the motion was reported to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, Section 14 prohibits the use of state funds to purchase or deploy surveillance or security cameras
• In recent months, researchers have discovered high-risk Chinese surveillance cameras that were stealthily
• In August, the Florida AG subpoenaed Lorex, a security camera company, for deception and material nondisclosure
• In August, the Florida AG subpoenaed Lorex, a security camera company, for deception and material nondisclosure
• So it's imperative that we not allow these cameras to operate here in Florida or across the United States

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act. Senator Grohl explained that the bill expands state restrictions and disclosure requirements related to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including foreign-agent registration, gift bans for public officials, ethics training, procurement limits for IT and critical infrastructure, restrictions on sister-city/sister-state affiliations, changes to linkage institutes and in-state tuition provisions, and new criminal penalties for certain offenses committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Senator Polsky raised questions about higher education, election technology, federal FARA overlap, and whether the bill would affect candidates or events involving CARE; the sponsor responded that the bill focuses on foreign countries of concern, ownership/control, and gifts, and does not prohibit speaking at events. An amendment clarifying definitions, willful violations, and ethics-training content was adopted, and after supportive testimony from Kelly Curry and Robert Pierce, the committee reported CS for SB 1178 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure if the filing is made before the maximum fine accrues and the filer has not previously received such a waiver or accrued the maximum fine in prior years. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified that the bill supports transparency and makes the fine and appeals process more efficient, noting it was a commission recommendation. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee held confirmation hearings on appointments in Tabs 3 through 26. No senator requested separate votes on any appointee, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointments was approved and recommended favorably to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 720 allows cities to opt into a new red light camera system for high-collision zones, providing a
• The outdated and expensive structure of our current red light camera programs has proven itself to be
• Think about when you drive across the toll bridges and the camera takes a photo of your license plate
• ALPRs are high-speed cameras that can rapidly scan numerous computer-readable images.
• Some forward-facing cameras that we operate on buses.

Summary: The committee heard several AI- and consumer-protection-related bills, with extensive testimony from authors, supporters, and industry opponents. SB 53 by Senator Wiener would create transparency requirements for large AI developers, including disclosure of safety and security protocols, reporting of critical safety incidents, whistleblower protections, and the CalCompute public cloud. Supporters said it is a narrower, transparency-based follow-up to last year’s vetoed AI safety bill, while opponents argued it still relies too much on company size, could expose trade secrets, and should be narrowed further. The committee approved SB 53 on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. SB 766 by Senator Allen would codify the FTC’s Cars Rule and create a three-day cooling-off period for certain used-car purchases, along with stronger disclosure rules on pricing, add-ons, and government affiliation claims. Supporters said it would save consumers money and time and help buyers avoid bad deals, while dealer and industry groups said amendments addressed many of their concerns. Several former opponents moved to neutral, and the committee passed SB 766 unanimously as amended to Appropriations. SB 7 by Senator McNerney would regulate automated decision-making systems in employment by requiring notice, human review for discipline and termination, and limits on predictive behavior analysis. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or overly automated workplace decisions, while employer and industry groups raised concerns about scope, notice burdens, and the predictive-analysis ban. The committee passed SB 7 to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote, with the roll held open. SB 833, also by Senator McNerney, would require human oversight of AI used in critical infrastructure, along with training and system assessments; it drew limited opposition focused on scope, and the committee passed it as amended to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote, also holding the roll open. Later, the committee took up SB 11, which would address AI-generated voice, image, and video cloning and deepfakes by clarifying likeness protections, requiring consumer warnings, and addressing misuse and evidence tampering. Supporters framed it as a targeted response to nonconsensual deepfakes, while industry groups said recent amendments improved the bill but still had concerns about penalties and warning language. The committee also heard SB 720, the Safer Streets Act, which would let cities opt into a revised red-light camera system that shifts from driver to owner liability, removes facial identification, makes violations civil rather than criminal, and directs revenue toward transportation safety projects; the author presented the bill, but the transcript ends before any final action on SB 720.

Transcript Highlights:

• that same line, can you confirm whether the federal PBM reform laws ensure that rebates can't be hidden
• we heard and talked about was that the federal PBM reform laws would ensure that rebates can't be hidden
• that same line, can you confirm whether the federal PBM reform laws ensure that rebates can't be hidden
• and talked about was that, you know, the federal PBM reform laws would ensure that rebates can't be hidden

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does that not amount to a hidden state appropriation to that particular neighborhood? Mr.
• Chairman and members, I'm not sure about hidden, but yes. Mr.
• Chairman and members, I'm not sure about hidden, but yes, this has been an ongoing thing that the money
• So it's not hidden, but unless you get deep in the budget, it's very easy to be overlooked, and most

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To begin, there's a hidden natural resource that's scattered throughout our state that could help offset
• <00:33:28.200> begin,<00:33:28.520> there's<00:33:28.840> a<00:33:28.920> hidden
• <00:33:29.320> natural To begin, there's a hidden natural To begin, there's a hidden natural

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the hidden heavier cost is the mental health toll on our staff and our artists and our neighbors.
• revenue during the crackdown.<01:14:14.080> But<01:14:14.240> the<01:14:14.360> hidden
• But the hidden heavier cost crackdown.
• But the hidden heavier cost is<01:14:15.720> the<01:14:15.800> mental<01:14:16.200>

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and specifically, I know this is a small portion of it, but I feel like it's been hidden a little
• c><01:10:29.679> like<01:10:29.840> it's<01:10:30.080> been<01:10:30.239> hidden
• <01:10:30.560> a<01:10:30.800> little I feel like it's been hidden a little I feel
• like it's been hidden a little bit,<01:10:31.360> um,<01:10:32.239> just<01:10:32.400><

Bills: HB0159

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's certainly nothing different or unique or hidden about the water quality education program.
• <00:08:39.440> unique<00:08:39.839> or<00:08:40.279> um<00:08:40.599> hidden
• <00:08:40.959> about different or unique or um hidden about different or unique or um hidden

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the vets and the families with their journey in recovering from whatever may be out there from the hidden
• c><00:54:05.480> there<00:54:05.680> from<00:54:06.160> the<00:54:06.359> hidden
• <00:54:06.960> jewels<00:54:07.640> of<00:54:07.799> a be out there from the hidden
• jewels of a be out there from the hidden jewels of a military<00:54:08.559> service<00:54:09.040

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, now we're calling a quorum because we've got one hidden back in the back. So there he is.

Bills: SB210, SB176, SB167, SB244, SB218, SB9, SB153, SB9

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, controlled substances, unlawful distribution, marijuana, violent offense, sentencing guidelines, criminal justice, DUI, driving under the influence, drunk driving, fatal crash, vehicular homicide, child support, survivor benefits, orphaned child, guardian death

Transcript Highlights:

• Catherine, turn your camera on, tell us who you are, who you represent. Thank you.
• Brad, turn on your camera and tell us you represent. I apologize. Can you see me now?
• In both counties, Paiute and Wayne, their cameras were not up to standard.
• The one camera, as shown here in Paiute County, only caught a piece of the office.
• Paiute County had new cameras. I'm not sure how those have been set up.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Don't you think maybe the classrooms would already potentially have the cameras already in place?
• It protects everybody to have the camera. I mean, that camera, the video will tell the whole story.
• I think during the interim it would be helpful to actually see how many cameras are in place and then
• I can tell you the nonverbal classrooms that I've been in, which are even resource rooms, the cameras
• are not in there because I think it's a burden if you're working at the campus to then request the camera

Bills: HB2

Keywords: disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license, volunteer management system, volunteer registration, criminal history check, background check, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Summary: The committee continued public testimony on House Bill 2, which would make major changes to public school funding, teacher pay, special education, early learning, school safety, and related programs. Many superintendents and education advocates supported the bill’s overall direction but urged changes, especially a larger basic allotment and more flexible funding for rural and small districts. Witnesses from Paint Creek, West Hardin, Cushing, Blooming Grove, Mildred, Buffalo, Plano, and rural school groups said the bill’s targeted raises and new requirements would not fully cover inflation, TRS/Medicare costs, transportation, insurance, or support staff salaries, and several asked the committee to restore the House version’s higher basic allotment and small-school allotment. Charter school representatives supported the facilities funding changes and said charter schools need state help because they cannot levy taxes, while also noting the funding gap with ISDs. Fine arts advocates asked the committee to restore the fine arts allotment, arguing arts improve engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes, especially in rural and at-risk communities. Early learning and special education witnesses supported parts of the bill but raised concerns about pre-K restrictions, disability-related pre-K access, and the need to preserve or clarify special education provisions and mental health oversight language. Several witnesses praised the teacher pay raise, teacher incentive allotment expansion, and teacher preparation investments, saying they would help recruit and retain educators and improve student outcomes. Others, including counselors and support staff advocates, argued the bill should also include raises for counselors, nurses, librarians, bus drivers, custodians, aides, and other non-teaching employees who keep schools running. One witness from the Texas Counseling Association opposed the substitute because it removed a counselor pay provision, warning of counselor shortages and inequities. A parent and special education advocate said the bill’s structure creates too many strings attached and asked for a larger basic allotment instead of more targeted funding. Another witness from Mental Health America urged keeping the collaborative task force on public school mental health services through 2031, and a disability rights advocate said the committee substitute appears to omit some special education items that were in the House version. The committee also briefly took up House Bill 6, a school discipline bill. After questions about automatic mandatory expulsion for vape possession and concerns about younger students, the committee adopted the substitute and voted to report HB 6 favorably to the full Senate by a 9-1 vote, with Senator Menendez voting no and Senators West and Menendez expressing reservations but supporting further discussion. After that vote, testimony on HB 2 resumed. Senators used the hearing to ask about the bill’s cost, the difference between the basic allotment and the bill’s targeted funding buckets, and whether the permanent teacher pay increase shifts pressure off districts. The bill’s supporters emphasized that it represents an historic, roughly $8 billion investment and that many of the new funding streams are intended to be permanent or to address specific district needs.