Transcript Highlights:

• The chair recognizes Senator Parker for the nomination. Well, thank you, Mr. President.
• The chair now recognizes Senator Bettencourt to second the nomination. Thank you, Mr. President.
• for all the senators when I second the nomination of Senator Brandon Creighton, an eighth-generation
• I know the members are thankful that we had two nomination speeches today. You were very efficient.
• I'm so thankful for your kind words and for your friendship and for your nominations.

Bills: SCR7

Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock administered the oath of office to the senators-elect, and Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, emphasizing priorities such as foster care, the budget, border security, school choice, and maintaining Texas’s economic growth and constitutional principles. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also welcomed members and guests, noted the Senate’s bipartisan culture, and highlighted the chamber’s organization for the session. The Senate then held its organizational election for President Pro Tempore. Senator Tan Parker nominated Senator Brandon Creighton, and Senator Paul Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising Creighton’s background, legislative record, and leadership. The chamber voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the front and sworn in as President Pro Tempore by State Minister Scott Wall. Creighton delivered remarks about his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including education, border issues, energy, and Texas sovereignty. After the leadership election, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days during the specified January period. The resolution passed by a recorded vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus at 10 a.m. in the Betty King Room.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we will have, I think, three nominations.
• If I can get your attention real quick, we have three nominations and we'll have some more local and
• If I can I think a three nominations.
• We have three<00:03:35.640> nominations<00:03:36.280> and<00:03:36.400> we'll<00
• :03:36.520> have<00:03:36.720> some three nominations and we'll have some three nominations

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 19 March, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard several local and private bills involving tourism and local tax referenda. Senator Butler explained a Mayfield proposal to establish a 3% tourist tax on hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, with local voters to decide the issue by referendum. Senator Blunt presented a Jackson measure for Visit Jackson that would raise the hotel tax by 1% and the restaurant tax by 0.5%, also subject to referendum. Both bills drew no questions and were advanced on motions that the titles were sufficient and the bills do pass. Senator Chassaniol explained a Vaiden bill involving St. Clements church, which has been deconsecrated and is intended to become a town or community center. The bill would help raise funds for renovations needed to complete that project. The committee again asked no questions and voted title sufficient, do pass. Senator Williams’s bill for Ackerman was described as a 2% tax on food and drink with a referendum requirement; it also moved forward without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted there would be three nominations to consider and additional local and private bills coming over from the House, likely requiring another meeting the following week. The committee then voted to rise and report, and the motion carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nominations are in order. I call on the representative from Candy Ohigh, Representative Baker.
• [Music] Speaker, are there any seconds to the nomination?
• Speaker, are there any seconds to the nomination? I recognize the representative from District 78.
• If not, I declare nominations closed.
• The nominated candidate for Speaker of the House, Representative Lisa Demuth, will now have the clerk

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened for the opening of the 2025-2026 Minnesota legislative session. Secretary of State Steve Simon called the chamber to order, appointed a clerk pro tem, and Pastor Ben Mayatt delivered the prayer before the Pledge of Allegiance. The clerk then conducted the roll call, and after an initial dispute over quorum and authority, the House determined that 67 members were present, establishing a quorum. The main business was organizing the House. Members nominated and seconded Representative Lisa Demuth for Speaker, and she was elected on a 67-0 roll call vote. After taking the oath, Speaker Demuth delivered remarks emphasizing service, civility, bipartisan cooperation, accountability, and focusing on practical results for Minnesotans. The House also adopted a resolution accepting the findings in the District 40B election contest and declaring a vacancy there, and another resolution adopting temporary House rules for the session, including a committee structure and a fraud prevention/state government oversight committee. Members then adopted a resolution authorizing necessary House employees to continue working, and the Speaker announced appointments for Speaker pro tempore, Deputy Speaker pro tempore, and the House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration. The House also approved permanent desk assignments for the Republican and DFL caucuses. The session ended with announcements about a reception and a Rules Committee meeting, followed by adjournment until noon on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following the report from the nominations committee, the Secretary will read the report.
• Senate Committee on Nominations Action Report for the meeting held on May 5th for the following nominees
• Members, the Senate Committee on Nominations has two actions.
• The Nominations Committee, the Secretary will read the report.
• Senate Committee on Nominations Action Report for the meeting held on May 5th: Texas Tech University

Bills: HJR98, HB142, HB912, HB2525, SCR19, SB66, SB128, SB209, SB250, SB317, SB383, SB393, SB397, SB517, SB571, SB612, SB614, SB715, SB731, SB801, SB865, SB867, SB872, SB905, SB913, SB945, SB946, SB986, SB1013, SB1015, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1113, SB1117, SB1181, SB1212, SB1241, SB1250, SB1263, SB1278, SB1285, SB1444, SB1483, SB1525, SB1528, SB1553, SB1556, SB1588, SB1660, SB1708, SB1802, SB1833, SB1844, SB1854, SB1957, SB1965, SB1999, SB2056, SB2082, SB2119, SB2133, SB2138, SB2203, SB2221, SB2337, SB2340, SB2373, SB2419, SB2422, SB2452, SB2477, SB2487, SB2501, SB2533, SB2586, SB2587, SB2615, SB2622, SB2633, SB2675, SB2681, SB2690, SB2713, SB2717, SB2753, SB2781, SB2782, SB2835, SB2841, SB2857, SB2891, SB2929, SB2933, SB2994, SB3016, SJR3, SB5, SB29, SB72, SB326, SB494, SB509, SB530, SB616, SB769, SB783, SB963, SB985, SB1143, SB1172, SB1238, SB1267, SB1271, SB1273, SB1506, SB1759, SB1786, SB1967, SB2312, SB2361, SB1, SB260, SB1506, SB1637, HJR98, HJR99, HJR2, HJR1, HB1109, HB1392, HB22, HB2525, HB3093, HB517, HB912, HB1130, HB142, HB1689, HB2018, HB136, HB2884, HB1393, HB2730, HB1399, HB1244, HB467, HB331, HB2559, HB29, HB26, HB166, HB353, HB2000, HB2756, HB3248, HB3513, HB3204, HB3135, HB3012, HB2763, HB2523, HB2457, HB2415, HB2198, HB2143, HB1708, HB1672, HB767, HB1327, HB2723, HB451, HB140, HB109, HB3096, HCR6, HCR12, HCR29, HCR50, HCR55, HCR56, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR74, HCR78, HCR80, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB1844, SB2533, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB517, SB1200, SB1845, SB2681, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB1013, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB2929, SB715, SB1640, SB2538, SB1449, SB986, SB1181, SB1359, SB410, SB1234, SB2926, SB2138, SB2615, SB2972, SB2841, SB3016, SB1856, SB1528, SB1373, SB672, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB1285, SB1454, SB2520, SB1237, SB1586, SB2819, SB629, SB2342, SB2903, SB2477, SB3029, SB1957, SB375, SB250, SB777, SB2367, SB2703, SB2608, SB2965, SB2521, SB865, SB2165, SB2501, SB2675, SB2452, SB2835, SB872, SB1212, SB1278, SB1588, SB1602, SB1704, SB1723, SB1833, SB1858, SB1946, SB2009, SB2177, SB2460, SB2785, SB2373, SB1660, SB614, SB867, SB1608, SB1525, SB905, SB640, SB2487, SB1698, SB383, SB705, SB748, SB1113, SB1117, SB1802, SB2340, SB2586, SB2680, SB2690, SB2994, SB2747, SB1950, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB3059, SB2782, SB2781, SB2637, SB2633, SB2337, SB2334, SB1861, SB2043, SB1367, SB946, SB945, SB2857, SB128, SB571, SB1263, SB3058, SB612, SB2221, SB2587, SB2044, SB2363, SB2713, SB2311, SB1986, SB2565, SB2943, SB1888, SB2417, SB3048, SB3052, SB3053, SB3036, SB3057, SB3056, SB3043, SB3037, SB3050, SB3063, SB3047, SB3035, SB2446, SB466, SB2611, SB2794, SB2105, SB2017, SB1790, SB1778, SB1730, SB2995, SB2847, SB205, SB2619, SB1903, SB203, SB3061, SB1581, SB2600, SB2799, SB2790, SB2688, SB2515, SB1230, SB876, SB2522, SB2639, SB2137, SB2519, SB2403, SB2459, SB3051, SB2655, SB2251, SB2764, SB2878, SB1884, SB111, SB582, SB2617, SB1835, SB2751, SB2959, SB250, SB614, SB865, SB872, SB905, SB986, SB1113, SB1212, SB1278, SB1525, SB1588, SB1660, SB1802, SB1833, SB2487, SB2586, SB2675, SB2690, SB2929, HB912, HB2525, SB1844, SB2533, SB1957, SB1999, SB2138, SB2615, SB3016, SR469, SB29, SB326, SB494, SB530, SB769, SB783, SB1238, SB1967, SB2312, SB1506, HJR34, HB42, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB632, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB1105, HB1160, HB1169, HB1592, HB1778, HB1781, HB1868, HB2017, HB2038, HB2128, HB2240, HB2316, HB2510, HB2516, HB2563, HB2582, HB2663, HB2712, HB2715, HB2760, HB2788, HB3010, HB3069, HB3112, HB3120, HB3146, HB3157, HB3305, HB3348, HB3464, HB3474, HB3505, HB3512, HB3560, HB3597, HB3686, HB3783, HB3860, HB4063, HB4081, HB4214, HB4215, HB4224, HB4273, HB4325, HB4361, HB4386, HB4395, HB4665, HB4783, HB5032, HB5180, HJR34, HB42, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB632, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB1105, HB1160, HB1169, HB1592, HB1778, HB1781, HB1868, HB2017, HB2038, HB2128, HB2240, HB2316, HB2510, HB2516, HB2563, HB2582, HB2663, HB2712, HB2715, HB2760, HB2788, HB3010, HB3069, HB3112, HB3120, HB3146, HB3157, HB3305, HB3348, HB3464, HB3474, HB3505, HB3512, HB3560, HB3597, HB3686, HB3783, HB3860, HB4063, HB4081, HB4214, HB4215, HB4224, HB4273, HB4325, HB4361, HB4386, HB4395, HB4665, HB4783, HB5032, HB5180

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, HB 142, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, Office of Inspector General, OIG, Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, recovery audit contractor, RAC, overpayment recovery, underpayment, fraud, waste, abuse, provider enrollment

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:07:24.639> the unfamiliar with the process, the unfamiliar with the process, the qualifications
• Um, did you already talk about the voting process? Are there going to be nominations?
• So members will nominate and second the individuals, and it'll be a process just like when we elect trustees
• I don't know what else you would like to know about that process. Yes.
• And for me, it's all a process before.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The Caucus of the Whole received a presentation on the history of Vermont’s practice of electing the Adjutant General and on the upcoming election process. Speakers explained that the General Assembly has elected the Adjutant General since shortly after the War of 1812, making Vermont unique among states, and described the respective roles of the legislature, the governor, and the Adjutant General in overseeing the Vermont National Guard. They also noted legislative oversight of annual reports on sexual assault and harassment complaints, death benefits, and state funding for the Guard. The presentation reviewed current statutory qualifications for the office, including rank, service membership, senior service college graduation, and federal recognition, and explained that the election now occurs in the second year of the biennium at a joint assembly. Members were told the next election is expected on February 19, 2026, once the House clerk sets the date. The presenters also said the legislature recently modernized the statute to require qualified candidates and clarified that the Adjutant General and Inspector General title is one office under the statute. Members asked questions about the two-year term, the election procedure, and whether the committee would make a recommendation. The presenters said nominations and seconding would occur and the vote would be by paper ballot, similar to trustee elections. They also said the Government Operations committee and caucus were providing a forum for the candidates but would not issue a recommendation, leaving the decision to individual members. The meeting ended with members encouraged to review candidate biographies and contact information and to speak directly with the candidates.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a couple of executive nominations to hear today.
• Senator Paxton, you're recognized to present the nomination of Secretary Timatz to the nominee.
• I'd like to remind you that although the governor made this nomination, it would not go forward or be
• presented in this committee without the recommendation of nomination of Pro-Temp Paxton.
• Carri, your nomination. With that, Sir Howard, who recognized to introduce the nominee.

Bills: HB2053, HB2123, HB2603, HB2979, HB2997, HB3148, HB3982, HB4058, HB4108, HB4143, HB4266

Keywords: outdoor advertising, transportation, state law, commercial activities, sign regulations, urban areas, turnpike, infrastructure, Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, construction, bridges, motor carriers, public safety, enforcement, Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, transition period, roadside investigation, motor vehicle laws, HB2979

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the House, nominations are in order.
• I recognize Representative Baker (member_11011) from District 16B for the purpose of a nomination on
• Members, I ask you today to join me in nominating Lisa Damath for our next Speaker of the Minnesota House
• Are there any seconds to the nomination?
• So, with great pride and confidence, I second the nomination of Representative Lisa Damath to be the

Transcript Highlights:

• These presidential nomination primary.
• 22.720> primary Uh, the presidential nominating primary Uh, the presidential nominating primary
• competition in the procurement process competition in the procurement process and<00:46:43.920><
• <01:03:47.119> both think it's it's a better process both think it's it's a better process
• easier to participate in the process. easier to participate in the process.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, with that, Senator Green, you are recognized to present the nomination of Ted Perry to serve on the
• I'd like to remind you, although the governor has made the nomination, you would not be considered further
• Having received nine ayes and zero nays, I considered the nomination of Mister Perry to advance to the
• First of all, I wanted to say thank you to Senator Standridge for carrying my nomination.
• Thank you, Secretary John Nash. and the governor, of course, for the nomination.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're the sponsoring senator to present the nomination of Rick Unschler to the Oklahoma Veterans' Mission
• Having received five eyes and zero nays, I considered the nomination to be passed and it'll move to the
• Senator Hicks, you're recognized to present the nomination of Robert W.
• I moved that Senator Umeri Hicks' nomination of Robert Allen will move to the full Senate.
• I thought that he was a perfect nomination when I nominated him the last time. He is a veteran.

Bills: HB3257

Keywords: veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, 914, all

Bills: SCR22, SB53, SB204, SB266, SB268, SB291, SB292, SB296, SB304, SB305, SB413, SB447, SB455, SB462, SB493, SB504, SB519, SB522, SB532, SB541, SB667, SB670, SB673, SB681, SB687, SB711, SB746, SB765, SB783, SB827, SB850, SB860, SB888, SB897, SB901, SB927, SB955, SB963, SB984, SB989, SB993, SB996, SB1023, SB1033, SB1058, SB1062, SB1101, SB1119, SB1172, SB1173, SB1215, SB1220, SB1227, SB1228, SB1229, SB1238, SB1239, SB1245, SB1248, SB1254, SB1259, SB1273, SB1277, SB1302, SB1332, SB1341, SB1346, SB1350, SB1352, SB1353, SB1355, SB1358, SB1370, SB1371, SB1378, SB1403, SB1404, SB1415, SB1437, SB1448, SB1450, SB1464, SB1493, SB1494, SB1537, SB1566, SB1569, SB1589, SB1598, SB1644, SB1709, SB1719, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1810, SB1841, SB1895, SB1930, SB2039, SB2289, SB2312, SCR1, SCR6, SCR27, SCR32, SB2232

Keywords: SCR 22, Senate Concurrent Resolution 22, official state gun, state symbol, cannon, artillery, Texas Revolution, Battle of Gonzales, Come and Take It, Alamo, San Jacinto, Twin Sisters, Sam Houston, Angelina Eberly, Texas history, historic weapon, commemorative resolution, state emblem, Texas heritage, Gonzales Memorial Museum

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be ordered journalized and referred to executive nominations.
• It will be ordered journalized and referred to executive nominations.
• Uh, we have a report from the Executive Nominations Committee. This is report four.
• This is report Nominations Committee.
• Nominations Committee. Nominations Committee.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 12, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Pastor Delman Coates, and received several guest introductions, including the doctor of the day, student visitors, homeschool advocates, community leaders, and the Braver Angels group. The chamber also journalized remarks welcoming Dr. Coates and recognized a prayer breakfast, with members offering brief thanks and acknowledgments before moving to legislative business. The Senate handled several messages and nominations, including withdrawal of an appointment, Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board nominations, and Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners nominations, all referred to Executive Nominations. The chamber also received House Bill 156 and an Executive Nominations Committee report recommending confirmation of a slate of appointments, which was special ordered for later consideration. A motion to return Senate Bill 463 to second reader and special order it for Tuesday was adopted without objection, and Senate Bill 473 was also special ordered for Tuesday. On third reading, the Senate passed a large number of bills, including measures on ignition interlock participation, school construction, port hearing notice, veteran status notation for educators, correctional officer scholarships, benefits exploitation, veterans trust fund applications, presidential electors, advance enrollment for children of active service members, retired law enforcement handgun permits, high-risk pregnancy discharge communication, charitable organization audit thresholds, child care criminal history checks, water pollution discharge permits, blockchain task force creation, franchise registration reform, licensing portability for foreign service members and spouses, Medicaid collaborative care cost-sharing, gift card fraud, school for the deaf board membership, vehicle dealer hearings, massage therapy advertising, protective body armor reporting, lithium-ion battery safety, pharmacy prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, human relevant research fund contributions, state and higher education email requirements, and auto insurance producer commissions. Most passed unanimously or by wide margins; Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 585 passed with 30 and 32 votes in favor, respectively. Senate Bill 140, concerning benefits exploitation, drew extended debate over constitutionality and pending litigation, with one senator citing an Attorney General opinion and another citing a Supreme Court case on neutral principles in church property disputes; the bill ultimately passed with 40 votes. Members later changed several votes on the floor, including on Senate Bills 172, 376, 428, and 48. The session ended while the clerk was beginning to read Senate Bill 629, with the remaining calendar not completed in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re very honored to have nominated her. Thank you very much.
• We’re very honored to have nominated her. Thank you very much.
• We’re very honored to have nominated her. Thank you very much.
• We’re very honored to have nominated her. Thank you very much.
• here it's an honor to be nominated uh be here it's an honor to be nominated uh be a<00:37:56.839>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing began with SB 59 on prescription drugs, which drew extensive testimony from insurers, pharmacies, patient advocates, and health organizations. Supporters argued the bill would address PBM practices such as spread pricing, unclear reimbursement, and patient steering, and would help independent pharmacies and lower patient costs by passing rebates through to consumers. Opponents from health plans and PBM-related groups raised concerns, while Walgreens supported the measure and suggested amendments to establish a reimbursement floor. After questions, the committee accepted the Hawaii Pharmacist Association’s proposed amendments, added technical changes and a defective date of December 31, 2050, and voted to pass SB 59 with amendments. The remainder of the hearing focused on a series of nominations and reappointments to health, aging, disability, mental health, juvenile justice, and advisory boards. Nominees and agency representatives generally described their backgrounds and interest in serving, with support testimony emphasizing experience, continuity, and the value of volunteer service. Several nominees highlighted issues such as mental health access, substance abuse treatment, elder services, language access, disability access, and rehabilitation services. The Department of Health, SHPDA, DHS, and other organizations largely testified in support of the nominees. No votes were taken on the nominations during the transcript excerpt, and the chair repeatedly thanked the nominees for their service and testimony. The hearing also included brief procedural remarks about time limits, Zoom testimony, and a possible reconvening date in case of technical difficulties.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transmit nominations to various boards and commissions.
• Transmit nominations<00:01:21.200> to<00:01:21.439> various<00:01:21.840> boards
• <00:01:22.159> and nominations to various boards and nominations to various boards and commissions
• I'd like to say that we from the Hawaii Island and in Hilo, Miss Isha Rose Mata has been nominated and
• Rose Mata has been is has been nominated Rose Mata has been is has been nominated and<00:04:09.680

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of ...the nomination of Alexander Dockery to be a part-time commissioner on the State Commission of
• And so you were nominated to fulfill this role of being the first SCOC commissioner.
• And so you were nominated to fulfill this role of being the first SCOC commissioner.
• And so you were nominated to fulfill this role of being the first SCOC commissioner.
• All those in favor of reporting this nomination to Finance? Thank you.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met to consider the nomination of Alexander Dockery to serve as a part-time commissioner on the State Commission of Correction (SCOC). Chair Julia Salazar introduced the nomination, noting that the role was created under recent prison reform legislation and that one commissioner must be a formerly incarcerated person. Dockery described his background as a justice-impacted individual who spent years incarcerated in New York, earned a master’s degree, and now works with justice-impacted people on reentry, housing, employment, and education. He said his lived experience and work in a youth detention setting would help him bring both an incarcerated-person and staff perspective to the commission. Senators asked Dockery about why he wanted the position, how his experience would inform oversight, how to improve correctional conditions, how to reach young people before they enter the system, and how to support the Correctional Medical Review Board in investigating deaths in DOCS custody. Dockery emphasized rehabilitation, education, humane conditions, and collaboration with other commissioners and community networks. He said people with direct experience, including formerly incarcerated individuals and former gang members who have turned their lives around, should be brought back into facilities to speak with youth. On deaths in custody, he said existing reporting laws should be enforced and that timely information to families is important. Several senators offered supportive comments, calling the nomination historic and stressing the importance of lived experience, credibility, and the responsibility of being the first formerly incarcerated commissioner. After discussion, the committee moved the nomination, with Senator Harckham making the motion and Senator Bailey and Senator Bullitt seconding. The committee voted to report the nomination to Finance, and the motion carried without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• If applicable, nominating association does not submit nominees for a board to district 45 days after
• applicable nominating association If applicable nominating association does<00:09:30.080> not
• We're in the process of recruiting new board members for the chief board vacancies.
• We're in the process of recruiting date.
• Uh, and so I do see the advisory board as much needed for that process.

Bills: SB78, SB103, SB113, SB180, SB78, SB103, SB113, SB180

Keywords: inhalants, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, possession, sale, misdemeanor, felony, criminal penalties, public health, public works, sealed bids, bid advertisement, procurement, government contracting, construction bids, municipal bidding, county bidding, state bidding, Department of Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• It bolsters public confidence in election process for electoral outcomes.
• So the center had nothing to do with the redistricting process.
• I personally had nothing to do with the redistricting process.
• And we're going through that process right now.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, about the process.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU. The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anyone in the contract process or inside the state agency that has attempted to determine that
• "So, nominal decrease." "Yeah, decrease. Nominal decrease." "Okay. Thank you." "All right.
• >> So,<00:25:23.679> nominal<00:25:24.240> increase.
• >> So, nominal increase. >> So, nominal increase.
• Nominal decrease. >> decrease. Nominal decrease.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee first approved the minutes from its July 8 meeting and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and deferred items. The committee deferred a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was still not registered with the Secretary of State, and also deferred a University of Louisville contract to the September meeting at the university’s request. Both motions passed by roll call. The committee then took up a contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities for Seven Counties Services. Committee members questioned why the state continues funding the provider despite its ongoing bankruptcy tied to unpaid retirement contributions, how the funding split is determined, whether the state had explored other providers or direct state delivery, and whether all services in the contract are truly required by statute. Agency officials said Seven Counties is the statutorily designated community mental health center for the region, serves about 24,500 people, and provides core safety-net services that would be difficult to replace; they also said the bankruptcy dispute is still ongoing and the contested amount is about $20 million. The committee ultimately deferred the contract to the next meeting and requested additional information on the scope of services and potential offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities. The final deferred item was a Department for Community Based Services contract with Youth Villages for the Intercept program. DCBS explained that the program is used because it is an approved evidence-based service under the Family First Prevention Services Act, that Youth Villages has Kentucky staff and offices even though it is headquartered in Tennessee, and that the contract is intended to support intensive in-home services, foster care stabilization, and family reunification. Members asked why the services could not be provided in-house, whether Medicaid should cover more of the cost, and whether the state requires the provider to bill Medicaid as a payer of last resort. DCBS said it would verify billing and funding details and provide them back to the committee. The committee then voted to defer the contract to the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill relative to the nomination process for candidates for town meeting in Milford, House No
• An act relative to the nomination process for candidates for town meeting in Milford, House No. 4185.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a resolution congratulating the town of Kingston on its 300th anniversary after suspending the rules. The chamber also recognized the 2025 cheerleading squad captains and coaches for winning the MSAA small co-ed division championship and being named grand champions, as well as the Franklin High School girls’ varsity volleyball team for winning the MIAA Division I championship. The House received a gubernatorial message submitting fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations requests, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing eminent domain in Norwood, referring that matter to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then placed several local bills on the calendar, including measures for Plainville, Milford, Westboro, Revere, and Hopedale. Those local bills were taken up on second reading and ordered to a third reading. The House also considered Senate amendment House 4171, concerning vacancies among town meeting members in Milford; the amendment was reported correctly drawn, the House concurred, and the bill was passed to be enacted. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn and the House standing adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• things that taught him how... best to approach economic development, both from a people standpoint, a process
• I strongly urge you to support Rob's nomination. Thank you.
• I strongly urge you to support Rob's nomination. Thank you. Hi, good morning.
• In working with Sandia National Labs and our universities, we have begun the process of characterizing
• I'm a little familiar with the process; I was a base commander on Ascension Island, and we had a big