Transcript Highlights:

• schools in the state.
• We are the third largest state, and only California and Texas have a charter school sector that is higher
• This is representing our state.
• I know that the positive of it is, Texas is a very large state, and so the cost will probably be in the
• Within the state, from out of state, from private schools, from wherever they’re coming.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee held its first interim meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. Members introduced themselves, many noting backgrounds in education, school boards, local government, or parenting, and Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka outlined the committee’s goal of building the fiscal year 2025-26 Pre-K-12 budget. She also reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 education budget, noting that the Pre-K-12 portion totals about $21 billion, with the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) as the largest driver, along with major funding for VPK, school readiness, and school recognition. She explained that federal COVID relief funds have ended and that recent school choice legislation has affected budget structure. Commissioner Manny Diaz and department leaders then gave overviews of their divisions. Diaz highlighted Florida’s education rankings, record graduation rate, progress monitoring, expanded school choice participation, charter school growth, and teacher salary investments, while emphasizing a focus on literacy, math, and early learning. Carrie Miller described the Division of Early Learning’s school readiness and VPK programs, their funding, eligibility, accountability systems, and the importance of kindergarten readiness. Paul Burns outlined the Division of Public Schools’ work on educator quality, literacy, standards, certification, family outreach, federal programs, and school improvement. Suzanne Pridgen reviewed finance and operations functions, including budget management, FEFP calculations, grants, procurement, transportation, and emergency management. Adam Emerson described parental choice programs, including scholarships, charter schools, schools of hope, virtual education, and home education. Darren Norris detailed the Office of Safe Schools’ responsibilities for risk assessments, compliance inspections, threat management, grants, and training created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Members asked questions about several issues, including whether the Safe Schools office recommends changes to the school safety grant distribution formula, whether early learning eligibility should shift from federal poverty level to state median income, how scholarship payments are verified to avoid funding students who return to public school, and whether daily attendance systems could improve funding accuracy. Other questions addressed hurricane-related survey disruptions, VPK provider reimbursement rates and instructional hours, teacher salary increases, school start time costs, and how voucher schools handle IEP accommodations. Department officials generally said some issues remain under review, supported moving school readiness eligibility to SMI, noted that scholarship and enrollment data are cross-checked and adjusted when needed, and said progress monitoring now helps schools support mobile students. On school safety, officials said exemptions are allowed in statute for some items but not for classroom doors, and that district-specific conditions matter. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond receiving presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:15:59.360><c> of</c> that kamad D Harris of the State of that kamad D Harris of the State of
• </c><01:18:34.719><c> of</c> Comm de Harris of the State of Comm de Harris of the State of California
• </c><01:18:59.280><c> of</c> that Donald J Trump of the State of that Donald J Trump of the State of
• [Applause] Madam President, the certificate of the electoral vote of the State of Texas seems to be regular
• ><01:33:12.199><c> be</c><01:33:12.360><c> regular</c> State of Texas seems to be regular State of Texas

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you state that again?
• So one of the key states that adopted reforms like the bill Representative Nix is proposing is Texas.
• state after the state passed legislation like this bill.
• I don't want to be Texas. We ought to be better than Texas.
• This state really bills itself as a state of innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I stated that's been last weekend. Okay.
• I stated that's been last weekend. Okay.
• beginning to see in this state.
• Just last year, the state made great strides on a But just last year, the state made great strides on
• And this is West Texas Intermediate here in the Gulf Coast region and the West Texas Intermediate here

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have done that in probably about five states, six states, from that perspective.
• Texas passed a very similar law last year and actually put $100 million of their own state funds behind
• Texas passed a very similar law last year and actually put $100 million of their own state funds behind
• You can in Texas and you can in Florida.
• Unfortunately, a lot of folks are getting their peptides from out of state. from out of state.

Bills: SCR37 , SB145 , SB237

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: informed consent, healthcare, medical procedures, patient rights, surgeon general, regulatory review, adult residential care, generators, emergency power, health safety, Louisiana Department of Health, compliance, regulations, child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews

Transcript Highlights:

• Some states have this. Some states don't.
• And it wasn't stated. So, There's also the buyer beware. There's also that, and it wasn't stated.
• Other states like Florida and Texas... ...age and who want to pursue those ideas right here in Washington
• Other states, like Florida and Texas, have dedicated funds to attract business, including so-called deal-closing
• We are competing with states like Colorado, Texas, Florida, and California.

Summary: The committee first heard a work session on cryptocurrency kiosks from the Department of Financial Institutions and Spokane City Councilmember Paul Dillon. DFI described crypto kiosks as licensed money transmission terminals that allow cash purchases of virtual currency, and said the main concern is fraud: scammers often pressure victims, especially older adults, to deposit cash into kiosks and send it to wallets controlled by organized crime. DFI cited a sharp increase in kiosk volume, nationwide fraud complaints and losses, and said Washington currently has licensing and disclosure rules but lacks transaction and fee limits. The department said it is seeking stronger disclosures, a $1,000 daily transaction limit, and a fee cap. Spokane described its unanimous ordinance banning new kiosks and removing existing ones after local scam reports, and members asked about how the machines work, whether the fraud is in the hardware or the transaction, and whether stronger warnings or screening could help. The committee then reviewed home equity sharing agreements, or CHISAs, based on a report by Mariana Amaram and testimony from DFI and industry representatives. The report found that CHISAs provide homeowners a lump sum in exchange for a share of future home value or appreciation, with no monthly payments, but that consumers often struggle to understand the products and settlement calculations. The report said the market has grown quickly in Washington, that costs can be hard to predict, and that early uncapped contracts could produce very high settlement amounts, especially during periods of rising home prices. DFI said it views these products as mortgage loans and is moving forward with rulemaking, including counseling and clearer disclosures, while industry witnesses said the products are equity-based rather than debt-based and asked for tailored regulation. Members discussed the need for better consumer education, clearer payoff schedules, and whether the products should be treated as mortgages or a separate category. The final panel focused on Washington’s space economy, with presentations from Amazon Leo, Blue Origin, Stoke Space, Space Northwest, and Green River College. Speakers highlighted major in-state investments in satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and workforce training, including Amazon Leo’s Redmond and Kirkland facilities, Blue Origin’s Kent headquarters, and Stoke Space’s Kent manufacturing and Moses Lake test site. Space Northwest presented data showing the sector’s growing economic footprint, high-wage jobs, and regional clusters in Kent and Redmond, and urged more workforce programs, incentives, infrastructure support, and a state space commission. The companies emphasized local hiring, apprenticeship and certification programs, and the role of Washington’s aerospace supply chain in supporting the broader space industry. No votes were taken during the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> federal invasion of our state. federal invasion of our state.
• And yet, the state of our state remains strong.
• </c> we can say with pride we're a state we can say with pride we're a state where<00:12:15.360><c> no
• state.
• </c> Governor Tim Walz has just wrapped up his final State of the State address.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• He is an incredibly successful business leader in the state of Texas.
• Joe has earned great respect throughout the state of Texas and throughout the country as a business leader
• In the wake of the recent State Department reorganization, you will all enter a State Department that
• It's a threat to the United States.
• That's what it was for, not to handle cases for states that countries like the United States of America

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also leveraging State of Florida funding that we secure.
• that's taking place here and that has been of value to the state of Florida.
• FIO has the largest research fleet of vessels in the state of Florida.
• We've even seen some being trucked out of the state.
• And then biosolids is a really complicated topic in the state of Florida.

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard a series of presentations focused on coral reef restoration, artificial reefs, biosolids management, and a proposed biosolids processing facility. Mote Marine Laboratory described the severe decline of Florida’s coral reefs, its restoration methods using microfragmentation, genetic banking, selective breeding, nurseries, and outplanting, and asked for a long-term state commitment to help restore reef areas. The Keys Marine Laboratory and Florida Institute of Oceanography highlighted their role as a hub for coral rescue, holding, propagation, and research, including emergency response during the 2023 bleaching event. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission discussed the scale of reef loss, the state’s coral rescue and propagation efforts, and the economic and habitat value of artificial reefs, while noting permitting delays and material-selection concerns for reef projects. The committee then received a DEP update on the Osborne Reef tire cleanup. DEP explained that the original tire reef was a failure, that nearly 500,000 tires had been removed by 2024, and that the current effort is funded at $5 million for the fiscal year, with cleanup now shifting from large tire clusters to more difficult individual tires and coral relocation. Members asked about the future of the site after cleanup; DEP said that phase two decisions, such as whether to restore or monitor the area, have not yet been made. DEP also presented on biosolids rules, explaining that the 2021 rule tightened nutrient management, groundwater, and surface water protections, reduced the number of active land-application sites, and contributed to a shift away from Class B land application toward Class AA, landfill, or out-of-state disposal. Senators raised concerns about PFAS, nutrient loading, and the loss of disposal options, and a public speaker warned of a statewide septage disposal crisis. Finally, Sedron Technologies presented its VARCOR system and a planned Indiantown facility that would process dewatered biosolids into clean water, ammonia, and a dry Class AA product or fuel, with the company saying the process can destroy PFAS and help relieve regional disposal pressure. Senators expressed support for the technology as a potential solution to Florida’s biosolids challenges. No formal votes were taken on the presentations themselves, and the only action at the end of the meeting was adjournment after Senator Polsky moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentlemen from Texas. Introduction. Gentlemen from Texas. Introduction of some special guests, Mr.
• prize for artwork in the state of Missouri and best in show.
• Her artwork in the state of Missouri is best in show, and she's holding it up right now.
• The criticism of Israel is one would criticize any other state, any other nation.
• As far as feedback, I've received feedback from across the state.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states have taken this step.
• </c> Other states have taken this step. Other states have taken this step.
• ,</c><00:18:04.320><c> uh</c> the secretary of state, uh the secretary of state, uh representative<00
• </c> representative of Mississippi State. representative of Mississippi State.
• </c><00:25:23.279><c> that</c> P3 or it's not explicitly stated that P3 or it's not explicitly stated

Committee: Joint Ports and Marine Resources

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for our in-state races, courts have ...rules, particularly for our in-state races.
• Courts have struck down state limits on out-of-state money in state elections, even when states try to
• the Idaho State Police, Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission, Idaho State Police, Idaho Public
• States.
• The state of Idaho.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal and moved through committee reports and messages. Committee actions included referral of a large group of newly printed Senate bills to the appropriate standing committees, a do-pass report on House Bill 55 from Health and Welfare, and referral of Senate Bills 1270 and 1271 for possible amendment. The Senate also received a gubernatorial appointment of Jeff Seelich to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho Board and House bills 576, 577, 632, and 607 for introduction. In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 114 on Education Committee rules and Senate Resolution 115 on temporary and pending rules for several state agencies, both without opposition. It also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 109, which urged Congress to address campaign finance concerns and out-of-state influence in Idaho elections, and House Joint Memorial 9, which asked Congress to reaffirm FLPMA as the governing framework for federal land management and exchanges. House Joint Memorial 11 was also adopted, calling on Congress to fully fund IDEA at the promised 40% level; supporters emphasized the burden on state and local budgets and property taxpayers, while opponents argued the state should resist federal overreach and dependency. The Senate confirmed the committee report recommending Ryan Lanham as State Athletic Commissioner, with supportive testimony highlighting his combat sports background and experience. It also adopted the committee report confirming Juliet Sharon as Director of the Department of Health and Welfare, with senators citing her Medicaid and program integrity experience and the size and complexity of the agency. In first and second reading, the Senate referred House Bills 576 and 577 to Transportation and House Bills 632 and 607 to State Affairs, and advanced House Bill 533, Senate Bill 1258, and House Bill 502 to third reading. The chamber then heard announcements about caucus and lunch events before adjourning until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• State Board for Private Postsecondary Education: Paul Mitman; State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
• State Liquor Board: Susan Wals.
• Brian Fernandez, Arizona State Senator, L.D. 23.
• He was killed in Texas on December 11, 2025.
• Isaiah Sanchez Barroso was killed in Texas on December 11. Thank you. ...in Texas on December 11.

Summary: The Arizona Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the journal. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and proclamations, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates, Arizona Society of CPAs members, the Arizona Airports Association, and students from Onyose Day Academy. A proclamation was read declaring January 26, 2006, as Arizona Aviation Day, highlighting the economic and public-safety importance of Arizona’s aviation sector and its airports. The bulk of the meeting consisted of points of personal privilege and floor statements, many focused on condemning recent deaths and injuries involving federal immigration enforcement actions in Arizona and other states. Senators called for investigations, transparency, due process, and an end to what they described as excessive force and warrantless enforcement. One senator also read a resolution supporting human rights and the people of Iran, condemning state violence and supporting secular protections and international accountability. The chamber also handled routine business, including gubernatorial nominations, which were referred to the appropriate committees, and the introduction and first reading of numerous bills and resolutions covering topics such as taxes, education, immigration, elections, health care, water, labor, housing, firearms, and appropriations. After committee announcements, the Senate adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed/adjourned until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• First Committee on Public Safety for the California State Assembly for the year of 2026.
• He had, however, four previous DUIs in the state of Texas. Ultimately, Gary Baker pled guilty.
• He had, however, four previous DUIs in the state of Texas. Ultimately, Gary Baker pled guilty.
• Corey Salzillo, on behalf of the California State Sheriff's Association.
• And welcome to the state capital. Always nice to see a new face. All right.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard several bills dealing with firearms, hit-and-run penalties, domestic violence, and sexually violent predator placement. AB 256 by Assemblymember DeMaio would add a one-year enhancement for certain firearm felonies involving controlled substances and require toxicology testing; supporters said it would provide transparency about the causes of gun violence, while opponents argued it duplicated existing law, was overbroad, and raised privacy concerns. AB 1281, also by DeMaio, would increase penalties for hit-and-run cases involving death or serious injury; supporters framed it as a response to a fatal case in the author’s district, while opponents said current law already provides strong penalties and the bill would remove judicial flexibility. Both bills drew no formal support beyond the author and were opposed by public defenders, civil liberties groups, and other advocates. AB 292 by Assemblymember Patterson, as amended, would increase punishment for repeat felony domestic violence offenders, including higher prison terms and a longer mandatory jail minimum for probationers with prior domestic violence convictions. The author and a survivor witness argued that early release can endanger victims and children, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association and California District Attorneys Association supported the measure. Opponents, including public defenders and advocacy groups, said existing law already escalates penalties, warned the bill could sweep too broadly or reduce flexibility, and urged more prevention-oriented responses. After discussion, the committee approved AB 292 as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 767 by Assemblymember Alanis would clarify that private and home-based schools, as well as daycare facilities, are covered by existing restrictions on conditional release placements for sexually violent predators. Supporters said the bill would better protect children and resolve inconsistent court interpretations, while opponents argued it could effectively bar placement in large parts of the state and undermine rehabilitation and due process. The committee passed AB 767 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent item AB 277. AB 1092, a vote-only reconsideration item from the prior year, was brought up without the author present and was defeated. Final reported outcomes were: AB 256 failed, AB 277 passed, AB 292 passed, AB 767 passed, AB 1281 failed, and AB 1092 failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those tests, we have to send off to another state.
• I know some states have it, and we may have it.
• to medical facilities across the state.
• Other states kind of around us had seen it first.
• We are... ...other states kind of around us had seen it first.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for what members said was likely the first appearance by the lab before this committee. Lab officials gave an overview of the new crime lab facility now under construction, saying it is on schedule, under budget, and expected to be completed by the end of July next year, with phased move-in beginning around August 1. They explained that the current building is over 40 years old and overcrowded, with caseloads having doubled over the past 20 years, and said the new facility will improve workflow, add morgue capacity, and allow new technologies and equipment to be brought online. Members asked about staffing and recruitment, and the lab said recent pay changes and legislative support have made Arkansas more competitive for forensic specialists and medical examiners. Officials said vacancies have been reduced, a new deputy chief medical examiner has been hired, two more medical examiners are starting in August, and a new fellowship program has already attracted applicants. They also said the lab is prepared for the staffing needs of the new facility and that training periods remain long for many analyst positions. The discussion also covered rapid DNA, CODIS, sexual assault kit processing, genetic genealogy, and overdose-related data sharing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with pilot agencies in Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas among the first states to do so. Officials described CODIS as a key investigative tool, said DNA profiles are entered automatically when they qualify, and reported that the sexual assault kit backlog has been cleared with the lab now maintaining a 60-day turnaround. They also confirmed Arkansas uses a kit-tracking system, works with private labs such as Othram and Bode for genetic genealogy, and is developing an overdose dashboard to share toxicology and overdose data with public health and law enforcement partners. Members praised the lab’s progress and the committee adjourned after announcing an August site visit to Lake Conway and the dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know some states have it, and we may have it.
• to medical facilities across the state.
• I know there's one up—I can't remember what state it's in—BOD or Bode.
• Other states kind of around us had seen it first.
• We are... ...other states kind of around us had seen it first.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those tests, we have to send off to another state.
• I know some states have it, and we may have it.
• to medical facilities across the state.
• I know there’s one up—I can’t remember what state it’s in—Bode or BOD.
• Other states kind of around us had seen it first.”

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee met with representatives from the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an update on operations, staffing, technology, and major projects. Crime lab officials said the new facility is on schedule and under budget, with completion expected at the end of July next year and phased move-in beginning around August 1. They described the current building as overcrowded and outdated, and said the new lab will expand workspace, improve workflow, double morgue autopsy tables, and allow new technologies such as 3D firearms microscopy, improved drug testing for emerging synthetic drugs, and enhanced fingerprint visualization. Officials also said the lab has been able to hire positions tied to the 2023 overdose-autopsy law and that recruitment for medical examiners and fellows has improved, including two new medical examiners starting in August and a successful new fellowship program. Members asked about rapid DNA, CODIS, forensic genealogy, sexual assault kit backlogs, and staffing. The lab said rapid DNA is in final testing with Faulkner and Saline counties and could go live by the end of July, which would make Arkansas one of the first states to do so. Officials explained that CODIS is used routinely, with DNA profiles from qualifying cases uploaded automatically and audited regularly, and cited it as a key investigative tool. On forensic genealogy, they said Arkansas currently relies on private labs such as Othram, Bode, and DNA Labs International, and is exploring whether to bring that capability in-house in the future. They reported that the sexual assault kit backlog from around 2016 has been cleared and that the lab is now meeting the statutory 60-day turnaround time, with kits tracked through a barcode-based system for transparency. The committee also discussed overdose data and confidentiality. The lab said a new overdose dashboard is being developed with the Office of State Technology and should go live by the end of the year, using newly available reporting data to help public health and law enforcement target prevention efforts. Members praised a recent law allowing toxicology information to be shared with the state drug director and another law protecting coroner records and toxicology reports from public release during criminal investigations; lab officials said both changes have been very helpful. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions on the crime lab items, and the chair announced an August site visit to the Lake Conway dam project.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which will also be stated verbally when we get to that point.
• It would allow us to maintain those on the state level. Right.
• federal level, states have felt that those protections are needed at the state level.
• We represent about 30,000, or roughly half of all rental units in the state.
• Actually, in Texas Department of Housing, Actually, in Texas Department of Housing Community Affairs

Committee: Senate Housing & Land Use

Summary: The Senate Land Use Committee met in hybrid format but did not have a quorum, so it did not approve minutes or take formal votes. The committee first heard House Bill 457, which would raise the appraisal threshold for certain DELDOT real property dispositions from $10,000 to $25,000 to match federal highway standards and reduce the time and cost of selling small surplus properties. There was little discussion and no public comment on that bill, and the chair indicated it would be circulated. The committee then took up House Bill 451, which would codify a disparate impact framework under Delaware’s Fair Housing Act. The bill was described as clarifying that housing policies or practices can violate the law even without discriminatory intent if they have an unjustified discriminatory effect on a protected class, using a burden-shifting test similar to federal law. The sponsor and DHSA said the measure was intended to preserve fair housing protections amid uncertainty at the federal level, and an additional amendment was discussed that would delay implementation for 180 days and require DHSR, with DSA and stakeholders, to conduct outreach, education, and training. Public testimony was divided. Supporters, including Housing Alliance Delaware, YWCA Delaware, and the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission, said the bill would protect against discriminatory outcomes, align state law with longstanding fair housing principles, and preserve recourse if federal enforcement changes. Opponents and housing-provider groups, including the Delaware Association of Realtors, Greater Wilmington Housing Providers, and the Delaware Apartment Association, argued the bill could create liability for neutral policies, rely on statistical outcomes landlords cannot easily measure, and increase litigation and costs; several asked for more time, a right-to-cure process, or further amendments. The committee adjourned without taking a formal vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent about 76,000 rental doors across the state.
• It really puts the power in the hands of each community around the state.
• who works on who Texas has a statute that's very similar to this, including Texas property managers
• It was partnered with SB 131 that was going to rezone the entire state.
• When I sell my house, then it's a lump sum back to the state of New Mexico.

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And many of them are in our rural communities and in our urban areas throughout the state.
• We're facing significant challenges in access to health care in the rural areas of our state.
• We were running about 24% uncompensated care and charity care in the state of New Mexico, tied with Texas
• The highest premium increase in the state is a staggering 35.7% for the upcoming year.
• Specific program for state employees that are under 250% of the poverty level.

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs