Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if any of you have heard of it.
• I don't know if any of you have heard of it.
• So because of a lack of immediate response, Benji ended up dying in the care of his parents.
• The adoptive parents of Baby Benji's oldest two siblings shared this statement.
• The adoptive parents of Baby Benji's oldest two siblings shared this statement: Multiple children from

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE OF THEM LISTEN, OF COURSE ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.
• ONE OF MY BIGGEST CONCERNS IS OUR LOSS OF RECOGNITION OF THE IMPACT AND IMPORTANCE OF EARLY INTERVENTION
• THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL OF THESE?
• TWO YEARS OF PROBATION AND THE THIRD YEAR IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD OF NURSING.
• ITEMS THAT COULD BE INCENTIVES THAT I WAS MAKING A STATEMENT THE STATE OF FLORIDA WOULD BE SUPPORTING

Transcript Highlights:

• But the creation of these kits and these alternative learning methods also creates financial pressure
• The impacts of this Metro Surge have taken a severe financial toll on AEDA as we lost critical revenue
• Beyond the financial statements, there is no way to quantify the loss of culture.
• Beyond the financial statements, deeper.
• Beyond the financial statements, there<01:14:39.800><c> is</c><01:14:39.920><c> no</c><01:14:40.120><

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• there's a lot of interest years uh that there's a lot of interest that's<00:51:09.520><c> being</c><
• > that</c><00:59:25.720><c> to</c> keep some of the interest from that to keep some of the interest from
• And let's save us some actual interest cost on some of these programs.
• And let's save us some actual interest cost on some of these programs.
• And let's save us some actual interest cost on some of these programs.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• If the death of the unborn child was due to a wrongful act, negligence, breach of contract, breach of
• , negligence, breach of contract, or breach of warranty?"
• of contract or it was at no fault of their own.
• If you have a hypothetical where the unborn child, the negligence of the unborn child, I'd be interested
• So every family that suffers the loss of a pregnancy deserves justice and financial compensation.

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met to consider one measure, PCS for HB 289, which would amend Florida’s wrongful death statute to allow parents of an unborn child to recover damages for the child’s wrongful death and to include parents in the definition of survivors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give parents a remedy when a wrongful act, negligence, breach of contract, or breach of warranty causes the loss of an unborn child, while also preserving existing protections for lawful medical care and the mother. Members questioned the bill extensively about the meaning of “survivors,” whether it could reach surrogacy situations, friends or family who assist someone in obtaining abortion care, paternity issues, and whether abusive or unqualified fathers could bring claims. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill is limited to parents, does not authorize suits against the mother or lawful medical providers, and would still require the normal wrongful death procedures, including appointment of a personal representative. He cited Duncan v. Flynn as the case holding that current law does not allow recovery for the death of an unborn child. Representative Gottlieb offered an amendment modeled on criminal-law protections, aimed at expanding explicit immunity for a pregnant woman and for persons providing medical care or abortion-related conduct with consent. Supporters of the amendment said it would better align civil law with criminal protections; opponents argued it was overly broad and could shield unlicensed conduct. The amendment failed on a voice vote. Public testimony was divided, with supporters from pro-life and Catholic organizations backing the bill and some asking to remove the health care exemption, while opponents from ACLU, Equality Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, Florida Voice for the Unborn, Voices of Florida, and others warned the bill could chill reproductive health care, increase liability for doctors and hospitals, and invite lawsuits involving surrogates, family members, and abortion-related care. In debate, supporters said the bill simply recognizes the value of unborn children and gives parents a remedy for wrongful loss, while opponents argued it could create unintended consequences in family law, surrogacy, IVF, and medical practice, and could empower abusive partners or rapists. After closing remarks, the committee voted 13 yeas and 3 nays to report PCS for HB 289 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you ever heard of the Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assaults Task Force?
• Have you ever heard of the Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assaults Task Force?
• To expedite the testing of thousands of kits, they were outsourced to out-of-state facilities to keep
• And is it, I'm assuming it would be at the fault of the majority of this would be at the fault of the
• Under what Representative Collins was talking about, in part of one of those elements was a statement

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Our agenda is our gubernatorial appointment of Juliet Sharon as the Director of the Department of Health
• There's about 350 different definitions of what rural is, and we looked at all of them. ...of what rural
• of you, so...
• I put another handout in front of you that talks about one of those rural hospitals in one of your districts
• If they come into to take care of these individuals if they come into one of our hospitals and one of

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Ray's audits included financial management practices, audits of local school systems, and audits for
• </c> critical areas of our of our state. critical areas of our of our state.
• </c> was part of the state of Maryland. was part of the state of Maryland.
• According to Hopkins' own audited financial statements for fiscal year 2025, Johns Hopkins University
• </c><01:04:43.320><c> year</c> financial statements uh for fiscal year financial statements uh for fiscal

Summary: The Senate convened with 42 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation by Pastor Jaylen Robinson, and recognized several guests and honorees. Early floor remarks included a welcome to students from Forest Oak Middle School, a young Senate shadow from Woodlawn High School, and guests from Charles H. Flowers High School. The chamber also noted a doctor of the day and announced that panoramic photos in the Senate lounge were available for order by March 27, with eye exams available in the State House. The main legislative business was Senate Bill 283, the President’s Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee presented 291 amendments, described as funding priorities for jobs, infrastructure, and reliability while staying within debt affordability limits. The amendments covered school construction, natural resources, higher education, housing, Maryland Environmental Service, miscellaneous grants, local Senate bond initiatives, jails and detention centers, and pre-authorizations for fiscal 2028. Four amendments were separated for individual roll calls: 30, 35, 46, and 241, all of which were adopted. The remaining committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the favorable committee report as amended was then taken up. During debate on the capital budget amendments, one senator raised concerns about the bill and the difficulty of tracking the amendments on the electronic system, prompting discussion about technical issues and the availability of the documents on the website and in paper form. The chair said the committee had been working on the bill for months and urged the body to proceed. A question was raised about Amendment 264, which deauthorized a Willing Helper Society renovation project in Charles County; the chair explained the money had not been spent, was about to expire, and was repurposed to a Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland project to keep the funding in Charles County.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I appreciate some interest in what's going on in the Capitol. There's a lot of activity.
• And I appreciate some interest in what's going on in the Capitol. There's a lot of activity.
• And we're going to start with the Department of Financial Institutions. And they are here.
• Department of Financial Institutions, and they are here. I met them earlier.
• My name is Heidi Libri, and I'm the business manager for the Department of Financial Institutions.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was first interested in finding this legislation to get after the interest of encouraging manufacturing
• I was first interested in finding this legislation to get after the interest of encouraging manufacturing
• It's one of the things that's interesting about coming to work here.
• So kind of prepared, you know, a statement over here that will address some of those questions.
• That's a statement. That's the opening of a presentation. It's not statute.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Joint Resolution 173 and 174, which would put a tax-reform proposal before voters. Members debated a failed amendment to change the ballot language, with supporters saying it would more honestly describe the measure as a tax replacement that could expand sales taxes, and opponents saying it would be misleading and overly restrictive. The committee then adopted a House committee substitute that clarified the proposal, including a phased reduction in the individual income tax tied to revenue growth, and voted the substitute do pass by a 7-3 roll call. The committee next took up House Bills 321 and 2531 under a new committee substitute. The substitute made a series of technical and policy changes involving redevelopment, tax increment financing, public safety funding, Missouri Opportunity Zones, baseline revenue calculations, and local property tax diversion, including reducing one diversion requirement from 50% to 25%. Members and the sponsor described the changes as clarifying agency roles and addressing constitutional and administrative concerns. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the combined bill do pass by a 9-0-1 vote. In public hearing, House Bill 3230 by Rep. Hardwick would bar cities and counties from outright banning modular or qualified manufactured homes in areas where single-family homes are allowed, while still allowing reasonable safety, zoning, and compatibility standards. The sponsor and supporters from the Missouri Manufactured Housing Association argued the bill would expand affordable housing and prevent discriminatory local restrictions; the Missouri Municipal League said it supported the goal but wanted more work on language to preserve local flexibility. The committee also heard House Bill 2888 by Rep. Deal, which would limit standalone medical-monitoring claims without present physical injury. The sponsor and a civil justice coalition supporter said the bill would align Missouri law with court precedent and require an actual injury, while opponents and affected residents argued it would block needed monitoring for exposure to PFAS and other contaminants and could leave exposed communities without a remedy.

Transcript Highlights:

• an unreachable population and children in need, and our interest is in the best interest of the children
• </c> well we're looking at the best interest well we're looking at the best interest of<00:08:44.279>
• c><01:43:13.320><c> I</c><01:43:13.400><c> am</c><01:43:13.560><c> going</c> the interest of time um
• but I am going the interest of time um but I am going to<01:43:13.880><c> going</c><01:43:14.000><c>
• 01:47:56.280><c> school</c><01:47:56.520><c> board</c> interest of time for the school board interest

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Came out of a combination of discussions in the House with the bill on the floor, author, interested
• You're getting way out of line. I'm not out of line. No, you're getting way out of line.
• And that was at the request of one of the Democrat members of the committee.
• Would you consider it acknowledging communities of interest and compactness?
• House of Representatives from the state of Texas.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB4 , HB1 , HB3 , HB20 , HB22 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , HB4 , SB2 , SB5

Transcript Highlights:

• We're furthering the pattern that we've seen over the past few months of making statements.
• half of this statement because of federal officials who got up and said that about your beloved one.
• <c> statement</c><01:18:23.199><c> because</c><01:18:23.679><c> of</c><01:18:24.000><c> federal</c> of
• this statement because of federal of this statement because of federal officials<01:18:24.640><c> who
• </c><02:03:34.159><c> of</c> citizens citizens is in the interest of citizens citizens is in the interest

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So, um, I disagree with that statement because I can give you a prime example as to one of the reasons
• Also, the unique function of going out into the community and reaching people who otherwise have financial
• It helps clear up conflicts of interest and make sure that elected officials are accountable to the people
• ><c> interest</c><00:34:49.119><c> and</c><00:34:49.440><c> make</c> clear up conflicts of interest and
• make clear up conflicts of interest and make sure<00:34:49.679><c> that</c><00:34:49.919><c> elected

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB 126, which would change civil asset forfeiture law. The Attorney General’s Office, Honolulu Police Department, and county prosecutors opposed the bill’s proposed SD1, arguing that requiring a criminal conviction and changing how forfeiture proceeds are distributed would weaken or effectively end the tool, create fiscal and law enforcement problems, and make it harder to address organized crime or cases where an owner cannot be identified. The Public Defender’s Office, Community Alliance on Prisons, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters argued the measure would improve transparency and accountability, protect property rights, and reduce abuses that disproportionately affect low-income people. The chair questioned law enforcement about fairness, storage of seized property, and access to counsel, and the discussion focused heavily on whether forfeiture should depend on a conviction. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 280, which would make the Community Outreach Court permanent and appropriate funds for it as a division of the First Circuit district court. The Department of the Attorney General and Judiciary supported the concept and described the court’s success in helping people resolve cases, clear license stoppers, recall bench warrants, and access services, but suggested amendments to remove the Attorney General from the bill’s definition and funding mechanism. The Public Defender, Department of Human Services, mental health and substance use advocates, neighborhood and community groups, and others strongly supported the bill, emphasizing its benefits for people facing housing instability, behavioral health issues, and transportation barriers. No opposition was voiced, and no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 370, which would increase partial public campaign financing for elective offices. The Campaign Spending Commission supported the original bill and asked the committee to restore the original percentage amounts, keep the proposed funding increases, and reinstate funding for two additional full-time staff positions. Supporters said the public financing system has not kept pace with inflation and needs modernization to be viable; a few testifiers opposed the measure. The committee reported 30 in support, two opposed, and one comment, and then moved on without a vote. Finally, HB 371 was heard, a campaign contribution bill that would bar state and county contractors, grantees, and certain related persons from contributing during the contract period. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is intended to address pay-to-play concerns and false-name contributions, while the State Procurement Office raised concerns about the burden of requiring agencies to provide contract information for all contracts regardless of dollar value. The testimony ended with the commission saying it was working with procurement and the Attorney General on implementation details; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we sort of understand the Legislature and stakeholders' broader interest around the $20 million.
• beyond that, just sort of acknowledging that we understand the shared interest and the urgency.
• And so we're happy to sort of engage if there's legislative interest for that, but that certainly would
• And so we're happy to sort of engage if there's legislative interest for that, but that certainly would
• So many of the hurdles and much of the confusion is of our own doing.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impact of H.R. 1 on older Californians and related county administration issues. Chair Jackson and Chair Addis opened by emphasizing California’s rapidly aging population and the need to protect seniors’ access to food, health care, housing, and in-home support services. Testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Department of Aging described how H.R. 1 would expand work and reporting requirements in CalFresh and Medi-Cal, increase redeterminations, and create new eligibility barriers. Witnesses and advocates warned that these changes could lead to large coverage losses, especially for adults ages 55 to 64, people experiencing homelessness, caregivers, and some immigrant groups, while also increasing administrative burden on counties. The LAO noted that many provisions do not directly apply to Californians 65 and older, but highlighted indirect effects and some direct impacts, including a new home equity limit for certain long-term care recipients and narrower immigration eligibility rules. Committee members pressed the administration and counties on how exemptions would be identified and implemented, whether data systems could automatically protect eligible people, and how outreach would reach older adults, women, LGBTQ seniors, and people with limited digital access. DHCS and CDSS said they are working to use existing data, cross-program information sharing, and human-centered communications to maximize exemptions and reduce churn, including text outreach, print and radio campaigns, and navigator support. Members also raised concerns about the need for legal aid and county eligibility workers to help people navigate complex rules, and requested updated analyses on the number of people likely to lose both Medi-Cal and CalFresh and the broader human and system impacts. No votes were taken. The second major topic was the administration’s proposal to shift some future IHSS costs to counties by establishing a statewide baseline for average authorized hours per case. CDSS said the proposal is intended to improve consistency in assessments and not reduce services, while counties and labor groups strongly opposed it, arguing that rising hours reflect real increases in need, an aging and higher-acuity caseload, and state-mandated assessment tools rather than county error. County representatives said the proposal would strain already limited local revenues, worsen the effects of H.R. 1, and could force cuts to other safety-net services. Committee members questioned the proposal’s timing and impact, but the hearing ended without action, with the chairs asking for continued updates, additional analysis, and more information before May Revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• of children, marital status, or fertility goals contrary to the patient’s statement.
• </c> one of you to vote in favor of this. one of you to vote in favor of this.
• a lot of of cases of civil actually a lot of of cases of civil liability<01:37:52.320><c> for</c><01
• Financially, it was one of the reasons because I was watching every penny at the time, and also health
• Financially, it was one of the reasons because I was watching every penny at the time, and also health

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, the bill authorizes the vacation of records of conviction, again for the same type of persons.
• of a sentence or of probation.
• of a sentence or of probation.
• it, not just a statement that they were a victim and it caused them to commit some other crime. ...of
• I actually echo many of the sentiments and statements said by everybody that spoke on this.

Summary: The House Community Safety Committee met in executive session on several bills previously heard, first reviewing proposed substitutes and amendments, then taking final action after a caucus recess. House Bill 1591, which provides sentencing, resentencing, and record-vacation relief for defendants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, was advanced on a 7-2 vote after adopting substitute H3302.1. Members supporting the bill emphasized the need for a close causal connection and documentary proof of victimization; opponents raised concerns about cases involving harm to third parties and wanted more refinement. The committee also advanced House Bill 2146 on sexual exploitation of a minor after adopting Amendment 348, which clarified that the offense covers causing a minor to view sexually explicit conduct when the minor’s viewing will be photographed or part of a live performance. House Bill 2220, dealing with oversight and hearings procedures for the Criminal Justice Training Commission, was reported out on a 7-2 vote under substitute H3305.3, which dropped a higher burden of proof, adjusted hearing panel size, and allowed an administrative law judge to issue an initial order if the panel deadlocks. House Bill 2430, concerning the crime victim penalty assessment, was also reported out unanimously; its substitute increased assessment amounts, added a surcharge for defendants with substantial resources, tightened indigency exemptions, and restored an indigency exception for certain offenses. House Bill 2526 on prostitution generated the most debate. The committee withdrew one proposed substitute, then adopted substitute H3308.1 and Amendment Whale 275, which shifted the bill toward a model that increases penalties for buyers while requiring referrals to services for the first two investigative detentions of a person engaged in prostitution and limiting arrest until a third detention. Supporters said the changes would reduce criminalization of survivors and improve access to services, while opponents argued the bill and amendment would weaken enforcement and fail to protect trafficking victims. The committee reported the bill out 5-4. House Bill 2641 was deferred. Finally, House Bill 2648, addressing state and local law enforcement interactions with federal immigration enforcement, was amended with Lang 185 to require body cameras and reporting when officers encounter federal agents conducting immigration enforcement, remove a proposed Attorney General representation requirement, and require indemnification by the employing government. Supporters framed the bill as protecting civil rights and clarifying officers’ duties; opponents said it could hinder cooperation with federal partners and create operational problems. The committee approved the bill 6-3 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES.
• REPRESENTING OVER 57% OF PROPERTY CASUALTIES INSURERS HERE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND 2/3 OF INSURANCE
• IT IS KIND OF A DISCUSSION IN AND OF ITSELF.
• GUYS IN FRONT OF ME WHO TELL YOU A LOT OF ANSWERS SO I CAN CUT SOME OF MY COMMENTS DOWN.
• OF PREMIUM.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need those stepping stones for our families as we face some of the most challenging financial times
• A budget is a statement of our values, and the Head Start program is critical to allowing Americans born
• of Ed Zigler, the founder of Head Start and creator of the program model.
• planning efforts, and it's in the interest of the state to ensure that all of our policies are supporting
• of the Rincon Band of the Luiseño Indians.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum present after a roll call and prayer, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Members recognized several guests, including local district officials, Japanese business leaders, and students/interns, and the chamber also observed remarks about the Texas flooding tragedy during the prayer. The body then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items and concurrence votes on AB 390, which expands the slow-down/move-over law to stationary vehicles, and AB 1478, which allows retailers to absorb mattress recycling fees; both measures had Senate amendments concurred in by recorded vote. The Assembly adopted AJR 12, a bipartisan resolution recognizing Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding. Multiple members spoke in support, emphasizing the program’s role in early education, health, nutrition, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities; the resolution received 70 ayes and no noes after 69 co-authors were added. The chamber also adopted ACR 96, designating a portion of Highway 101 in Humboldt County as the Patty Berg Memorial Highway, and SCR 50, which calls for state review of climate adaptation and maladaptation criteria to improve climate resilience planning; both measures passed without opposition. On the consent calendar, the Assembly added co-authors to ACR 81 and adopted the second-day consent calendar and remaining consent items, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body also approved a motion to return AB 529 from engrossing and enrolling to the Senate for further action. The session concluded with numerous adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for Rincon Tribal Council Chairman Bo Mazzetti and former legislative secretary George Steffes, followed by a moment of silence for each and adjournment until Monday, July 14 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• number of...
• Be recorded, meaning I will ask how many of you by a show of hands are in support, how many of you by
• And just by a show of hands, how many here by show of hands are in support of this bill?
• And just by a show of hands, how many here by show of hands are in support of this bill?
• But of course, I explain we have a lot of challenges we have to deal with. This is one of them.

Bills: SB12 , SB13

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation