Transcript Highlights:

• Well, first of all, um, any objection to hearing the two of these appointments in mass?
• ,</c> in sending the names to the governor, in sending the names to the governor, but<00:03:53.280><c
• </c><00:05:12.080><c> Hearing</c> these appointments in mass? Hearing these appointments in mass?
• Your appointment is 15 yay, zero nays.
• Windham, Governor. How are you tonight?

Committee: Senate Confirmations

Transcript Highlights:

• One appointed by the lieutenant governor and one is appointed by the speaker of the House.
• One appointed by the lieutenant governor and one is appointed by the speaker of the House.
• One appointed by the lieutenant<00:13:19.760><c> governor</c><00:13:20.399><c> and</c><00:13:20.639><
• c> one</c><00:13:20.880><c> is</c><00:13:21.040><c> appointed</c> lieutenant governor and one is appointed
• lieutenant governor and one is appointed by<00:13:21.600><c> the</c><00:13:21.760><c> speaker</c><00

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that Governor Scott did when he appointed me, he sort of said, ‘Ron, I want you to
• I was originally appointed by Governor Scott in 2014 and reappointed by the governor and subsequently
• by Governor DeSantis as well.
• I was originally appointed by Governor Scott in 2014 and reappointed by the governor and subsequently
• by Governor DeSantis as well.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Education on the proposed higher education budget. The presentation highlighted a $117.4 billion overall state budget, with education at $32.5 billion and higher education receiving a modest overall increase. Key items included no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, major financial aid funding such as Bright Futures, Benacquisto, EASE, Open Door, and first responder scholarships, as well as workforce investments including apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, nursing pipeline funding, and performance-based funding for colleges and universities. Committee members asked questions about the proposed expansion of the Guardian program at state colleges and the $100 million university recruitment and retention fund. Officials said the Guardian funding would give colleges flexibility to use trained personnel for campus safety, sometimes alongside or in place of campus police or private security. The Chancellor explained that the recruitment and retention money would be distributed to universities with no specific directives beyond using it for faculty recruitment and retention, emphasizing Florida’s favorable demographics and the opportunity to attract faculty from states facing enrollment declines. The committee then heard testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees at state colleges and universities, including Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College. Each described their backgrounds and stressed themes of affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and technical programs, dual enrollment, and local community needs. Several cited strong nursing licensure pass rates and college outcomes. After hearing all appointees, the committee voted unanimously to confirm the full block of nominees, and the confirmations were reported favorably before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I referred to her as Governor Nunes as the chair of the board. Jeanette M. Nunes.
• I referred to her as Governor Nunes as the chair of the Board of Directors of Space Florida.
• Are there any questions regarding the appointment of Governor Nunes? No questions.
• Is there any debate on the appointment of Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunes to the chair of the Board
• And by your vote, the confirmation of Lieutenant Governor Jeanette M.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and heard one item: confirmation of Lieutenant Governor Jeanette M. Nunes as chair of the Board of Directors of Space Florida. Nunes was not present, and there were no questions from members. One appearance form was filed by Ellsworth Williams, who spoke about veterans’ issues, especially the rising suicide risk among older veterans, and described his organization’s counseling, referral, advocacy, and support services for elderly veterans and caregivers. After brief discussion, Senator Truenow moved to recommend confirmation of Lieutenant Governor Nunes. The committee adopted the motion without objection and then took a roll call vote, which resulted in a favorable recommendation for confirmation. Members then exchanged closing remarks thanking one another for service and noting the committee’s work on veterans and military issues. The meeting concluded with no further business and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill is passed to be enacted, and the bill is to be signed by the President and laid before the Governor
• no objection, one matter we've been taking out of the orders of the day: An act relative to the appointment
• An act providing for the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in the town
• Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim April 23, 2026, to be Scout
• Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth, Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, ...and William

Transcript Highlights:

• This year, we are expanding on past efforts, including legislative appointments, further strengthening
• The governor and legislature collectively appoint leaders to more than 580 boards and commissions, filling
• I would hope, and I plead, the governor to sign it this time.
• Hopefully the governor and his people watching this, and that he will feel so inclined to sign it.
• Hopefully we can encourage the governor to support this on behalf of the people of California.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organizations Committee met on June 25, 2025, with a quorum present and several members substituting for absent colleagues. The committee first approved a consent calendar of several Senate bills, all moving on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. Later, the committee heard SB 702 by Senator Limon, which would expand transparency requirements for statewide appointments and legislative appointments to boards and commissions. Supporters, including HOPE, the Campaign for College Opportunity, Equality California, CHIRLA, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, and others, argued the bill would improve accountability, representation, and public trust; no opposition was presented. Multiple members praised the measure and asked to be added as coauthors, and the bill passed on a unanimous roll call. The committee also heard SB 380 by Senator Padilla, which would establish a California Latino Commission to study and recommend policies on Latino economic well-being, education, housing, health, and mobility. Senator Padilla and Dr. Amanda Armenta of UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute described persistent disparities affecting Latinos in California, including poverty, educational attainment, housing overcrowding, climate and health impacts, and wage gaps, and said the commission would mirror existing state commissions focused on women and Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Several organizations testified in support, including CHIRLA, the University of California, the California Faculty Association, and others. Assembly Member Soria emphasized the need to address immigration-related impacts, mental health, and homeownership; the bill was approved on a roll call vote and sent to Appropriations, with one no vote recorded from Assembly Member Sanchez. After the two policy bills were heard, the committee reopened the roll for absent members and then adjourned. The transcript reflects strong bipartisan support for both measures, with no opposition testimony on either bill and no amendments or substantive objections raised during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, the governor gets to pick whomever they want.
• The governor would still pick whom... ...you all comers recommend the best names for a governor.
• So we really like the idea of a nominating commission that then allows that governor, whichever governor
• , you know, it's a handful of people making the appointments, and governors and majority leaders pro
• tem make hundreds and thousands of appointments.

Bills: HB30 , HB120 , HJR1 , SB210 , SB306

Committee: Senate House Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee began with announcements about likely upcoming meetings and a reminder that public testimony could be limited if bills drew large crowds. Members also introduced student shadows and briefly recognized them. The committee then took up House Bill 30, which would revise the Teacher Residency Act to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention by tying resident stipends more closely to minimum level-one teacher salaries, increasing support for residents who already hold bachelor’s degrees, and giving residents more flexibility to complete their service in any public school rather than only the sponsoring district. The sponsor and supporters from educator preparation programs, unions, and advocacy groups said the bill would make residency programs more sustainable, help rural districts, and improve teacher preparation. The bill received support from the Public Education Department and several education organizations, and the committee voted due pass. The committee next heard House Bill 120, as amended, which would clarify and limit the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. The sponsor explained that the bill came from a task force and is intended to clarify existing law rather than create a new mandate, with clearer definitions, stronger documentation, family notification, and limits on dangerous practices such as prone, mechanical, or chemical restraint. Supporters included PED, the special education ombuds office, disability rights advocates, teachers’ unions, parents, and civil rights groups, who emphasized student safety, trauma prevention, and better training for staff. One opposition witness from the school superintendents’ association argued the bill could add burdens and that more time was needed to implement current law. Committee members raised concerns about protecting teachers and aides during violent incidents; sponsors responded that the bill is meant to give staff clearer guidance and emergency-response tools, not replace disciplinary procedures. The committee voted due pass. House Joint Resolution 1, a constitutional amendment to create nominating commissions for university regents, was then presented. The sponsor said the goal is to reduce purely political appointments by having nonpartisan commissions recommend regent candidates, while also changing how student regents are selected so students have a direct voice rather than the university president choosing the student regent. AFT New Mexico supported the measure, citing concerns about donor or insider appointments and backing student representation. Committee members questioned how many commissions would be created, who would appoint their members, and how many names would be sent to the governor; the sponsor said those details would be set later in enabling legislation. The committee approved the resolution on a due pass vote, sending it onward in the process. The committee also quickly passed Senate Bill 306, which would align state higher education accreditation language with federal terminology by removing the distinction between regionally and non-regionally accredited institutions and changing reporting and fee requirements for smaller private institutions. Finally, Senate Bill 210, an appropriation for athletic and related facilities at New Mexico Highlands University, drew the most debate. Supporters said the university’s athletic facilities are outdated and inadequate, especially for women’s soccer and track, and that the project would help student-athletes and Title IX compliance. Committee members questioned the $80 million request, noting that only $3 million was currently in the budget for the three Division II schools and expressing concern about priorities amid other education funding needs. The sponsor and university president said the project could be phased and that private fundraising is also being pursued. Despite reservations and some no votes, the committee ultimately voted due pass. The chair closed by reminding members to plan on meeting Monday at 9 a.m. and said the committee was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• What it will do is make sure that those who are appointed from the governor will be two from the city
• What it will do is make sure that those who are appointed from the governor will be two from the city
• , two from the county, and one. appointed from the governor will be two from the city, two from the county
• I know you and I discussed, you know, we had some heartburn over the governor being able to appoint five
• I know you and I discussed, you know, we had some heartburn over the governor being able to appoint five

Summary: The Missouri House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for March 3, 2026 by a 122-0 roll call vote. The chamber also spent a long portion of the morning recognizing special guests, including Special Olympics athletes, occupational therapy and social work students and professionals, teachers, civic leaders, and other visitors in the gallery. On legislation, the House perfected and printed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2974, which would codify telehealth access within Missouri’s licensed reciprocity law. Supporters said it would help seniors and rural residents access care and ensure reciprocity licensees can provide telehealth services. The House also perfected and printed House Bill 2934, a bipartisan St. Louis convention-center governance bill that would merge existing entities, create a new board with city, county, and state appointments, and clarify funding and tax authority for the convention district. An amendment narrowing governor appointments to two city, two county, and one at-large member was adopted before final approval. The House likewise perfected and printed House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2057, a technical fix allowing Osage Beach to create an entertainment district; supporters said it would promote tourism and economic development and align the city with similar districts elsewhere in Missouri. The most contentious debate was on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3515, which require age verification for pornographic websites. Supporters framed the measure as child protection and cited the Supreme Court’s Texas decision and the Attorney General’s enforcement rule; opponents raised privacy concerns, questioned effectiveness, and argued it could push users toward less scrupulous sites. A proposed amendment to extend the bill to firearms and ammunition websites was ruled not germane, the previous question was ordered 92-44, and the substitute was adopted. The combined bill package was then perfected and printed by a 104-16 vote with 20 present, and the House recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was first appointed in 2022 and currently serves as the board's vice chair.
• The appointment is confirmed. File Item 32. Senator Grove, you are recognized.
• That appointment is confirmed. File Item 33. Senator Grove, you are recognized.
• Ling Sai for appointment to the Medical Board of California. Dr.
• How do I become the governor?

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The floor then moved through a series of recognitions, including the Natomas Nighthawks boys basketball team, 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awardees, and visiting California biotech leaders. Senators highlighted the honorees’ work on youth development, education, mental health, homelessness, community college success, and biotechnology. The body also welcomed Rosie Perez, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and chair of America 250, to the chamber. On the legislative side, the Senate approved a procedural request to allow Senate Bill 1447 to be heard in policy committees after the deadline. The chamber then confirmed five gubernatorial appointments: Alan Guy, Henry Nutt III, Steven Pennelli, Jacob Arkatov, and Dr. V. V. Ling Sai, with each confirmation passing on unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 88, recognizing the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation, and Senate Resolution 90, recognizing April 14-16 as Khmer New Year; both resolutions passed 37-0. The remainder of the session included committee announcements and an extended adjournment in memory of Rod Diridon Sr., with several senators speaking to his long career in local government, transportation planning, environmental advocacy, and public service. Members emphasized his role in shaping transit in Santa Clara County and California, his mentorship, and his lasting influence on the region. The Senate then announced it would recess and reconvene on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are no objections, I would like to take up first on today's Governor's appointments not required
• to appear, starting with item 2C, the appointment of J.
• to appear, starting with item 2C, the appointment of J.
• Megan came and met with our folks, I think before she even got appointed to the position.
• Governor as the director of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider a series of gubernatorial appointments, bill referrals, and two Senate Rule 26 authorship-change requests. The committee first approved, on 4-0 votes held open for absent members, a slate of appointments not required to appear, including J. Bradshaw to the Transportation Commission, Kylie Bolser to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and several appointments to the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, as well as Monique Moyer to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority Board. The committee also approved bill referrals and, after a clarification that only authorship changes were before the committee, approved the Rule 26 requests involving former Assembly Member James Gallagher’s bills AB 2676 and AB 2700. After absent members arrived, those earlier actions were confirmed by 5-0 votes. The main hearing was on Megan Hurdle’s appointment as Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hurdle emphasized a science-based, collaborative approach balancing conservation with the needs of farmers, ranchers, local governments, tribes, and communities. Senators focused on human-wildlife conflict, including wolves and mountain lions, the Western Joshua tree program and its costs for homeowners and local projects, invasive golden mussels, staffing shortages among wildlife officers, marine protected areas and 30x30, tribal co-management and land return, and oil spill prevention and response. Hurdle said the department is using data sharing, less-lethal tools, task forces, public education, and partnerships to address these issues, while also trying to improve permitting and reduce burdens where possible. The committee then heard from Caroline Thomas Jacobs, nominated to lead the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Jacobs highlighted her prior leadership roles in wildfire safety and her earlier service at Cal OES, and said her priorities include statewide preparedness, next-generation 911, recovery from the Los Angeles fires, and planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Senators questioned her about disaster debris clearance, public safety power shutoffs, governance for the 911 rollout, earthquake preparedness, mutual-aid equipment, and how Cal OES coordinates with local and out-of-state law enforcement for major events. Jacobs said Cal OES should show up quickly, coordinate clearly, and use lessons from past disasters to reduce delays and improve response. Both nominees received broad support from public witnesses, and each was advanced to the Senate floor by committee vote; Hurdle’s appointment was later confirmed 5-0, and Jacobs’s appointment was confirmed 5-0 after the committee reconvened.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Communication Nos. 785 to 787 inform the Senate that the House has appointed conferees for various
• </c><00:01:49.560><c> conferees</c><00:01:50.240><c> for</c> House has appointed conferees for House
• has appointed conferees for various<00:01:50.880><c> bills.
• I want to note the passing of our governor, Ariyoshi.
• I want to add to the senator's remarks. passing of our our governor, Ariyoshi. passing of our our governor

Bills: SCR56 , SCR79 , SCR85 , SCR120 , SCR129 , SCR181 , SCR63 , SCR112 , SCR194 , SCR195 , SCR196 , HB202 , HB963 , HB1050 , HB1511 , HB1546 , HB1550 , HB1553 , HB1643 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1664 , HB1667 , HB1682 , HB1700 , HB1721 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1878 , HB1969 , HB2005 , HB2078 , HB2152 , HB2246 , HB2270 , HB2279 , HB2289 , HB2385 , HB2417 , HB2429 , HB2503 , HB2599 , SB253 , SB847 , SB1142 , SB1432 , SB2043 , SB2050 , SB2074 , SB2102 , SB2135 , SB2138 , SB2140 , SB2320 , SB2340 , SB2386 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2433 , SB2446 , SB2521 , SB2544 , SB2567 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2595 , SB2601 , SB2645 , SB2673 , SB2706 , SB2727 , SB2802 , SB2852 , SB2892 , SB2929 , SB2972 , SB3007 , SB3069 , SB3073 , SB3076 , SB3136 , SB3138 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3234 , SB3247 , SB3302 , SB3324 , SB3325 , HB1815 , HB2592 , HCR32

Transcript Highlights:

• And then a representative from an NGO appointed by the governor, and then non-voting members from the
• </c><00:17:56.240><c> by</c> that's with uh a chairman appointed by that's with uh a chairman appointed
• by the<00:17:56.720><c> governor.
• And then a representative from an NGO appointed by the governor, and then non-voting members from the
• /c><00:18:39.760><c> then</c><00:18:40.400><c> uh</c> appointed by the governor and then uh appointed

Committee: Joint Ports and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no necessity known to the committees for further deliberation on said appointments.
• The report contains the names of 52 appointees who have been appointed by the Governor to various state
• Who have been appointed by the Governor to various state, regional, and local offices, boards, and commissions
• Next I want to thank the governor.
• And so I'm thankful to the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the governor, any governor, has a lot on his plate, especially today.
• Members of the workers appointed.
• </c> the insurance industry appointed. the insurance industry appointed.
• I move for the passage of all the appointments on the consideration of governor appointments consent
• Those appointments are confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Governor's appointments, file item eight. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Colleges Board of Governors.
• For appointment as a member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.
• He was first appointed in 2020 and serves on the board as a public member.
• There's a $10 million proposal to implement SB 472 from the Governor.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayers and the pledge, and spent much of the early portion of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors from Leadership Torrance, former Assembly Member Hector de la Torre, and several university presidents and academic leaders. The body then moved through routine business, including approval of the Senate journals and reading of several bills on the second reading file, before taking up gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments to the Board of Behavioral Sciences were confirmed: Justin Hufft, Cali Rana Singhe, and Dr. Annette Walker. The Senate also confirmed Villian Corral to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. In each case, the appointing committee recommendation was noted and roll calls were taken, with the confirmations approved by the required vote margins. On third reading, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 140, designating April as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, with supportive remarks from several senators and advocates emphasizing research, awareness, and the lived experience of Parkinson’s disease. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 92, marking California Holocaust Memorial Day, with extensive floor statements from multiple senators on remembrance, education, antisemitism, and the importance of teaching Holocaust history. Finally, the Senate passed Assembly Bill 1389, an urgency measure ratifying a tribal-state gaming compact amendment with the Yurok Tribe; the measure and urgency clause both received unanimous support. The session concluded with committee announcements and several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including honors for coach John Bean, Cynthia Brantley Pierce, and Detective Armando “Mando” Santana. The Pro Tem then announced the next floor session and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> replacing it with co-chairs will appoint replacing it with co-chairs will appoint five<00:53:44.200
• The Authority shall consist of 12 members, 10 of whom shall be appointed and removed by the governor,
• The Authority shall consist of 12 members, 10 of whom shall be appointed and removed by the governor,
• The Authority shall consist of 12 members, 10 of whom shall be appointed and removed by the governor,
• The Authority shall consist of 12 members, 10 of whom shall be appointed and removed by the governor,

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology heard testimony on several measures, with most witnesses either supporting the bills or offering technical concerns and suggested amendments. On SB 338, testimony came from the Department of Taxation, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, and Surpac, and the bill later moved forward with amendments. On SB 558, testimony was largely in support from the Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Local Food Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, which described the measure as supporting rural jobs, food-system development, and use of off-grade agricultural products. ADC requested flexibility for neighbor-island siting and funding allocations, while the committee also discussed whether the bill’s language should be made more general and whether it could raise constitutional concerns about overly specific site designations. The bill was advanced with amendments and a noted appropriation allocation of $350,000. The committee also heard SB 186, which drew support from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Department of Agriculture, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, DED, ADC, AAHU RC&D, and the Hawaii Youth Food Council. Supporters said the measure would improve coordination among agencies on food systems, help address food security and the state’s 30% by 2030 farm-to-school goal, and create a more organized statewide food systems effort. SB 328 received support from the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Farm Bureau, with Farm Bureau describing it as a way to repurpose existing dairy infrastructure to revive hog production and support livestock and farm-to-school goals; the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the measure as a potentially narrow industry incentive that could unfairly benefit a specific taxpayer and said a direct appropriation would be more transparent. SB 89 was described by Hawaii Farm Bureau as a labeling measure intended to protect the integrity of a culturally relevant local product, though the group raised concerns about wording and implementation timing. Later, SB 742 received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaii System, Hawaii KidsCAN, the Hawaii Workforce Funders Collaborative, and the State Commission on the Status of Women. Testifiers said the bill would improve cross-agency data sharing, support workforce and education planning, and create public-facing dashboards; the Commission on the Status of Women asked to be included in the working group or as an advisory member. In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments and advanced SB 338, SB 558, and SB 1186. For SB 1186, the chair’s recommendation added three positions, specified committee-note funding amounts for those positions and operating funds, and revised working-group membership to have co-chairs appoint five members with relevant experience and expertise.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the lieutenant governor makes the Senate appointments, but the speaker makes the House appointments
• The speaker makes the House appointments and the lieutenant governor makes the Senate appointments. >
• . appointment. appointment.
• Who makes the appointment? bill? Who makes the appointment?
• ><c> lieutenant</c><03:10:30.479><c> governor</c> appointments and the lieutenant governor appointments

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber approved routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the day. The Senate also received several House messages referring bills to committee, including local constitutional amendments for Limestone, Blount, and Mobile counties, a human cloning bill, a Fair Campaign Practices Act bill, a public education bill, a court fees bill, and a physician assistance bill. Committee reports were then taken up. The Finance and Taxation General Fund, Confirmations, State Governmental Affairs, County and Municipal Government, Education Policy, Banking and Insurance, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Transportation and Energy, and Local Legislation committees all reported a number of bills favorably, many with amendments or substitutes. Several measures were advanced to the calendar for the next legislative day, and the Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Eileen Meyer and Tiffany Martin to the Alabama Board of Midwifery, Jennifer Ag, Jerry Gross, and Edgar Hower II to the University of West Alabama Board of Trustees, Patricia Sims, Tony Cochran, and Sandy Stimson to the Alabama State Port Authority Board of Directors. The Senate then adopted a special order calendar under Senate Resolution 34, setting the order of business for the 10th legislative day. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 161, the App Store Accountability Act, which was described as a child-protection measure requiring parental permission, age verification by app stores, accurate app age ratings, and limits on minors entering contracts through app downloads. Senators speaking in support said the bill was needed to protect children from harmful online content and preserve parental control, and they discussed an amendment clarifying the meaning of “act” and preserving compliance with other state age-verification laws. The debate was ongoing in the portion provided, and no final vote on HB 161 appears in this excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, members, we have several bills as well as appointments.
• I am honored to be appointed by Governor DeSantis to serve as a commissioner at the Public Service Commission
• He is a new appointment to the Florida Gaming Control Commission. Mr.
• The last appointment brought me to government for the first time. I'm a career entrepreneur.
• I’d like to thank Governor DeSantis for this appointment and Chair Julie Brown for her continued support

Bills: S0468 , S0822 , S1234 , S1260 , S1580 , S1706

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. SB 468 would require veterinarians and veterinary technicians to report suspected animal cruelty to law enforcement or animal control and allow release of patient records in good faith; it was reported favorably with support from animal welfare groups. SB 1706 narrows eligibility for the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to buildings with at least 80% owner-occupied units and residents at or below 80% of area median income, and it also passed favorably. SB 1234 on building permits and inspections was amended extensively to clarify permit exemptions, private-provider rules, and timelines, then reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1260, dealing with building inspections after emergencies, was amended to require state-term contracts for inspection vendors and then passed. SB 822 would require professionally managed community associations above a budget threshold; an amendment raised the threshold to $750,000, added a parcel-count trigger, and allowed direct-hire credentialed managers, after which the bill was reported favorably. SB 1580 would increase penalties for illegal gaming operations, add enforcement tools, and clarify procedures for veterans organizations; after removing a fantasy sports provision, it also passed favorably. The committee also heard from several appointees and reappointees to the Public Service Commission and Florida Gaming Control Commission. Public Service Commission nominees Anna Ortega and Robert Payne were questioned closely about utility hardening projects, ratepayer costs, and the role of the Office of Public Counsel. Gaming Commission reappointee Julie Brown and appointees William Spacola, John DeQuilla, Peter Cutterman, and Tina Rep discussed illegal gaming enforcement, audits, agency operations, and their backgrounds in law, regulation, law enforcement, and public service. Several members raised concerns about contract timing and evidence handling at the Gaming Commission, while others praised the nominees’ experience and service. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 1 through 7. Members then requested favorable placement on the record for specific bills, including SB 468, SB 1234, SB 1260, SB 1580, and SB 1706, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our board is a little different where we are subject to both governor appointment and Senate confirmation
• And is your position appointed by the governor, your position? Yes, sir.
• And I just want to confirm, you were appointed by the governor or by the board? Both. Okay. Yeah.
• Chairman and committee members, it's an appointment process with respect to the governor, but the boards
• I was only governor appointment and hired by my board. Thank you. Okay, thank you so much.

Committees: House Government , House House Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• The governor, the elected secular governor, is asking faith leaders to preach about this on Sunday, a
• There's not even a lieutenant governor to try to reason with.
• who make the appointments.
• And again, the appointing ability is by the president, the speaker, and the governor.
• to appoint in those positions in the office.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer by Rabbi Moshe Umatz, the Pledge of Allegiance led by pages, and several introductions and recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar after a motion to reconsider SB 1080, which was temporarily postponed. Several bills were also set aside during the day, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, and school social workers. The Senate passed a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills. These included funding for expedited DNA testing grants for local law enforcement (SB 1072/HB 847), additional aggravating factors in capital cases involving religious, school, or government gatherings (SB 984/HB 693), fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients (SB 924/HB 677), commuter rail indemnification for Miami-Dade and Broward counties (SB 916/HB 867), restrictions on disposing of migrant vessels in Florida waters (SB 830), specialty license plates including Miami Northwestern and several colleges and institutions (SB 824), an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign (SB 398), relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University (SB 364), charter school changes allowing parent conversion and municipal job-engine charter schools (SB 140), sex offender registration reporting changes (SB 1654/HB 1351), penalties for assaulting utility workers (SB 1386), juvenile justice revisions and truancy process updates (SB 1344), reporting of student mental health outcomes (SB 1310/HB 969), foster home license transfer simplification (SB 1174/HB 989), water access facility funding and boating industry incentives (SB 1162/HB 735), Florida Virtual School operational changes (SB 1122), school readiness program support for children with disabilities (SB 1102), sexual image offenses involving minors (SB 1180/HB 757), age-related defenses in child sex offense cases (SB 1136/HB 777), tampering with electronic monitoring devices (SB 1054/HB 437), certified recovery residences and local zoning accommodations (SB 954), and the FSU Election Law Center (SB 892). Most of these bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though SB 984 and SB 140 drew some opposition. One of the most extensive debates centered on SB 820, codifying the Office of Faith and Community. Senator Polsky offered an amendment to bar political activity by office staff, citing emails and campaign-related communications tied to Amendment 4; the amendment failed on a 13-23 vote. Senators then debated the bill’s relationship to state election law, free speech, and the role of faith-based outreach. Supporters emphasized the office’s service network and reported benefits to children and families, while some senators raised concerns about interfaith representation and political use of government resources. The bill was then read a third time and the Senate proceeded toward a final vote as the transcript ended.