Video & Transcript Research : 'Joseph Stalin'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 46 Apr 23rd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There's an incredible moment when Joseph, who had been sold by his own brothers as a slave, rises to
- But then, seeing a caravan of travelers coming near, the brothers determined it better to sell Joseph
- Joseph has the opportunity to revenge his wrongful treatment. But instead, he forgives.
- How did Joseph forgive and bless those who caused him such great pain?
- This is how Joseph would endure. He learned it from his father.
Keywords:
4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Joseph: Here. Rep. Koster: Here. Rep. Lopez: Here. Rep. Maney: Here. Rep. Plakon: Here. Rep.
- Representative Joseph. Rep. Joseph: Thank you Mr. Chair.
- Chair Brannan: Representative Joseph? Rep. Joseph: Thank you Mr. Chair.
- Joseph?
- Thank you Representative Joseph for raising them. Here's what I would say, folks.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 09:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Joseph: Here. Rep. Kendall: Here. Rep. Nix: Good morning, I'm here. Rep. Oliver: Here. Rep.
- Representative Joseph, you are recognized for a question. Rep. Joseph: Thank you.
- Joseph: Where would we find a definition of arbitrary and unreasonable?
- Chair Koster: Representative Joseph, you are recognized for a question. Rep.
- Joseph: Thank you Madam Chair.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 27, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Joseph. Here. King-Carr Johnson. Here. Snyder. Here. Steele? Here. Tremont?
- Representative Joseph, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Representative Joseph, you're recognized. Thank you.
- Representative Joseph, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Representative Joseph, you're recognized.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hamrik Hamrik Hamrik Hartsuk Jackson, Joseph. Representative Joseph is excused. Kelty.
- Representative Representative Joseph and Representative Representative Joseph and Representative
- give her a big hearty hand. >> Representative Joseph.
- Representatives Brown, Carter, English, Joseph, and Ricks are excused.
- Joseph, and Ricks are excused. Joseph, and Ricks are excused.
Summary:
The House convened, took roll, and approved the journal of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as corrected. Members then made several announcements, including committee meeting notices, a Colorado Farm Bureau burger bash, recognition of Nurses Week, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and a commendation honoring former legislator Dorothy Rupert for her public service and advocacy. The chamber also heard a report that Rep. Flynnel had helped save a life by calling 911 when she witnessed a medical emergency near the Capitol.
Committee reports were received from Appropriations and Business Affairs and Labor, and the majority leader moved a slate of bills to special order for May 7. The House then proceeded to special orders and considered House Bill 1433, which would allow the firefighter behavioral health trust to receive gifts, grants, and donations to sustain services for firefighters dealing with trauma. Supporters described the program as essential for first responders, and the bill passed.
The chamber next considered House Bill 1429 on consolidating administration of public assistance programs. Supporters said it would stabilize the safety net, reduce error rates, and create a transition plan involving counties, state departments, and frontline workers; the appropriations report and the bill both passed. House Bill 1416, which transfers money from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund to support small businesses and the Colorado Small Business Development Center, also passed as amended after debate over the use of the scholarship fund and its prior implementation challenges. Opponents argued the money should remain with students, while supporters said the fund had already distributed most of its original allocation and the transfer would help small businesses without creating a new program.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 120 May 14th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Joseph, Joseph, Joseph. Ricks, Ricks, Ricks. Rydin, Rydin, Rydin. Serota, Serota, Serota.
- , Joseph, Joseph, Ricks.
- Representative Joseph, how do you vote? Yes. Representative Joseph votes yes.
- Representative Joseph, proceed to vote. Representative Joseph, how do you vote?
- "Representative Joseph, how do you vote?" "Yes." Representative Joseph votes yes.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the great question, Representative Joseph. I appreciate that.
- Ranking Member Joseph, you have “Stick to the policy” in our questions.
- Ranking Member Joseph, you have another question? Thank you.
- Joseph, that’s a legislative question. No, okay.
- Thank you, Member Joseph. Any other questions?
Summary:
The committee received an informational presentation from the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC/JAPSI) staff and Chair Representative Overdorf on how Florida administrative rulemaking is reviewed. Mr. Plant explained that JAPC is a joint legislative oversight committee that monitors agency rules under Chapter 120, focusing on whether rules stay within statutory authority, whether agencies are acting consistently with legislative intent, and how the rulemaking process works. He emphasized that agencies are creatures of statute, that rulemaking authority must be specific enough to support the rule, and that without a date certain in statute, agencies may delay rulemaking indefinitely. Members asked about how to ensure agencies actually adopt rules, how to identify rules that exceed legislative intent, and how JAPC handles internal policies and delayed rulemaking.
Representative Overdorf then described JAPC’s objection process and its limits. He said the committee does not approve or disapprove rules or direct agencies to adopt them, but it can object to proposed or existing rules that enlarge, modify, or contravene enabling statutes or fail to comply with Chapter 120. He noted that if an agency does not resolve an objection, a footnote is published in the Florida Administrative Code and the committee may recommend legislation to amend, suspend, or repeal the rule. He also discussed recent committee activity, including 1,355 proposed rules, 119 emergency rules, and 1,243 incorporated materials reviewed in 2024, and said the committee filed 31 objections against one agency after repeated noncompliance.
The discussion also touched on possible changes to Chapter 120, including the governor’s 2019 request that agencies include five-year sunset provisions in rules, and a proposal to instead require periodic legislative review rather than automatic expiration. Overdorf also said the committee is considering raising the current statement of estimated regulatory costs thresholds of $200,000 annually or $1 million over five years because inflation has made those limits too low. No votes were taken on legislation, and the meeting ended with adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Rep.
- REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Rep. Joseph: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR.
- Joseph: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR.
- Joseph: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR. ONLY THE ONES YOU ARE AWARE OF.
- Joseph: YES. >> Rep. Kincart Jonsson: YES. >> Rep. Snyder: YES. >> Rep.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Joseph: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I have... Representative Joseph: Thank you, Mr.
- Representative Joseph: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph, do you have another question? Representative Joseph: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Summary:
The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage.
Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed.
The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Joseph: TO PIGGYBACK OFF OF ONE OF REP.
- >>Chair Anderson: REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH YOUR RECOGNIZED. >>Rep. Joseph: THANK YOU MR. CHAIR.
- Joseph: FOLLOW-UP MR. CHAIR. >>Chair Anderson: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >>Rep.
- REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >>Rep.
- Joseph: YES, FOLLOW-UP QUESTION. >>Chair Anderson: YOUR RECOGNIZED. >>Rep.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 26 (2-12-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Whereas Joseph Harden McFarland was in the U.S.
- Whereas Joseph Harden of 94 years.
- 00.079>
the <01:08:00.319>shoe Joseph Harden McFarland started the shoe Joseph Harden McFarland - And whereas Joseph on a regular basis.
- <01:08:42.319>
Harden Whereas the passing of Joseph Harden Whereas the passing of Joseph Harden
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber approved the journal, received committee reports, and heard the House message transmitting House Bills 44, 66, 305, 313, 432, and House Joint Resolution 25 for concurrence. New Senate measures were also introduced, including bills on virtual currency kiosks, chronic pain treatments, kindergarten readiness child care incentives, municipal financial reporting, and a highway designation.
The floor then took up several bills. Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustment, was explained as giving the Public Service Commission authority to spread fuel adjustment surcharges over time to reduce spikes in electric bills; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 160, relating to child care centers and an emergency clause, was described as limiting license revocation or suspension to serious violations and adding oversight for new centers; a floor amendment adding the cabinet’s designee to weekly support contacts was adopted, and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 158, concerning vehicle financial protection products, was presented as codifying consumer protections and regulatory standards for gap-type products; it passed 37-0.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 155 on animal health emergencies, which would allow the agriculture commissioner, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to respond more quickly to livestock and poultry emergencies and suspend certain requirements to expedite feed and medicine delivery. Senate Bill 153, addressing harmful and fraudulent practices, was amended and passed 38-0; it codifies fraud-investigation practices, creates a post-disaster contractor registry, and restricts door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 145, updating Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules for caterer licenses, passed 35-1, and Senate Bill 118, relating to credit personal property insurance, passed without dissent after a technical committee substitute clarified that gap waivers are excluded and aligned filing rules with existing law. The transcript ends as the chamber moves on to Senate Bill 45 on agritourism, with explanation beginning but no final action shown in the excerpt.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-04-29 (9:30AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Joseph. Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Joseph. Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- I yield to rep Joseph. Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, Ranking Member Joseph, please. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Ranking Member Joseph, you're recognized. All right.
- Joseph? Yeah, yeah.
- Ranking Member Joseph in debate. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Ranking Member Joseph. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote.
The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously.
In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Ranking Member Joseph, here.
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Madam Chair. I wanted to commend you for your...
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Joseph, anything else? A little stronger passion for what I'm doing up here today. Rep.
- Joseph. Members, any other questions? Okay, seen none. There are no amendments.
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider three proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, each aimed at preserving a public records exemption that would otherwise repeal on October 2. PCB GOS 25-01, presented by Rep. Nix, would keep confidential property photos and personal identifying information tied to applicants or participants in housing assistance programs used for disaster recovery after a presidentially declared disaster. Members discussed the need to prevent fraud and protect distressed property owners from being targeted after disasters. The bill was reported favorably.
PCB GOS 25-03, presented by Rep. Sapp, would preserve the exemption for certain sensitive business information submitted to the Office of Financial Regulation for the Financial Technology Sandbox. Supporters said the confidentiality is necessary to encourage companies to submit proprietary information and participate in the program. The bill was also reported favorably.
PCB GOS 25-02, presented by Rep. Weinberger on behalf of Rep. Basabe, would continue the exemption for site-specific location information concerning endangered or threatened species. Members noted the importance of protecting Florida’s unique ecosystem and preventing poaching of both animals and rare plants. This bill was likewise reported favorably. Each bill received no amendments or public testimony, and the meeting adjourned after all three were approved.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Miranda, to the rostrum, who has some guests, the family of Lenz Arthur Joseph.
- Miranda, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in the memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph.
- Miranda, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in the memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph.
- Joseph.
- It asks for a moment of silence in memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph.
Summary:
The Senate began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph, a five-year-old Hyde Park child whose death was described as a tragic loss to his family, school, and community. Senators offered condolences and a moment of silence was observed. The chamber also recognized several guests, including students and scholarship recipients from the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship Program and visitors from River Valley Charter School and Fall River’s Green School.
The main legislative business was Senate 2521, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing about $189 million for early education and care providers so they could receive June child care financial assistance payments. The minority leader questioned why the deficiency had arisen so late in the fiscal year and asked about preventing similar shortfalls. The Ways and Means chair responded that the bill was time-sensitive, that such supplemental appropriations are common for caseload-driven accounts, and that the House had already passed the measure. He also reported that FY25 revenues were about $1.1 billion above benchmark, though most of that was restricted Fair Share revenue or excess capital gains.
The Senate took a roll-call vote on engrossment, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 39-0. The Senate then agreed to a conference committee on the FY26 budget bill, House 4001, after insisting on its amendment. It also adopted resolutions recognizing the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship and the Concord-Nani sister-city anniversary. The chamber suspended rules to advance a petition to ban DEHP in IV bags and tubing, and it agreed to a House referral change for Senate 2522, a health care petitions bill, sending it to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble and passed Senate 2521 to be enacted before adjourning to meet again the following Monday in memory of Lenz Arthur Joseph.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 19, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Joseph? Here. King Card Johnson? Here. Snyder? Here. Steele? Here. Tramont? Here.
- Representative Joseph, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for your bill.
- Representative Joseph, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Representative Joseph, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Joseph? Yes. Kencart Johnson? Yes. Snyder? Yes. Steel? Yes. Tremont? Yes. Chair Anderson?
Summary:
The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered five bills. HB 1101 on out-of-network providers drew the most discussion; Rep. Albert said it would require written notice when a patient is referred to an out-of-network provider and would count certain insurer payments toward deductibles. Several members and the Florida College of Emergency Physicians raised concerns about placing the burden on doctors’ offices, possible delays in referrals, and unclear enforcement, but the bill was reported favorably 16-2. Public testimony included support from AARP and concerns from emergency physicians about ER workflow and insurance-network transparency.
The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 475, reducing fines for ambulatory surgery centers that violate good-faith estimate requirements from $1,000 to $250 per day, with a lower maximum penalty. The bill sponsor said the change was intended to right-size penalties for smaller facilities; witnesses from surgery centers and HCA supported it. HB 797, which would allow a nonprofit retirement community serving veterans and spouses to create veteran-and-spouse nursing home beds and transfer a certificate of need within 100 miles, also passed unanimously after members discussed whether it could affect access for veterans; the sponsor said it would create additional private beds rather than displace existing ones.
HB 1085 on the Children’s Medical Services Program was amended and reported favorably 14-3. The bill would move managed care plan operations for medically fragile children from the Department of Health to AHCA, keep clinical eligibility at DOH, and shift PPEC services fully into managed care. The adopted amendment changed the waiver provision to require AHCA to develop and present a comprehensive redesign plan for the Medicaid model waiver for children receiving private duty nursing. Several members supported the goal but raised concerns about eliminating family choice and the impact on medically fragile children.
Finally, HB 1353 on home health care services passed unanimously. The bill would remove geographic limits on home health administrators, allow more licensed RNs including contract RNs to perform visits, and revise the home health excellence award program. Supporters said it would address workforce shortages and improve access, while one member warned it could increase costs and competition for nurses. The committee adjourned after reporting all five bills favorably.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Joseph Mario Machiavelli? Thank you. The Senate adjourns today in memory of Mr.
- Joseph Mario Machiavelli.
- He was a loving grandfather to Joseph, Samantha, PJ, Janelle, Olivia, and Molina.
- Joseph Mario Machiavelli. Senator from Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr.
- Joseph Mario Machiavelli, to meet again on Thursday next at 11 a.m.
Summary:
The Senate convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. A motion was then offered to adjourn in memory of Joseph Mario Machiavelli, with a tribute describing his life, military service in Italy, immigration to the United States, marriage to Carmela, and the family bakery business that became a South Boston landmark. The Senate approved the motion and observed a moment of silence in his memory.
Following the memorial, the Senate adopted the motion to adjourn. The chamber then stood adjourned in memory of Mr. Machiavelli, with the next meeting scheduled for Thursday at 11:00 a.m.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
House in Special Session D Apr 29th, 2026
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Gant, I yield to Representative Joseph. Representative Joseph, thank you, Mr.
- I yield to rep Joseph. Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Mark Weissman and local officials Donna Lou Fiala and Eric C. Brecknitz, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members approved the journal and adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report setting the calendar and debate times for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1D, establishing Florida’s congressional districts, as the main item on the special order calendar.
During questioning and debate on HB 1D, sponsors and opponents focused heavily on the map’s process and legality. Supporters argued the plan was based on a viable legal theory, used the 2020 census data as required, and was within the Legislature’s discretion to consider mid-cycle redistricting. Opponents repeatedly argued the map was drawn by the governor’s office using partisan data, without meaningful legislative or public input, and that it violated the Fair Districts Amendment by favoring a party, splitting more counties and municipalities, and reducing compactness. Several members also raised concerns about taxpayer costs, the absence of a new census or court order, and the Legislature’s role versus the governor’s office.
After structured debate, the House voted on final passage of HB 1D and passed it 83-28. A motion to recess for two hours to consider a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision failed. Following passage of the redistricting bill, the House adopted a motion to adjourn sine die, ending the session.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Joseph. Thank you. GAA budget for pre-K-12. Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr.
- Representative Joseph. Okay, thank you.
- Representative Joseph. Okay, thank you.
- I yield to Representative Joseph. Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- I yield to Representative Joseph. Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I have... Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr.
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph, do you have another question? Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Representative Joseph: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1.
The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7.
HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.