Transcript Highlights:

• congratulating the Crofton High School track team, but I want to give a special shout-out to my sorority
• want to give a special shout-out<00:19:07.080><c> to</c><00:19:07.240><c> my</c><00:19:07.480><c> sorority
• </c><00:19:08.080><c> sister's</c><00:19:08.560><c> son,</c> shout-out to my sorority sister's son, shout-out
• to my sorority sister's son, who<00:19:08.960><c> is</c><00:19:09.159><c> up</c><00:19:09.360><c> there

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of Kentucky hereby recognizes and honors the members and ladies and leaders of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• sorority sorority as<01:28:36.520><c> members</c><01:28:36.920><c> of</c><01:28:37.040><c> this</c><
• , Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, and Iota Phi Theta fraternity
• </c><01:29:52.720><c> has</c><01:29:52.920><c> joined</c><01:29:53.320><c> with</c> Kappa Alpha sorority
• has joined with Kappa Alpha sorority has joined with other<01:29:54.320><c> NPHC</c><01:29:55.120><c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• notice I'm wearing green, and that's because we're here to celebrate the mighty Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority
• And so I rise with a great honor to recognize the incredible legacy of the AKA sorority.
• This sorority, incorporated as the first Greek-letter college organization founded by Black women.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated has remained committed to meeting the needs of our communities
• you, Senator Smallwood Queves, and welcome to the Senate, the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing Fresno State Ag Leadership Development Program students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, including confirmations to the Court Reporters Board and the California Law Revision Commission, each approved by roll call vote. The chamber then considered SCR 136 marking the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, habitat protection, public trails, and resilience, while one senator argued the commission can overrule local control and slow development. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 for Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with broad support focused on survivor advocacy and accountability, and SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, which passed unanimously. Several bills were then approved on unanimous roll call, including SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement, SB 930 on encryption for school exam proctoring, SB 917 on winery sales at farmers’ markets, SB 1002 on continuity of out-of-state telehealth care, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissals, and SB 969 on remote developmental services. Later, SCR 131 called for an urgent, coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness, emphasizing interim shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services. Supporters said the state must stop normalizing encampments and better coordinate resources; one senator objected that the resolution did not sufficiently address self-sufficiency or alternatives to housing-first approaches. The resolution passed 34-0. The Senate also adopted SCR 157 honoring school bus drivers, approved the consent calendar, heard committee announcements, and adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, a conservation advocate and longtime executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Transcript Highlights:

• A resolution recognizing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day at the state capital. Mr.
• President, colleagues, I rise to call Senate Resolution 100 recognizing the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• and acknowledge this as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day in the Kentucky Senate.
• Incorporated who are with Alpha Sorority Incorporated who are with us<01:37:48.080><c> in</c><01:37:
• </c><01:39:24.159><c> Incorporated</c><01:39:25.440><c> who</c> Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated who

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• notice I'm wearing green, and that's because we're here to celebrate the mighty Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority
• And so I rise with great honor to recognize the incredible legacy of the AKA sorority.
• This sorority, incorporated as the first Greek-letter college organization founded by Black women.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated has remained committed to meeting the needs of our communities
• you, Senator Smallwood Quevas, and welcome to the Senate, the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House resolution by Representative Larvanane to commend Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta
• Resolution by Representative Larvanane to commend Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Zeta
• House Resolution 16 by Representative Carpenter to designate Tuesday, April 14, as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

Bills: HR19, HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR28, HR29, HR30, HR31, HR32, HR33, HR34, HR35, HR36, HR37, HR38, HCR15, HCR16, HCR17, HCR18, HB115, HB208, HB465, HB832, HB964, HB965, HB966, HB967, HB968, HB969, HB970, HB971, HB972, HB973, HB974, HB975, HR14, HR15, HR16, HR17, HR18, HCR14, SCR4, SCR7, SCR8, HB362, HB963, HB207, HB300, HB331, HB428, HB464, HB587, HB618, HB629, HB801, HB853, HB891, HB78, HB112, HB148, HB149, HB190, HB221, HB346, HB354, HB355, HB356, HB358, HB384, HB427, HB657, HB675, HB716, HB901

Keywords: HR19, House Resolution 19, Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association Day, LNLA, nursery industry, landscape industry, horticulture, green industry, environmental stewardship, beautification, sustainability, state capitol, special day resolution, commemoration, trade association, wholesale growers, landscape architects, grounds maintenance, interiorscapers, Louisiana agriculture

Summary: The House convened with 97 members present, heard an invocation by Pastor Morris St. Angelo, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then received Senate messages noting concurrence in HCR 8, HCR 9, and HCR 12, and the adoption of SCR 10, which expressed condolences on the death of Dr. Norman Christopher Francis. The House also received an enrollment report confirming several resolutions as properly enrolled. A series of personal privilege recognitions highlighted local and civic observances, including Amite Oyster Festival Day, Opportunity in Action Day at the Capitol, and a visit from international policy fellows. The House introduced numerous resolutions and bills, including measures to designate special days and highways, express condolences, commend individuals and organizations, create or modify local districts, address bail, parole, rural health clinic Medicaid reimbursement, and establish a Department of Public Service. Several committee reports were also received, including transportation and ways and means reports on multiple bills. The House adopted, without objection, several resolutions already lying over, including HR 14, HR 16, HR 18, SCR 4, SCR 7, and SCR 8, while other resolutions and bills were referred or left to lie over. Members also moved to discharge and withdraw certain bills from committee files without objection. The chamber was reminded of upcoming committee meetings, an interim emergency board ballot deadline, and adjourned until 1:00 p.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll allow members from the sorority to come in, interface with members of Annapolis and express
• to</c><00:04:44.320><c> come</c><00:04:44.400><c> in,</c><00:04:44.639><c> interface</c> the the sorority
• to come in, interface the the sorority to come in, interface with<00:04:45.120><c> members</c><00:04
• known to all that the Senate of Maryland offers its sincerest congratulations to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• To the wonderful members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Maryland chapters, we thank you

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tomorrow, January 15th, marks the Founders' Day of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
• Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was the first
• historically Black Greek-lettered sorority.
• To each of you and to all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated celebrating tomorrow, we

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial executive appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities, described as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package. Sponsor Senator Simon outlined provisions creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties facing population loss, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping grant language tied to new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties generally supported the bill, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural areas and how funds would be accessed. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General findings by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance-based business plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including changes to the stabilization fund and documentation requirements. Senators from both parties debated transparency, accountability, and implementation concerns, with some also urging future attention to declining-enrollment school districts and the quality of scholarship providers. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County visitors in the gallery, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, she is a member of the same sorority. Well, she is a member of the same sorority, Dr.
• Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, and I'm also a member, a 28-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met in executive session and first took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1000, which concerns the tourism supplemental revenue fund and how tourism money is collected and distributed. The chair noted prior favorable testimony and no opposition, and the committee voted 11-0 to give the bill a do pass recommendation. In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2213, which would establish U.S. Grant Day in Missouri on April 27, Grant’s birthday. Representative Riggs described Grant’s many Missouri ties and his military and presidential legacy, and members offered supportive comments. No witnesses appeared in opposition, and the hearing closed without a vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1613, sponsored by Senator Mosley, to designate November 24 as Frankie Muse Freeman Day in Missouri. Mosley and supporters emphasized Freeman’s civil rights work, especially in housing discrimination and public service, and noted her Missouri legacy and statue in St. Louis. Witnesses in favor spoke about her impact and the importance of remembering civil rights history; there was no opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3216, which would designate May 10 as Missouri River Runner Day to raise awareness of Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner route. Representative Wilson highlighted the route’s role connecting St. Louis, Jefferson City, and Kansas City, including its potential value for travel around major events. An informational witness discussed the route’s tourism and transportation benefits, and the hearing concluded with no opposition and no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, she is a member of the same sorority.
• Well, she is a member of the same sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and we will be doing something special
• I'm also a 28-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tomorrow, January 15th, marks the Founders' Day of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
• Founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was the first
• historically Black Greek-lettered sorority.
• To each of you and to all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated celebrating tomorrow, we

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, doctor-of-the-day introduction, and several recognitions, including a Founders’ Day tribute to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a welcome to a nationally ranked student debater in the gallery. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 gubernatorial executive appointments; after explanation by the Ethics and Elections chair, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program, housing and transportation investments, education funding, and rural health care improvements. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health-care provisions in light of new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding amounts. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing the bill’s focus on rural infrastructure, health care access, and local flexibility. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates explained that the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, tightening enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees, requiring student identification numbers, improving reimbursement processes, and directing the Department of Education to develop a business plan for scholarship funding organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision from the bill, with that issue expected to move elsewhere. Senators discussed transparency, accountability, and protections against overpayments and unverified enrollments, while also noting the need to preserve support for school districts. The bill passed 38-0. After both bills passed, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and scheduled a group photograph for the following Thursday before adjourning until January 22 or upon the President’s call.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is no different than my sorority, which goes through the license plate oversight committee, but you
• It is no different than my sorority, which goes through the license plate oversight committee, but you
• It is no different than my sorority, which goes through the license plate oversight committee, but you
• Different than my sorority, which goes through the license plate oversight committee.
• , I didn't know that with my sorority, I didn't know that<00:42:58.480><c> process.

Bills: SB57, SB155, HB39, HB77, HB104, SB57, SB155, HB39, HB77, HB104

Keywords: property, acknowledgment, conveyance, business entities, limited liability companies, state employees, payroll deduction, salary deduction, comptroller, membership association, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, deferred compensation, state payroll, employee benefits, association dues, withholding, Alabama Code 36-1-4.3

Transcript Highlights:

• She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a guest of Representative Mlan, questionable.
• And whereas Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was successfully incorporated on January 29, 1913.
• ,</c><00:29:08.880><c> an</c> Whereas Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, an Whereas Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• And whereas today we welcome the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Dr.
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day at the capital<00:32:27.440><c>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This sorority stands on scholarship, sisterhood, and service to the lives of women and children.
• Today we have standing, uh, my colleagues, could please stand, who remember the sorority?
• </c> who remember the sorority? who remember the sorority? Thank<00:08:36.760><c> you.
• So we stand on the shoulders of County Executive Braveboy and her leadership in the sorority.
• </c> spreading the word for all our sorority spreading the word for all our sorority members<00:09:37.480

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 124 members present, offered a prayer, and recognized foster youth visiting the chamber. Members then adopted two House resolutions honoring Dr. Sonja Santelises for 10 years as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools and recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for 104 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The House also received Senate bills and began taking up committee reports. Several bills were reported favorably and advanced to third reading, including measures on higher education grants, public safety pay restrictions, retirement and pension system work group extensions and cost-of-living adjustments, synthetic turf and aquaculture studies, rail crew requirements, Howard County speed limits, election address confidentiality, IT investment fund uses, ethics financial disclosures, Public Information Act divorce records, aging-in-place grants, judicial assignments, clerk and register salaries, and firearm literature distribution. House Bill 428, concerning temporary assignment of former judges, was special ordered until the next day after the minority whip requested time for an amendment. The chamber also considered and adopted amendments on several bills. House Bill 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, was amended to exempt the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project and then special ordered after questions about greenhouse gas impacts on major highway expansion projects. House Bill 457 on menstrual hygiene products at higher education institutions, House Bill 538 on student enrollment disclosures, House Bill 561 on child care credential funding, House Bill 720 on a veterans scholarship, and House Bill 212 on out-of-state vehicle registration all received amendments and favorable reports as amended. HB 212 drew extended debate about Maryland residents using out-of-state tags, with supporters saying it would help enforce registration laws and opponents raising concerns about legislative вмешательство in vehicle regulation and enforcement discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. Y'all give a hand for us, please.
• the only Zeta, but we also have our clerk, Miss Felicia Brown, who's a member of our illustrious sorority

Keywords: MS House Floor - 16 January, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky for undergrad where I um was really highly persuaded to join Alpha Delta Pi, which is a sorority
• Kentucky for undergrad where I um was really highly persuaded to join Alpha Delta Pi, which is a sorority
• Kentucky for undergrad where I um was really highly persuaded to join Alpha Delta Pi, which is a sorority
• Kentucky for undergrad where I um was really highly persuaded to join Alpha Delta Pi, which is a sorority
• Undergrad, where I was really highly persuaded to join Alpha Delta Pi, which is a sorority that serves

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met in person, approved the July 15 minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Matthew Holder and Dr. Henry Hood of the Lee Specialty Clinic in Louisville. The clinic serves people with complex intellectual and developmental disabilities through a transdisciplinary model that combines medical, dental, behavioral, psychiatric, therapy, and other services under one roof. The presenters argued that this population is large-cost but small in number, often receives little provider training, and is vulnerable to diagnostic overshadowing, overmedication, and missed medical or dental problems. The clinic reported that in Tennessee, payer data showed average costs of about $5,200 per member per month before clinic involvement, with a 44% reduction in overall health care spending after patients were seen, including lower emergency room use, inpatient admissions, and prescription use. They said those savings were measured by the payer, not the clinic, and that the savings accrued to Medicaid or managed care payers rather than the clinic itself. They also shared a case example of a patient who had been placed on hospice but improved after diagnosis and treatment at the clinic. Patient and parent satisfaction were described as very high, generally above 95%. The clinic asked for roughly $5 million to expand into Northern Kentucky, estimating 500 to 700 patients would use the new site and projecting annual savings of about $13 million to $19 million once mature. Members asked about the budget, startup and operating costs, where the savings go, and whether the clinic had considered taking full risk or another value-based model. Senator Meredith and others encouraged the clinic to explore an accountable care or risk-based arrangement, while the presenters said they were open to that discussion but had not pursued it yet. The exchange ended with follow-up questions about the clinic’s overall budget structure and public-private funding mix.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 43: recognize Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
• 00:25:56.559><c> Alpha</c><00:25:56.960><c> Cappa</c><00:25:57.279><c> Alpha</c><00:25:57.600><c> Sorority
• </c> 43 recognize Alpha Cappa Alpha Sorority 43 recognize Alpha Cappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.<00

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 17 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I would like to ask the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated to please stand
• And I would be remiss if I didn't say that she's also a civil life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• And I would be remiss if I didn't say that she's also a civil life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• recognize the mayor of the city of Lauderdale Lakes, who is a 50-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 620, which would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any citizenship in countries other than the United States. The bill was presented as a transparency measure, with one opponent waiving time, and it was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote. The committee then heard SB 1396 on litigation financing consumer protection. Supporters from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, and U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform argued the bill would add transparency, limit funder control, and require disclosure of foreign entities involved in litigation funding. Opponents, including the Florida Justice Association, argued the bill would create strategic advantages for defendants and could affect discovery and settlement dynamics. The bill passed 7-2. The committee also approved SB 192, removing a $1,500 cap on patient funds chiropractors may hold in trust; SB 888, limiting indemnity and insurance requirements in design-professional contracts; CS/SB 332, creating a temporary closed-meeting exemption for pre-suit Burt Harris litigation strategy discussions; SB 820, requiring quarterly reporting on problem-solving courts; SB 1500, updating uncontested probate procedures; SB 1224, making fraudulent entry into rental dwellings a third-degree felony; and SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest rates on law firm trust accounts. Each of these bills was reported favorably, with broad support and little or no opposition. The committee also advanced CS/SB 694, which would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four. Senator Bracey Davis described the bill as a final step in addressing the wrongful convictions, deaths, and long-term harm suffered by Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas. Family members and advocacy groups testified in support, urging the state to complete its acknowledgment of wrongdoing with monetary compensation. An amendment was adopted to divide any appropriation equally among the four families. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, SB 144 creating a public records exemption for personal information of Judicial Qualifications Commission employees and their families was approved 9-1. Several members also requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I would like to ask the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated to please stand
• , and I would be remiss if I didn't say that she's also a civil life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• , and I would be remiss if I didn't say that she's also a civil life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• recognize the mayor of the city of Lauderdale Lakes, who is a 50-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and advanced a series of bills on candidate disclosure, litigation financing, professional liability, public meetings, problem-solving courts, probate, wrongful conviction compensation, public records, and housing fraud. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any citizenship in countries other than the United States; it drew one waived-in opposition from Common Cause and was reported favorably 8-0. Senate Bill 1396, by Vice Chair Burton, would regulate litigation financing, including limits on funders’ recovery, restrictions on funder control, and disclosure of foreign entities involved; it received support from several business and tort-reform groups, opposition from the Florida Justice Association, and was reported favorably 7-2 after questions about the purpose and scope of the disclosures. Senator Martin’s bills also moved forward. SB 192 would remove the $1,500 cap on patient funds chiropractic physicians may hold in trust for prepaid services; it was supported by the Florida Chiropractic Society and reported favorably 7-0. SB 888 would extend to private contracts the current limits on indemnity and insurance requirements for architects, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects, and it was reported favorably 7-0 after testimony from engineering and design professionals. Senator Bradley’s CS for SB 332, as amended, would create a narrow public meetings/public records exemption for pre-suit Burt Harris litigation strategy discussions by local governments; it was adopted and reported favorably 7-0. SB 820 would require quarterly reporting on problem-solving courts, including participant counts, offenses, completion, failure, and recidivism data, and it was reported favorably 10-0. SB 1500 would update uncontested probate procedures, raise certain small-estate thresholds, clarify safe-deposit-box authority, and strengthen enforcement provisions; it was reported favorably 10-0. The committee also advanced several other measures. CS for SB 694, by Senator Bracey Davis, would compensate the descendants of the Groveland Four; it was amended to divide any appropriation equally among the four family branches, received extensive emotional testimony in support, and was reported favorably 10-0. SB 144 would create a public records exemption for personal information of Judicial Qualifications Commission employees and their families due to harassment concerns, and it was reported favorably 9-1. CS for SB 1224, as amended, would make fraudulent entry into a rental dwelling a third-degree felony when done through false statements, counterfeit documents, or impersonation; it was supported by Florida Realtors and the Florida Apartment Association and reported favorably 10-0. SB 1000 would set a floor and ceiling for interest rates on law firm trust accounts tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate, and it was reported favorably 10-0 after stakeholder compromise. The committee also took up SB 532 only to temporarily postpone it, and at the end members recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Member: So what illustrious sorority are you a member of? I... Rep.
• Simmons: I am a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Member: Thank you, Soror.
• Member: Thank you, Soror. I move passage. Speaker: Please.