Transcript Highlights:

• In Arizona, through a statewide chamber of commerce or statewide business league and outlines requirements
• . through a statewide chamber of commerce or statewide business league and outlines requirements for
• Courtney Coolidge with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here in strong support of this bill
• cheap insurance policies and expands them so that others can use them, specifically chambers of commerce
• described in law, to say this especially works for this kind of organization called a chamber of commerce

Bills: HB2089, HB2090, HB2092, HB2120, HB2138, HB2173, HB2273, HB2693, HB2786

Keywords: retirement benefits, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Among many other committees, she has served as a member of Business and Commerce, Finance, State of the
• The Allen Fairview Chamber of Commerce has close to... 600 members, helps connect businesses with networking
• Chamber of Commerce, Tonya Walker, the Commerce Board Chair, Lynn Witcher, the Allen Fairview Chamber
• ... of Commerce Board Chair-Elect, Shamim Khan, the Business Advocacy Chair, and Kyle.
• My colleagues and I— from the North Texas region are proud to welcome the MetroCrest Chamber of Commerce

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have her here, and joining her on the floor is Aurora LaDuvez with the French American Chamber of Commerce
• Also contributing greatly to the city's success is the Plano Chamber of Commerce. of Commerce, which
• Members, the City of Plano the Plano Chamber of Commerce, the Plano Independent School District, are
• Chamber of Commerce.
• She was a volunteer for many Chamber of Commerce events, Habitat for Humanity, and raised money for leukemia

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• segment of our commerce to the states<02:11:16.640> around<02:11:17.080> us.
• <02:12:27.760> I<02:12:28.160> I this area of commerce in our state.
• I I this area of commerce in our state.
• Uh, the sucking commerce from our state.
• <02:13:28.160> and of Minnesota as we send the commerce and of Minnesota as we send the commerce

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thresholds of THC, causing questions about the legality of hemp and hemp products and interstate commerce
• thresholds of THC, causing questions about the legality of hemp and hemp products and interstate commerce
• This section does not include any product that is not lawful in interstate commerce.
• <00:37:26.080> of<00:37:26.200> hemp<00:37:26.440> is if interstate commerce
• of hemp is if interstate commerce of hemp is allowed<00:37:27.000> at<00:37:27.080> the

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate Bill 323, suspending the rules to consider it immediately. The bill was described as a broad agricultural measure with committee amendments and fiscal implications, and it was reported favorably by the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee, Ways and Means, and Appropriations. Members outlined sections dealing with milk market corrections, farm-to-school language, repeal of the obsolete pest control compact, pesticide applicator licensing changes, seed law updates, the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program, hemp regulation, and CAFO-related provisions. The Agriculture committee reported the bill out 7-0-1, and the effective date was described as July 1, 2026, except for the hemp provisions, which would take effect upon passage. Much of the discussion focused on the hemp sections. Supporters said the bill updates Vermont law to reflect federal changes and shifts hemp oversight from the Agency of Agriculture to the Cannabis Control Board. The hemp provisions would create registration and licensing requirements for hemp producers, processors, and certain hemp products; set fees; authorize testing, inspections, stop-sale orders, and administrative penalties; and allow rulemaking on product standards, labeling, insurance, additives, and age restrictions. Speakers said the changes were intended to help Vermont’s hemp industry maintain access to banking, insurance, and interstate commerce while improving consumer safety and regulatory clarity. Other agricultural provisions were also explained in detail. The bill would clarify milk producer hearing rights, update farm-to-school grant/contract language, remove outdated pest-control compact language, and adjust pesticide applicator exam and fee rules, including removing the limit on retakes and eliminating certain government applicator fees. It would also modernize seed labeling and definitions, transfer the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program into a new statutory structure under VEDA, and make conforming cross-reference changes in tax and cannabis fund statutes. The final sections would add a CAFO permit working group and require consultant training for state agencies on CAFO inspections, with those provisions contingent on future funding. Ways and Means noted the bill’s fee changes could affect state revenues, including an estimated hemp-related impact of roughly $10,000 to $90,000, though the exact effect was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• I-76 is a huge commerce road interstate for the state of Colorado.
• I76 is<00:47:46.240> a<00:47:46.480> huge<00:47:46.960> commerce<00:47:47.520>
• for is a huge commerce road interstate for the<00:47:49.599> state<00:47:49.760> of<00
• This area of the state feeds the world and they provide for the commerce and for a 47 billion dollar
• ,<00:51:25.839> the<00:51:26.720> hopefully commerce, the hopefully commerce, the hopefully

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the February 13, 2026 journal, and then took up several resolutions and bills. Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026 as Colorado FFA Day, was laid over until that date. On the consent calendar, Senate Bill 74, concerning the penalty for claiming an excessive amount in a public construction performance bond dispute, passed third reading unanimously, 30-0. The chamber then passed Senate Bill 16, which prohibits the discharge of pre-production plastic materials, on third reading and final passage by a vote of 19-11. Senate Bill 34, expanding participation by members of the AARIA Board of Directors advisory committees, also passed 19-11. On second reading, the Committee of the Whole considered Senate Bill 11, dealing with search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms, and Senate Bill 76, concerning the practice of certified public accountants; the committee adopted the report, with SB 11 amended and SB 76 passed and ordered engrossed. The general order calendar was then laid over until February 18, 2026. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Resolution 001, which urges CDOT to prioritize road improvement projects in Morgan County. Supporters argued that Morgan County’s state highways are in poor condition, citing assessments showing 70% of the county’s highway miles have low drivability life and stressing the importance of safe roads for agriculture and commerce. Opponents said the resolution resembled a district-specific funding request and argued transportation dollars should be allocated through existing statewide and regional processes rather than by legislative resolution. Despite the debate, the discussion centered on the broader need to improve road maintenance and transportation safety across rural Colorado.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] Welcome to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, March 27, 2025.
• of Commerce to assist unit<00:02:55.720> owners<00:02:56.080> in<00:02:56.280> enforcing
• It's an Ombudsman created within the Department of Commerce to assist unit owners in enforcing their
• <00:12:48.360> I database at the Department of Commerce I database at the Department of Commerce
• This takes a slightly different approach by going through the Department of Commerce.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is being referred to the Committee on Commerce, Finance, and Policy.
• 00:05:07.440> the<00:05:07.600> committee<00:05:07.919> on<00:05:08.800> commerce
• ,<00:05:09.360> finance, to the committee on commerce, finance, to the committee on commerce

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that repeal of the new employment tax credit relates to a program that’s operated by the Arizona Commerce
• repeal of the new employment tax credit this relates to a program that's operated by the Arizona Commerce
• Then, members, on line 12, you'll see an issue related to the Arizona Commerce Authority Competes Fund
• Competes Fund: a couple years ago, there was a lot of legislative discussion about the extension of the Commerce
• A couple years ago, there was a lot of legislative discussion about the extension of the Commerce Authority

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that repeal of the new employment tax credit relates to a program that’s operated by the Arizona Commerce
• repeal of the new employment tax credit this relates to a program that's operated by the Arizona Commerce
• Then, members, on line 12, you'll see an issue related to the Arizona Commerce Authority Competes Fund
• Competes Fund: a couple years ago, there was a lot of legislative discussion about the extension of the Commerce
• A couple years ago, there was a lot of legislative discussion about the extension of the Commerce Authority

Summary: The meeting began with a JLBC presentation on the state budget proposal. Staff reviewed revenue changes from the April forecast, which lowered expected growth slightly, and then walked through major tax policy provisions. Those included full conformity with HR1 for the current tax year, a shift to the provisions of SB 1106 for future tax years, new deductions for retirement/pension distributions and Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent credit, and a child and dependent care subtraction. Staff said the tax changes had an overall fiscal impact of about $1.4 billion over four years. They also described offsets from repealing several tax credits and exemptions, including solar-related tax breaks, a renewable energy production credit, a new employment tax credit, a refundable R&D credit for smaller employers, and a pollution-control device credit, totaling about $75 million in added revenue. Another budget item would redirect Arizona Commerce Authority Competes Fund lottery distributions to the general fund. Members asked questions about the budget’s effect on ACCESS eligibility checks, state employee health insurance funding, and cuts to one-time funding for area agencies on aging and Alzheimer’s programs. The committee then moved to caucus items on several bills. HB 2249, as amended by the Senate, would expand the parents’ bill of rights to include access to a child’s complete educational record and notice if school staff facilitate social transitioning, and would require investigation of prior violations; the sponsor concurred with the amendment. HB 2035 would require DCS and courts to identify and consider extended family for kinship foster care placement, with Senate changes shortening a reporting deadline and adding adopted family members to the definition. HB 2170 would bar state contracts for electronic or IT goods with PRC-controlled companies, with a certification requirement added in the Senate. HB 2573 would remove a waiting period for ignition interlock restricted licenses after DUI revocation and adjust psychotherapy language. HB 2415 on kratom would classify synthetic kratom as a narcotic drug and add advertising, packaging, and retail restrictions, but the sponsor intended to refuse the Senate changes. HB 2873 would let local petition sponsors withdraw municipal referendum petitions retroactively, which members noted could affect the Marana data center petition effort. The final bill discussed, SB 1798, would create a Financial Aid Awareness Program in the Department of Education to recognize schools that support FAFSA completion. Members questioned whether the department would need additional staff or resources, but no fiscal note had been provided. The meeting ended with recognition of interns and a brief photo opportunity before the caucus moved into closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us from Chambers Week, uh, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is celebrating its annual Chambers
• Joining us from Chambers Week, uh, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is celebrating its annual Chambers
• If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, if you could kindly please stand as I introduce
• If you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, if you could kindly please stand as I introduce
• Mahalo to the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii for bringing these talented students to advocate on such

Bills: SB2042, SB2892, SB1163, SB2076, SB2116, SB2122, SB99, SB2088, SB2114, SB2117, SB2118, SB2245, SB2386, SB2079, SB2043, SB2155, SB2268, SB2932, SB3240

Keywords: feral chickens, chickens, animal control, humane disposition, wildlife management, Honolulu, City and County of Honolulu, appropriation, general funds, fiscal year 2026-2027, urban wildlife, poultry, nuisance animals, Act 169, Hawaii, privacy, geolocation, abortion, data protection, internet browser

Transcript Highlights:

• Hugh McDonald, Secretary of Commerce. Good morning.
• Allison Hatfield, Chief of Staff, Department of Commerce. Representative Wooten, you're recognized.
• Is it... ...in the Department of Commerce and the divisions that you mentioned, is it mismanagement?
• Is that—does that—so are there 83 employees involved in being dismissed over there in Commerce?
• I've been director of the Department of Commerce. I had 1,800 employees.

Summary: The meeting began with a prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a February 2026 revenue report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year, and said the updated forecast showed a larger expected surplus than before. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fees, and possible effects of inflation and international conflict; Silva generally attributed the changes to timing issues, prior tax cuts, refund activity, and price fluctuations, and said he could not speculate on future impacts. The committee then heard and adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish State Police, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and APER filings. Most reports were approved without objection. One budget classification transfer for the Commissioner of State Lands was reviewed and failed. The review report also led to discussion of several contracts, including DHS staffing contracts and a Department of Education security contract, with some items held or separated for individual votes. A major portion of the meeting focused on DHS and state staffing contracts for the Human Development Centers, Arkansas State Hospital, and related facilities. DHS officials said the contracts were on track against seven-year projections, but members expressed concern about heavy reliance on contract labor, vacancy rates, and the need to move workers onto state payrolls. Officials said they were preparing a recruitment and retention plan and described staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover. Members also questioned contract projections and federal-state funding matches, and several urged faster action to reduce contract labor costs. The committee also discussed a Department of Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and Employment and Training. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the cuts were driven by funding shortfalls, over-obligation of funds, and federal issues, and that 27 positions would be permanently eliminated while furloughed employees would be recalled. Members raised concerns about service impacts, board appointments, and the division’s fiscal management. The meeting ended after the personnel report was adopted and APER was filed as reviewed, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commerce.
• Commerce.
• Senate Bill 163 by Senator Reese, Commerce with amendments, Bureau without.
• Is this going to the Multimodal Commerce? Yes, sir.
• Commerce will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Committee Room 1.

Bills: HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR281, HR282, HR283, HR284, HCR112, HCR113, HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, SCR63, SCR66, SCR67, SB414, SB484, SB513, HR168, HR174, HR194, HR216, HR264, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR85, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR104, SCR23, SCR29, SCR33, SCR38, HB75, HB705, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, HR188, HR205, HR3, HR197, HR243, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, SCR35, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB39, HB58, HB112, HB134, HB155, HB187, HB287, HB462, HB782, HB825, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB1200, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, HB842, HB633, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB251, HB582, HB646, HB819, HB998, HB1257, SB197, SB436, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, carbon storage, carbon dioxide storage, carbon capture and storage, CCS, mineral rights, mineral owners, oil and gas, disposal wells, injection wells, advanced drilling, carbon sequestration, Louisiana energy policy

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• today with a presentation on the governor's budget recommendations by the Minnesota Department of Commerce
• I'm the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• Madam Chair, Commissioner Arnold, where is the Department of Commerce located?
• I've never been to the Department of Commerce. Where is the Department of Commerce located?
• where is the Department of Commerce where is the Department of Commerce Commerce Commerce located<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment number two asks consideration for the effects on commerce along the corridor.
• I think that it violates the interstate commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.
• So first of all, I think it violates the interstate commerce clause.
• they can take and then work with one of the Class I railroads to refurbish it and get it back in commerce
• There are presently no trains coming in and out of Shreveport in this area to negatively impact commerce

Summary: The House Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation, public safety, and local infrastructure measures. Several bills dealt with port and commission appointments or authority, including SB 420 adding Vermilion and Iberia Parish representation to the Lafayette Metropolitan Expressway Commission, SB 69 aligning appointments to the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission with redistricting, SB 438 increasing per diem for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and SB 170 adding qualification and Senate confirmation requirements for Caddo-Bossier Port Commission members. The committee also approved SB 449 to give the New Orleans Public Belt more flexibility in procuring specialized materials, and SB 115 to allow DOTD to assume certain federal NEPA responsibilities to speed project delivery, with testimony emphasizing long permitting delays and the need for faster project completion. Members also advanced multiple safety and enforcement measures. SB 40 expanded move-over protections for emergency and disabled vehicles, SB 55 clarified proper seat belt use, SB 278 required ignition interlock devices for DUI-related license reinstatement, SB 489 authorized third-party verification of insurance coverage through license plate inquiries, and SB 133 updated commercial vehicle parking and autonomous vehicle oversight provisions. SB 151 would flag OMV records for people who owe DNA samples tied to CODIS matches or qualifying arrests/convictions, and SB 48 would create Louisiana-Ireland driver’s license reciprocity. Most of these bills were reported favorably after brief testimony, with support from law enforcement, AAA, OMV, and other stakeholders. The committee also considered several local resolutions and infrastructure studies. Rep. Dickerson’s resolutions on widening Highway 16, studying turn lanes on Highway 1024, and constructing a roundabout on Highway 1019 were all reported favorably. HCR 53 created a study committee on oversized vehicle permits with DOTD participation, HCR 60 asked DOTD to study I-12 and I-55 corridor improvements, and HR/HCR 170 and 68 sought federal funding to remove four closed bridges on US 90 in St. Tammany Parish. HR 191, as amended, requested a DOTD study of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs. HB 762, amended to make certain OMV debt referrals permissive rather than mandatory, was reported favorably over some concern about debt collection impacts. HB 714, which would have addressed abandoned railroad lines, drew extensive debate over federal preemption, blight definitions, and whether a new commission was needed; the author ultimately moved to defer it, and the committee agreed. SB 330 on school-zone automated speed enforcement markings was amended to grandfather existing compliant pavement markings and rejected an amendment that would have exempted several cities from the law. The committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably and recognizing a departing staff member.

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute bill that was introduced in the House Economic, Commerce, and Economic Development Committee
• The House Economic, Commerce, and Economic Development Committee made some important changes to the original
• Being the Commerce Chair, that's always something that I take into consideration.
• I, in no way, want to hinder industry and commerce.
• I do not want to hinder industry and commerce, especially for small businesses.

Bills: HB294, SB40, SB43, SB35

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Transcript Highlights:

• there any legal prohibition about doing something that favors an in-state winery, whether it's a commerce
• 52.720> a instate winery um from a whether it's a instate winery um from a whether it's a commerce
• 54.080> because<00:20:54.320> I<00:20:54.480> think<00:20:54.559> we commerce
• clause or because I think we commerce clause or because I think we had<00:20:54.960> this<00:
• commerce clause. commerce clause. >> Understood. >> Understood.

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of economic development, tax, retirement, alcohol, and property tax bills, with several members explaining that some measures were being extended through repealers or prepared as omnibus vehicles for later floor amendments. Early in the meeting, members discussed a bill extending the Healthcare Industry Zone Act repealer to 2028, noting MDA had requested additional language for a floor amendment and citing roughly $715 million in expected new investment and more than 3,000 jobs since 2012. The committee also passed SB 2832, extending the Mississippi Shoreline Tax Credit program to 2029 with an $8 million annual cap, and SB 2849, extending the SMART business research program repealer to 2028. SB 2843, changing eligible expenses for MDA site development and utility infrastructure readiness, SB 2847, rounding state and local cash charges to the nearest nickel, and SB 2865, a gaming-related tax credit for non-gaming capital projects at casino properties, were also explained and passed without opposition. The committee then considered SB 2882, which prohibits counties from requiring homestead exemption applicants to provide closing statements or disclosures, citing privacy concerns; it was passed. SB 2912, a PERS-requested bill allowing Roth contributions in the state deferred compensation plan and removing an earlier qualified domestic order provision, also passed. The committee next took up SB 2834 and SB 2838 as omnibus vehicles: SB 2834 was described as the Senate omnibus tag bill, and SB 2838 as the qualified resort status bill, which included an addition for a community college campus and golf course in western Mississippi. Both bills received reverse repealers and were reported out. A lengthy discussion centered on SB 2915, which makes technical changes to Mississippi’s native wine laws, removes a repealer, expands tasting room options, and addresses ABC pickup and delivery timing. Senator McMahon offered an amendment to strike the pickup language after consulting with the Commissioner of Revenue, saying the current warehouse setup did not support the option yet; the amendment passed. Senator Sparks raised concerns about ABC delivery delays, the impact on small retailers, and whether the bill could raise commerce clause issues by favoring in-state wineries, but the author said the language conforms to existing distillery provisions. After no further questions, the committee passed the committee substitute and then rose and reported, with the chair noting another meeting would likely be held the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• 136 to Health and Human Services; House Bill 126 to Education K-16; House Bill 150 to Business and Commerce
• ; House Bill 252 to Business and Commerce; House Bill 503 to Finance; House Bill 517 to Business and
• Commerce; House Bill 581 to State Affairs; House Bill 742 to Health and Human Services; House Bill 754
• House Bill 1024 to Criminal Justice; House Bill 1041 to Business and Commerce; House Bill 1089 to Natural
• Resources; House Bill 1442 to Business and Commerce; House Bill 1562 to Business and Commerce; House

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote. Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0. The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric Carr, Florida Chamber of Commerce, is a proponent of the bill. You're recognized.
• Hello, I'm Eric Carr, a policy director of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
• Eric Carr, Florida Chamber of Commerce, is a proponent of the bill. You're recognized.
• Hello, I'm Eric Carr, a policy director of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
• Eric Carr, Florida Chamber of Commerce, waves in support.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee heard and advanced a series of education bills focused on transparency, accountability, attendance, school start times, student well-being, and career planning. HB 1321, by Rep. Salsman, would remove public-records and public-meeting exemptions for university presidential searches, eliminate the Board of Governors from those searches, require Board of Governors members to file full financial disclosures and be Florida residents, and expand syllabus posting requirements; it passed 15-0. HB 1079, by Rep. Botana, as amended, broadened eligibility for dropout retrieval programs to include students who withdrew and did not reengage in education, and it also passed 15-0 after a strike-all amendment and supportive testimony from a program provider. The committee also approved PCS for HB 969, by Rep. Kassel, which shifts evaluation of school mental health services to the Department of Children and Families and requires more detailed outcome data, surveys, and reporting related to the Mental Health Assistance Allocation program; it passed 15-0. HB 1367, by Rep. Booth, creates a statewide attendance policy with uniform definitions and reporting requirements to address chronic absenteeism; it passed 15-1 after support from business and education groups and some concern about state control over district policy. PCS for HB 261, by Rep. Gerwig, revises the 2023 middle and high school start-time law by allowing districts to document compliance efforts and unintended consequences rather than fully meet the mandated later start times; it passed 16-0. The most debated bill was HB 1483, by Rep. Valdez, which would align Florida’s school grading scale with the familiar 90/80/70/60 letter-grade standard over a five-year transition and require school grades to appear on student report cards. Supporters argued the current scale is misleading and too lenient, while opponents warned it would sharply increase failing school labels, create costs and turnaround mandates, and confuse parents and students. Despite extensive testimony from school board members, teachers, students, and advocacy groups on both sides, the bill passed 12-4. The committee then quickly approved HB 1245, a one-year Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program for three universities with the highest share of Pell-eligible students, and HB 571, which expands career planning, paid work experience, and credit-transfer review for students; both passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this was passed as part of the Commerce bill.
• So this was passed as part of the Commerce Bill.
• Working with OMB, the Office of the Governor, the Department of Commerce, and one of their partners,
• He said that information was put into a baseline report and submitted to Commerce and the Governor's
• He said this was included in the baseline report submitted to Commerce and the Governor's Office.

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.