Transcript Highlights:

• I urge an aye vote. I urge an aye vote. Any question or debate on file item 68?
• Respectfully ask for an aye vote on SCR 109.
• I urge an aye vote. Any question or debate on file item 60?
• Senator Laird is asking for an aye vote on the motion. ...and ask for a no vote.
• vote.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed guests from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, including President Jeffrey Armstrong, students, and staff. Senator Laird highlighted the university’s 125th anniversary and student achievements, including a Rose Parade Sweepstakes Trophy and a national design-build competition win. The chamber also recognized guests from Senator Cortese’s office later in the session. On the floor, the Senate took up and adopted SCR 111 by Senator Niello, commemorating the 125th anniversary of the certified public accountant profession in California and recognizing the California Board of Accountancy and the California Society of CPAs. The resolution passed by unanimous vote after roll call. The Senate also adopted SCR 109 by Senator Grove, proclaiming January 2026 as National Mentoring Month and honoring Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central California for its long record of youth mentoring and community impact. In unfinished business, the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 25 by Senator Umberg, described as streamlining California’s merger process and aligning it with the federal process; the motion passed 33-0. The Senate then approved a motion from Senator Laird to give certain Budget and Fiscal Review Committee bills second reading upon report and third reading status, with the motion carrying 29-10. The chamber also approved several adjourn-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Congressman Doug LaMalfa, with multiple senators speaking to his rural advocacy, bipartisan relationships, and personal kindness, and for Barry Del Bono, Alan Stewart Hammond, and Jeb Bing. The session ended with the Senate in recess until the next scheduled floor meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, CS for SB 1036 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, CS for SB 1136 is reported favorably.
• Yes, and by your vote, SB 920 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, SB 1216 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, SPB 7022 is reported favorably.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K through 12 Committee met with a quorum and considered several education-related bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended with a technical clarification and reported favorably. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and align notice and parent-exemption procedures; it also passed favorably, with support noted from PTA and other witnesses. SB 920 on mathematics education was reported favorably after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, the end-of-course exam, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, which would give districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degrees, also passed favorably with broad support from educators and former school board members. The committee then approved SPB 7022, which reenacts and extends a public records exemption for classroom examination and assessment instruments through 2031 and expands coverage to district school boards and public schools. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools was reported favorably after extensive debate about whether schools should be closed or could instead hold Veterans Day programs; supporters emphasized statewide consistency and honoring veterans, while some members raised scheduling and instructional-day concerns. SB 538 on physical education and extracurricular participation was amended to establish standardized eligibility rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, limit duplicate participation across schools, require annual participation in the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and leave coach compensation to district discretion; it was then reported favorably. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools was amended to add a $15,000 annual cap on coach personal spending per team and was reported favorably after discussion about good-faith support for student-athletes, recruiting concerns, and the need for guardrails. A temporary postponement was announced for SB 430 on the oath of school personnel. At the end of the meeting, Senator Osgood recorded a favorable vote on SB 1036, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for an aye vote, and I introduce the president of CHP, Jake Johnson. Thank you.
• We urge your aye vote. We want to continue this conversation moving forward.
• It is for these reasons that we urge a no vote today on AB 1439. Thank you.
• So I won't make any commitments that I will vote on this on the floor, but that this vote that I will
• And I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you. We have a motion and a second.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, SB 288 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, CS for SB 364 is reported favorably.
• And by your vote, let's show SB 200 is considered favorably.
• And I'm grateful for your favorable votes today.
• And I'm grateful for your favorable votes today.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated glitch bill to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to special-interest litigation, while preserving consumer protections. A representative from the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 364 on public accountancy, which was described as a modernization and efficiency measure to expand CPA licensure pathways without lowering standards. An amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection. Jason Harrell of FICPA waived in support, while one speaker appeared to discuss a utility issue unrelated to the bill. CS for SB 364 was reported favorably. Chair Bradley’s SB 200 on utilities addressed utility-scale solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. The bill would authorize counties to adopt solar decommissioning ordinances, direct DEP to develop best practices, and require the PSC to consider whether storm protection plan benefits exceed costs. County and AARP representatives waived in support, and the Small County Coalition spoke favorably, saying the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development. SB 200 was considered favorably. The committee also heard SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, a strike-all bill focused on PSC reform and utility affordability. The amendment would add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order support, tighten intervention standards, set return-on-equity and review criteria, require consideration of executive compensation and affordability, and direct the PSC to weigh risk from storm and cost-recovery mechanisms. PSC staff answered extensive questions about utility hardening, storm recovery, and rate-setting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and affordability, while others urged stronger enforceable affordability standards and restoration of the return-on-equity cap. Despite concerns, the bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 126.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now vote on the amendment. Are there any objections to the amendment?
• I'll be voting up on your bill, sir.
• By your vote, the bill was reported favorably. Thank you, Representative.
• By your vote, the bill reported favorably.
• With that vote, the bill reported favorably.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard several insurance- and financial-services-related bills. HB 315 was temporarily postponed. The chair also noted that, following the speaker’s remarks, members should expect additional special meetings as the committee investigates insurance-related issues and seeks transparency and the truth. HB 497, relating to nonprofit agricultural organization health coverage, was presented as a way to give Florida Farm Bureau members—especially farmers, ranchers, and small business owners—more affordable health coverage options. An amendment added statutory placement changes, disclosures that the product is not commercially sold, and annual financial audits. Members discussed ACA-related protections, fraud, and insolvency concerns, and the bill received support from Florida Farm Bureau and was reported favorably 16-0. HB 379, the annual securities package, updated exemptions, foreign jurisdiction rules, the Florida Invest Local Exemption, merger-and-acquisition broker rules, fingerprinting requirements, and technical issues in the Securities Guarantee Fund. Three amendments clarified entity definitions and fingerprint/live-scan requirements; the bill drew support from industry and OFR and passed favorably 17-0. The PCS for HB 147 on consumer debt collection clarified prohibited communications during nighttime hours, with the sponsor and supporters explaining the intent was to allow email while restricting other forms of contact and reduce litigation over passive communications. Members and public witnesses discussed ambiguity in the wording, and the sponsor said further cleanup language may still be needed; the PCS was reported favorably 17-0. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance, drew support from industry and humane society representatives, and passed favorably 17-0. HB 367 on home and service warranty association financial requirements allowed financial compliance through multiple contractual liability insurance policies and alternative parent-company documentation; an amendment corrected cross-references and duplicative language, and after questions about consumer protections and insolvency, the bill was reported favorably 17-0. Finally, HB 7003 preserved a public-records exemption for sensitive financial technology sandbox application materials; members discussed the sandbox concept and possible future issues, but no amendments were taken and the bill passed favorably 17-0. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill was voted out of House General and Housing favorably on a vote of 10-0-1, and we respectfully
• The bill was voted out of House General and Housing favorably on a vote of 10-0-1, and we respectfully
• The bill was voted out of House General and Housing favorably on a vote of 10-0-1, and we respectfully
• Uh, straw poll vote, not an official, but a straw poll vote of 9-0-2.
• </c> Madam Speaker, the committee voted Madam Speaker, the committee voted 11-0-0<01:15:12.400><c> in

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill has received no, no votes. I would respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
• With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• And with that, I do ask respectfully for an aye vote. Okay, let's call the vote.
• And with that, I do ask respectfully for an aye vote. Okay, let's call the vote.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously. The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any votes or reservations? No reservations. No votes. The measure passes. Thanks.
• Are there any other no votes or reservations? No. And no vote for Senator A. The measure passes.
• reservations no and no vote for votes or reservations no and no vote for Senator Senator Senator a<01
• Are there any no votes or reservations? No. A no vote for Senator A. The measure passes.
• Are there any no votes or reservations? No, noting a no vote for Senator A. The measure is adopted.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your committee vote on that was... We appreciate your support.
• And that is: you don't read a bill that you've already voted yes on after the vote has gone someplace
• </c><00:43:14.640><c> yes</c><00:43:14.920><c> on</c> you've already voted yes on you've already voted
• </c> after the vote has gone someplace else. after the vote has gone someplace else.
• </c><00:43:28.840><c> in</c> that originated the bill and I voted in that originated the bill and I voted

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A yes vote suspends the rule. A no vote doesn't suspend the rule.” together.
• A yes vote suspends a rule. A no vote doesn't suspend the race. Yeah.
• A vote yes is a vote for Representative Muscarella to be able to get out. A vote no...
• A vote yes is a vote for Representative Muscarella to be able to get out.
• The secretary will now take a vote. If you're... The secretary will now take a vote.

Bills: HB141 , HB178 , HB179 , HB187 , HB188 , HB527 , HB782 , HB911 , HB916

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: court proceedings, transcription, criminal law, recording, judicial discretion, court reporters, record retention, criminal cases, civil cases, legal proceedings, judicial administration, Louisiana Supreme Court, court reporting services, digital reporting, remote proceedings, virtual courts, court reporter fees, judicial district, statewide revision, costs

Transcript Highlights:

• We did chair vote on... We did chair vote on AB 715 as intent language.
• I feel robbed of that vote.
• I'm not going to get to vote on that in this committee.
• Marisucci, not voting. Mercerci, not voting. Hoover, aye. Addis. Thank you. Marisucci, not voting.
• Mercerci, not voting. Addis. Alvarez. Alvarez, not voting. Castile. Garcia, not voting. Lowenthal.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held an informational hearing on AB 715, followed by discussion of SB 48. AB 715 was presented by Assembly Members Zbur and Addis as a response to rising anti-Semitism in California schools. They described incidents involving harassment, swastikas, biased classroom materials, and students feeling unsafe, and said the bill would create an Office of Civil Rights with coordinators to address anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, provide prevention resources, and support school districts. Witnesses in support, including a rabbi and a student who described personal experiences with anti-Semitic harassment, urged immediate action to protect Jewish students. Opposition testimony came from the California Teachers Association, county superintendents, school board groups, labor organizations, civil liberties advocates, ethnic studies educators, and many community members. Their main concerns were that the bill was rushed, had not been fully vetted in the Assembly Education Committee, and could chill classroom speech or create constitutional problems, especially around language requiring instruction and materials to be “factually accurate” and not based on advocacy, bias, or partisanship. Several opponents argued that anti-Semitism should be addressed through education, training, and restorative practices rather than new statutory restrictions. Some witnesses also raised concerns about the bill’s impact on ethnic studies and free speech. Committee members then debated the bill’s process and substance at length. The authors said the bill had been narrowed through negotiations with education stakeholders and the Senate, that some disputed provisions would be revisited in cleanup language, and that the urgency of anti-Semitic incidents required action now. Several members expressed support for the bill’s goal but criticized the late release of the final language and the lack of consultation with the Assembly committee. Others emphasized the need to protect Jewish students immediately and argued the bill was a necessary response to a real crisis. The transcript does not show a final vote on AB 715 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:36.319><c> for</c> ads, it was um, you know, vote for ads, it was um, you know, vote for Representative
• ><c> inexpediate</c><00:17:44.720><c> to</c> ask that you vote inexpediate to ask that you vote inexpediate
• ><c> 107</c> Please consider voting HB 107 Please consider voting HB 107 inexpedient<00:20:00.000><c>
• <00:39:28.960><c> unanimously</c> Election Law Committee voted unanimously Election Law Committee voted
• Everyone understands what we're voting on. Okay.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> vote is it's not an easy vote for me. vote is it's not an easy vote for me.
• vote? vote?
• If you favor the amendment, vote aye. If you're opposed, vote nay. Is everyone voted?
• If you favor the amendment, vote aye. If you're opposed, vote nay. Has everyone voted?
• If you favor the amendment, vote aye. If you're opposed, vote nay. Has everyone voted?

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Four votes. All right, that has four votes. We'll leave that open for members to add on.
• Four votes. All right, that has four votes. We'll leave that open for members to add on.
• Four votes. All right, that has four votes.
• Four votes. All right, that has four votes. We'll leave that open for members.
• Four votes. Great. That has four votes. We'll leave that open for members to add on.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments before moving to State Bar appointments requiring testimony. The committee heard from George Cardona, reappointed as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar, who described reforms made after the Girardi matter, efforts to reduce discipline disparities, backlog reduction measures, and staffing shortages tied to a vacancy rate and increased incoming complaints. Senators questioned him about safeguards against misconduct, the John Eastman disbarment case, discipline disparities affecting Black and Latino attorneys, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, and the use of AI in complaints and pleadings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance him to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Laura Enderton Speed, nominated as Executive Director of the State Bar. She emphasized restoring public trust, improving operations, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening discipline and admissions processes. Senators asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the ongoing audit and investigations related to the bar exam, conflict-of-interest safeguards after Girardi, and plans for the future of the bar exam. Public testimony was uniformly supportive, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her nomination to the Senate floor. The meeting concluded with final votes on the earlier items, thanks to Senator Jones for his service on the committee, and adjournment to executive session after a cake presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any no votes?
• </c> Any no votes? Recommendations adopted. Any no votes? Recommendations adopted.
• </c> no votes? Recommendation adopted. no votes? Recommendation adopted.
• Any no votes? Recommendation adopted.
• </c> no votes? Recommendation adopted. no votes? Recommendation adopted.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard several governor’s message nominations for health-related boards and commissions. Kanwardeep Kaleka was considered for the Substance Abuse Kauai Service Area Board; he said his work as a psychiatrist and family physician on Kauai motivates him to improve mental health and addiction services. Kunani Dryer was considered for the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances; he emphasized 26 years of personal recovery, harm reduction experience, and representation of rural, LGBTQIA+, and Native Hawaiian communities. Olivia Kim was considered for the Center for Nursing Advisory Board; testimony highlighted her experience in nursing leadership, long-term care, and LPN workforce issues. Trisha Lynn Yamashita was considered for the Kauai Subarea Health Planning Council; she described her hospice leadership, public health and palliative care background, and focus on data-informed, community-centered planning. Emily Dong was considered for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel Wastewater Treatment Plants; she stressed wastewater’s public health importance and the need to strengthen the operator workforce pipeline. Testimony in support came from the Department of Health and several organizations and individuals, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, Hina Mauka, the Kauai mayor, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and others. Committee members generally praised the nominees’ credentials and community ties, and repeatedly noted the value of lived experience, rural perspective, and workforce expertise. One nominee, Olivia Kim, was not present and was deferred to a later meeting for decision-making. At the end of the hearing, the committee took up the governor’s messages and recommended advise and consent for GM707, GM537, GM545, GM724, and GM790, with Senator Fevella excused and no objections recorded. GM662 was deferred to Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 3:20 p.m. in Room 225 because the nominee could not attend. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• in Arizona to vote in Arizona using a federal write-in early ballot.
• I feel like we voted this on third read.
• read by a 5-3-07 vote count.
• read by a 5-3-07 vote count.
• read by a 5-3-07 vote count.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long agenda of Senate bills across elections, commerce, education, government, health and human services, judiciary, public safety, transportation, rural development, and ways and means. Many measures were described as consent or third-read consent items, including bills on campaign finance termination statements and late-report penalties, AI provenance data for media, adjuster/contractor conduct during emergencies, Industrial Commission changes, association meeting closures, banking and remittance rules, central bank digital currency, public safety parity funding, barbering and cosmetology board continuation, digital asset reserve management, contractor licensing, gaming and racing commission continuation, school AED instruction, classroom removal procedures, school safety reporting, special education complaint transparency, foreign influence and land ownership restrictions, DCS and DES process changes, health care licensing and reimbursement rules, EMS compact adoption, and multiple tax, housing, and transportation measures. Staff repeatedly summarized each bill and answered questions, with several bills noted as mirror or identical to House measures or as strike-everything amendments from committees. A few bills drew discussion. On SB 2874, staff explained that the Senate amendment would limit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports when a committee certifies it received no contributions and made no expenditures, but the sponsor did not concur. SB 1074 prompted questions about whether parental notification changed; staff said it did not and that the bill was aimed at improving communication between teachers and principals about discipline. SB 1175, requiring DCS caseworkers to photograph children at each interaction in abuse or neglect cases, drew concern about the scope of the photos, while supporters said it would improve continuity and documentation. SB 1180 also drew comment because the sponsor and committee chair disagreed over an amendment, though the bill was advanced for further work. The most extended debate came on SB 1751, which would allow death-row inmates to choose firing squad, lethal injection, or lethal gas if voters approve the related constitutional measure. One member strongly opposed the bill on moral and personal grounds, another argued it could be a more humane option if the state is going to carry out executions, and a third raised concern that it could be used against Second Amendment rights. The bill remained on the third-read consent calendar despite the objections. The caucus concluded after moving through the remaining agenda items, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript beyond committee status and consent-calendar placement.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like 60 seconds to explain my vote. Senator, you have 60 seconds to explain your vote.
• So I'm going to vote no at this time, but appreciate the intent. Senator Nichols votes nay.
• Senator, you have 60 seconds to explain your vote. Thank you.
• There are also paired votes. Senator Semmelroth votes aye. Senator Bernt votes nay.
• Senator Ricks votes aye. Senator Harris votes nay. Roll call shows 15 aye, 19 nay.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Having waived close, Sabrina, will you please call the roll on HB 1347 and announce the vote?
• Sabrina, will you please call the roll on HB 1347 and announce the vote? Chair Tomkow? Yes.
• So I ask you to please vote yes on this bill. Thank you.
• For this reason, I respectfully urge you to vote yes on House Bill 47.
• Having waived close, Sabrina, please call the roll on CS for HB 439 and announce the vote.

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee considered eight bills and reported all of them favorably, several as amended. HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel was presented as a response to staffing shortages in Florida labs; the sponsor and Quest Diagnostics supported aligning state licensure with CLIA standards to improve hiring and turnaround times. The bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47, dealing with specific medical diagnoses in child protective investigations, drew extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates who said children had been wrongly removed after misdiagnoses; the bill was amended to tighten timelines and record-sharing requirements, then passed 26-0. CS/HB 287 created a public records exemption for applicants, owners, operators, and references of family foster homes and passed unanimously. The committee also approved CS/HB 439, allowing chiropractors to inject vitamins and nutrients under training and safety limits, after an amendment clarified they may not prescribe prescription drugs; it passed 26-0. CS/HB 1021 would allow pharmacists to administer medications in trauma centers under physician direction, and an amendment added pediatric trauma centers; it passed 26-0. HB 867 would let occupational therapists perform dry needling after specified training and supervision, and it passed 25-0. HB 1309, which shortens deadlines for patients to access their medical records and aligns nursing home access rules with federal law, drew opposition from health information management groups over privacy and portal/data-security concerns, but supporters argued it simply speeds access to records; it passed 21-5. CS/HB 915 codifies and expands Medicaid eligibility protections for working people with disabilities so they can keep coverage while employed, with strong support from disability advocates and emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s benefits concerns; it passed 26-0. After these votes, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank those of you, 93%, who voted to end Free Kill last year.
• Last session, 93% of the Florida legislature voted to end this law.
• Ninety-three percent of the Florida Legislature voted to end this law last session.
• Long after the votes and headlines fade, families are I will leave you with this.
• I urge you to vote yes on HB 603. Thank you. Representative Steele: Thank you, Chair.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met to consider HB 6003, a bill to repeal Florida’s “free kill” law that limits certain survivors’ ability to recover non-economic damages in medical negligence wrongful death cases. The sponsor, Rep. Trabulsy, said the bill would restore access to the courts for a small class of families and noted the measure passed both chambers last year before being vetoed by the governor. She and supporters framed the bill as a fairness and constitutional issue, while opponents argued repeal would increase malpractice exposure, insurance costs, and pressure on physician access, especially in high-risk specialties and rural areas. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included family members who described deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and who argued the current law denies accountability and equal treatment based on marital status or whether a decedent had minor children. Opponents included the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Medical Association, Florida Chamber, U.S. Chamber, Florida Insurance Council, and other health care and business groups, who warned that repeal could worsen already high malpractice premiums, contribute to physician shortages, and destabilize access to care. Several speakers on both sides discussed possible caps on non-economic damages as a compromise, though the bill itself was presented as a clean repealer with no amendments. During debate, several members spoke in support, emphasizing equal access to the courts and rejecting the idea that the law should treat some families differently from others. Opponents of the bill argued that the current system helps preserve market stability and that liability concerns, not the free kill law, are driving provider departures. After closing remarks from the sponsor, the committee voted 15 yeas and 1 nay to report HB 6003 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I won't be voting you know to So I won't be voting you know to override<00:24:58.799><c> the</c><00
• I'm speaking on sustaining this veto with respect to the absentee voting.
• The envelope do not appear to match, that person's vote can be thrown out.
• The governor's veto on Senate Bill 213 is sustained, lacking the necessary two-thirds vote.
• Um, I will the necessary twothirds vote.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all