Transcript Highlights:

• projects that were announced last year in the state of... ...announced last year in the state of Alabama
• On the Alabama Jobs Act report, we now have two years of...
• On the last page, regarding the Growing Alabama program, are there any comments about that?
• North Alabama communities do utilize SEEDS and then the TVA SEEDS program.
• They do have a couple of alternatives other than Growing Alabama.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:21.600> Speaker, investments to Alabama. Mr. Speaker, investments to Alabama. Mr.
• Alabama Pharmacy...
• trustees at Alabama State University. trustees at Alabama State University.
• in the state of Alabama. And because we in the state of Alabama.
• Alabama today. Alabama today.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Lord, I pray for this great state of Alabama.
• <00:20:44.640> Crimson as the University of Alabama Crimson as the University of Alabama Crimson
• They have to be nationally certified to be licensed in Alabama.
• It's the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
• Alabama Department auditing which is the Alabama Department of<01:43:18.159> Examiners<01:43:

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's in Dothan, Alabama. Okay, so it's down there. Thank you. Yes, sir.
• Good morning, I'm Mandy Spears with the Alabama Department of Corrections.
• No one in Alabama could do this.
• Hines, assistant general counsel with the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
• It is, and I know there are a lot of those in Alabama.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Alabama? state of Alabama?
• I don't go to North Alabama that much. I don't go to North Alabama that much.
• Alabama establishing a transport porter Alabama establishing a transport porter now. now. now.
• >> Alabama<01:59:22.239> sports >> Alabama sports >> Alabama sports establishing
• Miss the Miss Basketball of Alabama. Miss the Miss Basketball of Alabama.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Norris Guscott of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative's Ag Equity Network, and it is my
• The Agriculture Equity Network and other groups like ours rely on policy for change.
• Norris, I just wanted to say that your leadership, the equity network, and the collaborative are the
• Norris, I just wanted to say that your leadership, the equity network, and the collaborative, are the
• I saw Norris on there, the Ag Equity Network. And I also, again, thank all of you for listening.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture opened its first hearing by outlining procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, written testimony options, and the plan to hear 27 bills in docket order. The committee then took testimony on H.11/S.53, a resolve promoting equity in agriculture, with advocates from the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, Southeastern Mass Agricultural Partnership, and urban farming organizations describing racial and economic disparities in farming, lack of data on BIPOC farmers, barriers to land and capital, and the need for a commission to collect information and recommend policy changes. Committee members asked questions about the importance of data collection and future policy development, and the bill was repeatedly urged to be reported favorably out of committee. Testimony also supported H.118, which would create a special commission to examine the strengths and sustainability of the Commonwealth’s emergency food network. The Amherst Survival Center described serving 1.6 million meals last year and explained that food pantries are now functioning as essential parts of the state’s food system while relying heavily on donations, volunteers, and unstable funding. Members discussed the need for a more holistic look at food security infrastructure. The committee then heard H.119/S.60 on climate change impacts on farms and fisheries, with regional planners and farm advocates describing flood damage, rising costs, canceled federal climate-smart funding, and the need for direct state support for adaptation, resilience, and infrastructure improvements. The committee also heard testimony on H.125/H.142/S.65, a healthy soils bill, from landscape professionals who said construction sites often leave poor or stripped soil and that the bill would require better post-construction soil standards to support healthier landscapes and reduce long-term maintenance and environmental problems. Finally, the committee took extensive testimony on H.127, which would prohibit aquaculture of octopus for human consumption. Supporters, including legislators, scientists, veterinarians, students, and animal welfare advocates, argued octopus are highly intelligent and sentient, cannot be farmed humanely, and that octopus aquaculture would create environmental harms such as waste runoff, pressure on wild fish stocks, and ecosystem disruption. No votes were taken during the hearing; the bills were heard and testimony was received.

Transcript Highlights:

• intelligence tools and, as applicable, related subject areas such as software engineering, computer networks
• can mean, especially as you're seeing the workforce change and go into robotics, go into software networks
• I was raised just a few hours north in Birmingham, Alabama, and spent my formative years visiting family

Bills: S1694

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative. The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.

Transcript Highlights:

• This ensures that they remain competitive, connected, and vital to Florida's broader transportation network
• So far Idaho has made it legal tender and yesterday Alabama has made gold and silver legal tender.
• They're actively looking to build their own trade networks and they're actively looking to introduce

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up four bills. The committee first heard HB 4041, which would create the Corkscrew Grove Stewardship District in Collier County to finance and maintain infrastructure such as transportation, utilities, and stormwater systems without changing county regulatory authority. The bill drew no opposition, was reported favorably, and passed 14-0. The committee then considered HB 1485, which repeals Florida’s aviation fuel tax provisions. The sponsor argued the change would simplify the tax code, attract airline investment, and support lower fares and more routes. Members raised concerns about the estimated recurring $22.8 million impact on the State Transportation Trust Fund and $2 million on general revenue, and airport representatives warned of reduced grant and development funding, especially for general aviation and municipal airports. Supporters said the change would increase competition and fuel sales in Florida. The bill was reported favorably on a 12-5 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 999, which would recognize gold and silver as legal tender, allow electronic debit access to bullion accounts, and remove tax burdens on transactions involving precious metals. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a way to protect purchasing power and provide an alternative parallel to the dollar, while opponents and some members raised concerns about consumer protections, predatory practices, privacy, and the role of the Office of Financial Regulation in rulemaking. After extensive testimony, the bill was reported favorably 19-0. Finally, the committee considered PCB WMC 25-01, which would reduce the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lower several related taxes, including the business rent tax, nonresidential electricity tax, mobile home sales tax, and coin-operated amusement machine tax. The proposal was estimated to reduce revenue by about $5.5 billion annually. Members discussed impacts on the budget, education funding, and whether savings would reach consumers, while supporters emphasized relief for Floridians and business competitiveness. The bill passed unanimously 19-0 and was reported favorably. The chair then noted a prior procedural apology on the record, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I got oyster spat from a nursery in Alabama, and I started my business in 2017.
• Through my networks, I was fortunate enough to have interns over the years from various colleges and
• The soil moisture sensor network is another key area.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies. The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available. Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I printed off a few of the stories that I've covered of Alabama families.
• Association. ...the executive director for the Alabama Sheriff's Association.
• Several of our Alabama sheriffs are present in the room with you today because Alabama sheriffs stand
• I'm the District Attorney of Russell County, Alabama.
• My name is Melissa Hera, and I am a parent of three children here in Alabama.

Bills: SB140, HB235, HB276, HB317, HB340

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Jennifer Wit to the Alabama Commission Jennifer Wit to the Alabama Commission on<00:20:58.720> Higher
• The Boys and Girls Club of Alabama, if y'all could please stand. Welcome to the Alabama Senate.
• <00:42:32.640> that of the Legislature of Alabama that of the Legislature of Alabama that
• Of course, Alabama is growing, right?
• And I just want to tell Alabama.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then approved the prior journal and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber received multiple committee reports, including favorable reports on several finance and taxation bills, confirmations, local bills, and a series of resolutions. The Senate also confirmed several appointments to higher education and university boards, including Nicholas J. Balden, Jennifer Wit, Ronnie Stalworth, and Rex Reynolds, using long or previous roll calls as applicable. The Senate adopted a special order calendar that set up floor consideration of several bills, including measures on physician assistants, seafood/aquaculture, motor vehicles, campaign practices, property insurance and energy reduction, child custody, and school bus drivers. During debate on the special order calendar, Senator Smitherman raised concern that no bills on the calendar were sponsored by minority members, noting a prior understanding that minority-sponsored bills should be represented; Senator Wagner responded that the calendar was prepared based on legislation rather than sponsor party, and the exchange ended with an agreement to continue moving forward. The Senate then adopted the special order calendar and began taking up the listed bills. On the special order calendar, the Senate advanced House Bill 156 on physician assistant compacts, House Bill 277 on seafood/aquaculture tastings, and House Bill 42 on motor vehicles, with supporters describing each as consumer-friendly or supportive of industry. The chamber also considered local legislation, including bills for Madison, Tallapoosa, and Shelby counties; House Bill 337 for Madison County was amended and carried over, while House Bills 490, 491, and 493 passed after roll-call votes. Throughout the meeting, the Senate also adopted several commendatory and memorial resolutions, including measures honoring individuals, recognizing organizations and events, and naming a highway, with most adopted by voice vote and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, I'm Mandy Spears with the Alabama Department of Corrections.
• I'm not sure if the Pathways for Alabama Computer Science... ...Pathways for Alabama computer science
• Is he an Alabama licensed physician? He is, and he's an Alabama native.
• My name is Sam White, and I'm with the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
• Good morning, I'm Dudley Perry from the Alabama Department of Youth. from the Alabama Department of Youth

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had public outcry and distinguished lawmakers from the state of Alabama.
• I highly respect the state of Alabama. I highly respect your duties and responsibilities.
• Alabama has a chance to really be a leader.
• Um, there's patients in Alabama that... ...Um, there's patients in Alabama that need care now more than
• My goal is to protect Alabama. I think you’re seeing other states strive to ban this.

Bills: SB274

Keywords: cannabis, psychoactive cannabinoids, CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, criminal penalties, youth protection, medical cannabis, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, here's Alabama Chairman Garrett.
• The prepandemic comparison of U.S. and Alabama unemployment rates and workforce...
• Typically, plus-ups to budgets in the arena of Alabama Public Safety include a $3.8 million investment
• Additionally, there are funds for an Alabama metro area crime suppression unit.
• So, we are attempting to identify each level of education in Alabama as it relates to the allocation

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But also this bill is supported certainly by the American Kidney Foundation as well as Alabama Kidney
• but this legislation will give Alabama but this legislation will give Alabama we're<00:04:16.560
• kidney foundation as well as Alabama kidney foundation as well as Alabama Kidney<00:04:36.720>
• And I have an amendment that says the insurance company cannot acquire a health provider in Alabama.
• health provider in Alabama. health provider in Alabama.

Bills: HB372, HB361, HB391, HB372, HB361, HB391

Keywords: Elmore County, rental tax, tax revenue, infrastructure funding, economic development, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, tribal police, reservation security, state-recognized tribe, law enforcement authority, certified police officer, Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, P.O.S.T., trespass, warrantless arrest, tribal land, sovereignty, public safety, Indian tribe, reservation

Transcript Highlights:

• , Pike County, Alabama, Monroe County, Alabama, and Bullock County, Alabama—places that most of America
• gentleman from Alabama. gentleman from Alabama.
• gentleman from Alabama. gentleman from Alabama.
• Alabama is recognized to close. Alabama is recognized to close.
• Alabama is recognized. Alabama is recognized.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an Alabama Law Institute bill that updates our business code.
• Chapter four deals with Alabama professional corporations.
• My favorite part of the whole bill is chapter 5A under the Alabama Limited Liability Company law.
• This is the Alabama Law Institute bill.
• Amendment: we are amending their meeting notice to conform with the Alabama Open Meetings Act.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Alabama Education Retired Association reception is from 5:30 to 7:30 at RSA Plaza. 7:30 at RSA Plaza
• Additionally, the Alabama Education Partnership, Teach for America Alabama, the Alabama Expanded Learning
• History that was made last evening, and I want you all to join me in congratulating the Alabama State
• [Applause] House, certainly congratulations to Alabama State and all the Alabama teams that are still
• In 1982, the Alabama Cotton... Mr.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ladies and gentlemen, the Alabama Senate will now come to order today.
• Welcome to the Alabama Senate. Message from the House. Mr.
• Walter Bracie to the Alabama Walter Bracie to the Alabama Manufactured<00:14:24.399> Housing<
• <00:26:16.880> Crimson as the University of Alabama Crimson as the University of Alabama Crimson
• , resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, both<00:26:44.080

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group. During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child. The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not going to tolerate Alabama.
• Alabama Fereral Hog Control Council. Alabama Fereral Hog Control Council.
• > the Alabama Conservation Enforcement the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers<01:00:58.319>
• feral hogs here in the state of Alabama. feral hogs here in the state of Alabama.
• That included the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Alpha, Alabama Soil and Water Conservation, I think the

Keywords: 1136, house, all