Transcript Highlights:

• The role of the governor: The governor is the commander in chief of the National Guard.
• </c><00:03:11.040><c> The</c><00:03:11.280><c> governor</c> The role of the governor.
• The governor The role of the governor.
• </c> selected by the state's governor. selected by the state's governor.
• But yeah, the vast majority are now appointments by governors.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a countywide water and power agency in the foothills of the Sierras just east of here.
• Our jurisdiction and our water and power systems have been plagued by a growing wildfire crisis over
• That means what's the power situation? That means how many homes have burned down?
• There is also high-power rocketry, which is an outgrowth ...of model rocketry, same kit-based rockets
• So to be clear, high-power rockets are already included in this type, would already be included.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• The power to pardon still exists for three years and nine months out of every gubernatorial term.
• But the power to pardon, especially the power to pardon without an accountability mechanism, allows one
• But the power to pardon, especially the power to pardon without an accountability mechanism, allows one
• But the power to pardon, especially the power to pardon without an accountability mechanism, allows one
• But the power to pardon, especially the power to pardon without an accountability mechanism, allows one

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up two bills. Senate Bill 126, sponsored by Senator McDaniel, proposed a constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power during the final 60 days before a gubernatorial election and through the transition period, with the stated goal of giving voters more time to learn about executive clemency decisions. McDaniel said the measure was intended to increase accountability and noted it would need approval by both chambers and then placement on the 2026 ballot. Senator Haron raised concerns about whether the proposal could chill pardons and asked about the timing; McDaniel responded that 60 days was chosen because of early voting and the need for public notice. The committee adopted a substitute and then passed the bill with a favorable expression; several members voted aye, Senator Haron passed, and Senator Adams later asked to be recorded as voting aye before adjournment. The committee then considered Senate Bill 37, sponsored by Senator Elkins, which would amend Kentucky law on indigent burials to allow cremation as an option instead of requiring burial, and would require consultation with the county coroner before a decision is made. Elkins described it as a local control measure and said he was working with Rabbi Litman on a possible accommodation for Jewish indigent decedents, since the Jewish community strongly prefers burial and has offered to assume costs in those cases. Questions focused on how long officials must make a bona fide effort to notify a spouse or next of kin and whether the bill would affect current practices; Elkins said it would not change existing policy on that point and suggested a possible floor amendment for additional issues. Rabbi Litman testified in support, explaining the religious importance of burial and the community’s concern about cremation. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed with a favorable expression, though Senator Herron and Senator Tichenor expressed reservations and voted no or passed, citing constituent concerns and the possibility that family members may later seek a burial place to visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13:19.279><c> million</c><00:13:19.680><c> in</c> governor um contributed $210 million in governor um
• The governor provided a 2% with that.
• Edarm $10 what the governor had.
• The governor had $15 million. million. The governor had $15 million.
• </c> &gt;&gt; So we're maintaining what the governor &gt;&gt; So we're maintaining what the governor

Bills: HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242 , HB235 , HB236 , HB565 , HB237 , HB238 , HB239 , HB240 , HB241 , HB242

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: 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, youth social media, HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• of the judiciary and... ...agency's powers of the judiciary and powers of investigation.
• do not have this same power. ...do not have this same power.
• We can't do subpoena powers. I would agree with that.
• because you were... ...has that subpoena power because you were exactly right.
• That's what he's trying to have the power to get his hands on. ...to have the power to get his hands

Bills: SB210 , SB292 , HB360 , HB233 , HB66 , HB356 , HB164 , HB238 , HB209 , SB223 , HB307 , SB210 , SB292 , HB360 , HB233 , HB66 , HB356 , HB164 , HB238 , HB209 , SB223 , HB307

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, terrorist threat, terroristic threat

Transcript Highlights:

• Add in also the reuse industry to be invited by the governor.
• And a member of the military also to be invited by the governor.
• Add in also the reuse industry to be invited by the governor.
• And a member of the military also to be invited by the governor.
• ,</c><00:24:15.440><c> comma,</c><00:24:16.039><c> July</c> of the governor, comma, July of the governor

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health, Human Services, and Agriculture and Environment heard testimony on SR 85, which requests the Department of Health to form a working group on solid waste management, and on SCR 19, which asks the Tax Review Commission to identify ways to implement Hawaii’s long-term care financing program. SR 85 drew broad support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, environmental groups, and numerous individuals, with one commenter asking that a military representative be added to address possible landfill use of military lands. For SCR 19, testimony came in support from the Executive Office on Aging and another supporter. For SR 85, the chair recommended passage with amendments. The amendments revised landfill-location language, removed certain lines, expanded the report’s scope to include materials management policies, environmental protections, and alternative technologies for waste that cannot be recycled or composted, and changed the working group membership language to include representatives from specified sectors. The committee also agreed to add invited participants such as Zero Waste USA, the reuse and deconstruction industries, a landfill leachate expert, a unit-based pricing expert, and a military representative, and to require the governor or designee to convene the initial meeting. The committee adopted the recommendation by vote, with members voting aye and one member excused. For SCR 19, the chair recommended passage with an amendment adding reference to findings in a 1991 report on financing long-term care. The committee approved the measure with amendments by vote, again with members voting aye and one member excused. The joint session then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like for everyone to note that if pine trees could vote, I would be governor.
• I'd like for everyone to note that if pine trees could vote, I would be governor.
• The Rural Infrastructure Fund—we just recently, the governor just...
• We've had unprecedented support from Governor DeSantis in our mission.
• We've had unprecedented support from Governor DeSantis in our mission.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what it just didn't seem to make sense for us to order the governor to do something that the governor
• It just didn't seem to make sense for us to order the governor to do something that the governor has
• </c><00:40:52.800><c> Cenounu</c> previously vetoed by Governor Cenounu previously vetoed by Governor
• That must just be something that gets carried on from governor to governor because I've not seen that
• </c> then Governor Cenounu. then Governor Cenounu.

Committee: House Legislative Administration

Summary: The committee met in work session to consider amendments to House Bill 1332, which concerns Gold Star-related flag displays. Members discussed two proposed amendments: one would allow the governor to choose to honor Gold Star families by ordering display of the Gold Star flag at the State House and at the State Veterans Cemetery, and another would define the flags covered by the bill as those officially recognized by the federal government. Members debated whether the language should be mandatory or permissive, whether the State House display would trigger broader flag-flying requirements, and whether the veterans cemetery language was necessary. Testimony noted that the Gold Star flag is federally recognized, while the Honor and Remember flag has not been officially recognized by Congress. The committee also took up House Bill 1097, dealing with historic road signs and the committee referral for that bill. Representative Janet Wall explained an amendment changing the bill’s referral from the Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee to the Joint Historic Committee, saying the historic committee is better suited to handle issues involving historic signs and artifacts. She described the Joint Historic Committee’s broader jurisdiction after a prior statutory combination of committees, and members discussed whether that committee has authority beyond the State House complex. Supporters said the change would provide more appropriate oversight and public input on controversial historic markers; one member opposed legislative involvement in removing markers, arguing the issue should remain with existing historical and transportation entities. The amendment was discussed favorably, and members indicated they liked it. No final votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee appeared to set aside the Gold Star amendments for further consideration and moved on after discussion of the historic-signs amendment, with members noting the need to review the written amendment text before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Adolfing the President, Admit her, Her Excellency, the Governor, the Governor, the constitutional officers
• The Chair would like to recognize the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
• The Chair would like to recognize the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Thank you. Good morning.
• Thanks, Governor. Good morning, everyone.
• The Sergeant-at-Arms will now escort Her Excellency the Governor, Her Honor the Lieutenant Governor,

Summary: The joint session convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and remarks from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor welcoming members, guests, and the Governor’s Councillors-elect. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the council’s role in reviewing judicial nominees and noted recent confirmations, including 50 judges over the past two years and 38 in the prior year, emphasizing the importance of the council’s work in ensuring qualified and experienced judges for the Commonwealth. The Secretary of the Commonwealth transmitted the certified returns of the November 5, 2024 election for councillors, as required by the Constitution. The councillors-elect were then sworn in, taking oaths to support the Constitutions of Massachusetts and the United States and to faithfully discharge their duties. They were reminded to sign required paperwork before leaving so their service would be official. After the swearing-in, the Sergeant-at-Arms escorted the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, councillors, and guests from the chamber. On motion by the Senator from Brockton, Mr. Brady, the joint convention voted to adjourn, and the motion carried by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:22.720><c> to</c><00:15:22.959><c> order</c><00:15:23.360><c> all</c> not have the power to
• order all not have the power to order all basically<00:15:24.240><c> the</c><00:15:24.480><c> same</
• To quote Spider-Man, with great power, right, comes great responsibility.
• </c><04:13:48.319><c> As</c> is such a powerful piece of evidence.
• As is such a powerful piece of evidence.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Section five, I have some questions because that concerns the power.
• Because that concerns the power to arrest.
• How important is the power of arrest for it to stay in this bill?
• If they go to a post-certified academy, then they will have the power to arrest.
• So everyone that's APOST certified will have a license to arrest and have arrest power.

Bills: SB287

Committee: House Local Legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the governor wanted to come up with an idea to help bridge some of that.
• And so the governor wanted to come up with an idea to help bridge some of that.
• And so the governor wanted to come up with an idea to help bridge some of that.
• Uh the governor brags across the state.
• </c> then in in transportation, the governor then in in transportation, the governor is<00:42:19.040>

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations. Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities. He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• we are actually going to have a sneak peek at the Governor's budget, the recommendations from the Governor
• I'm to serve as vice chairman at the... ...hospital board of governors.
• I was originally appointed by Governor Scott in 2014 and reappointed by the governor and subsequently
• by Governor DeSantis as well.
• So one of the beneficial things that I first heard from Governor...

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed higher education budget, which emphasized no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, continued affordability, and increased funding across workforce, colleges, and universities. The presentation highlighted major investments in Bright Futures, other scholarships, workforce development, the Florida College System, and the State University System, including funding for performance, student success, campus safety, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed Guardian program on campuses, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, Guardian options could vary by campus, and university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities. Witnesses from Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College described their backgrounds and stressed workforce development, affordability, dual enrollment, nursing, cybersecurity, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several highlighted strong nursing outcomes and job placement, and some discussed campus expansion, business incubators, and programs tailored to regional industries. One appointee from Miami Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by better using prior credits. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the confirmation package as a block. A motion was made and seconded, the roll was called, and the confirmations were reported favorably by the committee. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:04.480><c> and</c> that that they can never lose power and that that they can never lose power
• when data centers will only produce power for themselves and less than 1.5% of the time as a power plant
• He said they must plan for power substitute to maintain business continuity when grid power is not available
• </c> that Excel can't provide that power that Excel can't provide that power according<00:33:43.159><
• </c> size that we normally permit as a power size that we normally permit as a power plant<00:34:31.520

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The power does not live in moral power.
• I speak truth about power because I say to power, 'There is a problem, and you are it.'
• but also speak truth about power.
• </c> but also speak truth about power. but also speak truth about power.
• I'm speaking truth about power, not just to power. Yes, Mr. President, you have the problem.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Beijing is not afraid to use hard power. China's Coast Guard harasses Philippine forces.
• We have got to get China out of our power grid, our ports, and our ports. personal lives, Mr.
• Most people are not aware that they're in our power grid.
• I appreciate the importance of soft power, which is what your question gets to as well.
• Soft power is only effective to the extent we have hard power underlying that.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: committee meeting, bill discussions, nomination, David Perdue, Monica Crawley, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy

Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. any efficiency you may not get the transmit power you need so that's that's an example of
• It really could and I think AI has tremendous power and we need to marshal it for being able to use the
• Perl, do you think CBRS is a panacea or do we also need full power spectrum?
• We need we need full power spectrum as well.
• Now as you know, the Spectrum Pipeline Act that I've authored requires a pipeline of full power, not

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: spectrum policy, FCC auction authority, national security, innovation, technology development, 9-1-1 modernization, adaptive technologies, China competition

Summary: The meeting centered on the critical examination of spectrum policy and its implications for innovation and national security. The committee discussed the lapse of the FCC's spectrum auction authority, which has been in effect since March 2023, emphasizing the urgency of restoring this authority to maintain U.S. technological leadership against competitors like China. Witnesses provided testimony regarding the need for adaptive and reconfigurable spectrum technologies to enhance communication capabilities for both civilian and military applications. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of modernizing 9-1-1 systems and ensuring robust emergency communication frameworks leveraging new spectrum innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to thank the governor.
• I do want to thank the governor.
• I do want to thank the governor.
• Governor, here we stand with a deal.
• ><c> are</c><00:28:44.399><c> DFL</c> Governor, we're told those are DFL Governor, we're told those are

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:05.440><c> present</c> a requirement that the governor present a requirement that the governor
• </c> agencies working so hard with Governor agencies working so hard with Governor right<00:53:49.839
• </c><01:08:33.000><c> even</c> budget yes and the governor even budget yes and the governor even probably
• </c> that the legislature and Governor that the legislature and Governor decided<01:16:47.760><c> it's
• It's obviously up to the governor; the legislature can't force the governor to do anything.

Summary: The Finance Committee met for an organizational opening session in which the chair, Ken Weyler, called the committee to order and members introduced themselves. The introductions established the committee’s leadership and membership, including Vice Chair Dan McGuire, ranking member Mary Jane Wallner, deputy ranking member Karen Eil, clerk Jerry Griffin, and other members from both parties. Many members briefly described prior legislative service and professional backgrounds, with several noting prior experience on Finance or related budget committees. Chair Weyler then outlined committee procedures and expectations. He emphasized that Finance handles spending bills and fiscal notes, that bills will generally be heard by the full committee and then referred to the appropriate division, and that executive sessions may be used to save time when positions are clear. He reviewed rules on attendance, dress, phones, paperwork handling, committee replacements, conflict of interest and recusal, and the process for testimony, including that members should listen without debating witnesses and that sponsors of bills must recuse themselves from questioning witnesses on their own bills. He also described the committee’s structure and workload, noting three divisions and the role of legislative budget staff. Weyler said the committee would likely see bills from many policy committees that have fiscal impacts, and he encouraged policy committees to find offsets within their own areas rather than assume new spending will be added. No bills were heard and no votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lieutenant Governor.
• What I have heard is that this was aimed at the governor, hoping that the governor would not call special
• This is a Lieutenant Governor priority bill.
• Our campaign events to the governor. Because, look at me, I mean, I know.
• I say this because the governor has the ability to decide.

Bills: SB 53 , SB 54 , HB16 , SB 19

Committee: Senate State Affairs