Video & Transcript : 'crossover voting' :
Page 435 of 500
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- That's why I'm Voting yes. Any other debate? I've got a few things to say.
- I'm able to vote.
- I appreciate everybody's kind words and respectfully request your yes vote.
- So, I'll be a yes vote today, Senator Fricks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- For that reason, I'll be a no vote today. Senator Rader, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee:
Senate Energy
Keywords:
environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Please vote yes. I'll also be recommending a yes vote.
- I'll be voting no today.
- Any member wishing to change their vote should let me know now. Clerk will announce the vote. Mr.
- So with that, I'll be voting yes. Representative Mendoza, thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Any member wishing to change their vote should do so now. Staff, please announce the vote. Mr.
Summary:
The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6258, which would authorize the Washington Medical Commission to adopt rules allowing physicians and certain other licensees to voluntarily relinquish their licenses outside of a disciplinary process. Staff and the bill sponsor explained that the current system only allows relinquishment through a disciplinary or quasi-disciplinary path, which can trigger reporting to national databases even when there is no misconduct. Testimony from the Medical Commission and the Washington Physicians Health Program supported the bill as a non-disciplinary, permanent, and more dignified way for providers to exit practice while preserving patient safety by excluding those under investigation or discipline. The chair said the committee would executive the bill the next day and asked that amendments be submitted by 6 p.m. that day.
The committee then held a work session on part-time/adjunct faculty in the community and technical college system. State Board of Community and Technical Colleges staff described the system’s 34 colleges, the role of local bargaining, and the differences in duties and pay between full-time and part-time faculty. They noted that adjunct pay has historically lagged and cited a 2024 report estimating it would cost about $75.1 million to raise average adjunct compensation to 85% of full-time faculty pay. American Federation of Teachers Washington representatives and contingent faculty testified in support of HB 2538, arguing that contingent faculty are underpaid, often lack stable employment and compensation for work outside class time, and that higher pay would improve retention, student support, and equity. Members asked about bargaining structures, health benefits, workload, and comparisons to other faculty roles.
In executive session, the committee considered Substitute Senate Bill 5931, which makes administrative changes to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board, including removing a public dashboard requirement and adjusting election timing. The bill passed 14-1 and was reported out with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also approved Senate Bill 5963, which automatically makes Passport to Careers participants income-eligible for the Washington College Grant and aligns need calculations with the federal formula; it also directs Passport funds into the state financial aid account. That bill passed unanimously, 15-0, and was likewise reported out with a do-pass recommendation.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Eighteen - Tuesday, February 10 -Afternoon Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk, close the board and tally the vote.
- As everyone voted. Mr. Clerk, close the board and tally the vote.
- By your vote of 48 yea, one nay, and 42 present, you have established a quorum.
- I recommend everybody vote for it. Thank you. Further discussion.
- I recommend everybody vote for it. Thank you. Further discussion.
Summary:
The House first established a quorum, then took up a package of House Committee Substitutes for House Bills 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662, and 2743. The bills were described as eliminating mandatory vehicle safety inspections in Missouri, with supporters arguing the inspections are outdated, costly, inconvenient, and not clearly linked to fewer crashes or fatalities. They cited studies and examples from other states, and several members emphasized the burden on rural drivers and mechanics. Opponents argued inspections help catch tire, brake, and other equipment problems, and warned that removing them could increase risks to children, highway workers, and other motorists.
Members debated specific provisions in the merged bill, including exemptions and requirements for street rods, custom vehicles, agricultural vehicles, interstate commerce vehicles, and vehicles involved in accidents or salvage situations. An amendment was offered to correct a drafting error involving commercial vehicles and was adopted. The sponsor repeatedly clarified that the bill would not make inspections illegal, only remove the state mandate, while opponents questioned the studies cited and raised concerns about fatality impacts and unsafe vehicles. The House then adopted the committee substitute as amended and perfected and printed the bill package.
After the bill action, members made announcements, including a birthday recognition and committee meeting notices. The House was then adjourned until February 11, 2026.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- If you prefer to have a separate vote on any of these, we will vote on that one separately.
- Otherwise, at the conclusion of all the testimony, we will vote in a block.
- Is there any appointee that you would like to vote on separately?
- Is there any appointee that you would like to vote on separately?
- Is there any appointee that anyone would like to vote on separately?
Keywords:
campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear two bills and several confirmation appointments. Senate Bill 176, as amended, required public universities to maintain and publicize clear campus safety policies and reporting procedures for threats to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Senator Polsky said the bill was intended to close a gap in postsecondary safety guidance and mirror K-12 requirements. The committee adopted the amendment without objection, heard supportive comments about campus safety, and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard Senate Bill 116, which would codify the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to support research, prevention, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes; the bill drew supportive testimony from AARP and others and was also reported favorably.
The committee then took up confirmations for multiple university and college boards of trustees. Nominees and appointees testified about their backgrounds and priorities, including FIU trustee Nestor Plana, UNF trustee Clarence Stephen Moore, UCF trustees Mark Philburn and Alan Flores, USF trustees Rick Piccolo and Nancy Watkins Hemingway, and Miami Dade College trustee Ismarie Monreal, among others. Their remarks emphasized student success, research growth, workforce development, financial stewardship, and institutional goals such as engineering, cybersecurity, health care, and preeminence. Several members asked about NCLEX nursing pass rates and university performance metrics, and one public commenter raised concerns about campus climate and student safety at UCF.
After hearing the appointees and public comment, the committee voted to confirm the group of nominees in a block and reported the confirmations favorably. The meeting concluded without further business after a motion to adjourn.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Claudio, and by your vote, SB 1246 is reported favorably. Thank you, Mr.
- "There's no requirement that you follow any sort of criteria when you vote yes or no on this."
- We’re forced to vote on whether or not we want a day of remembrance for Charlie Kirk.
- And by your vote, please see Senate Bill 194 reported favorably.
- Does any senator wish to be recorded as voting on bills before the committee today? I do.
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Keywords:
Charlie Kirk, remembrance, free speech, civic engagement, youth leadership, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum and first considered SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s Line Fund for health service workforce shortages. Senator Davis explained that the bill would broaden eligibility beyond nursing to include health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit use of funds for scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which professions would qualify, and Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility but could be made more concrete. Several witnesses supported the bill, and the committee reported SB 1246 favorably without additional funding being requested.
The committee then took up SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday. The bill drew both support and opposition from public speakers, with supporters emphasizing Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and unborn children, and opponents arguing that his public statements on race, civil rights, and Black leaders made him an inappropriate figure for state honor. Members also debated whether statute was the right vehicle for such recognition and whether the bill could encourage future requests for similar commemorations.
A late-filed amendment by Senator Jones would have added George Floyd to the remembrance language, framing the issue as selective remembrance and pointing to Floyd’s death as another national reckoning. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated SB 194 at length, with supporters describing Kirk as a defender of open debate and opponents saying the bill would legitimize divisive rhetoric. The committee ultimately reported SB 194 favorably, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones voting no, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Simon voting yes, and Chair Calatayud casting the deciding favorable vote. The committee then adjourned after a motion to record Tab 2 in the affirmative was adopted.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And by your vote, CS for SB 1036 is reported favorably.
- 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.
- And by your vote, SB 464 is reported favorably.
Committee:
Senate Education Pre-K - 12
Keywords:
public records, open government, sunshine law, education assessments, testing materials, exam security, assessment instruments, test items, answer keys, scoring rubrics, item banks, developmental materials, workpapers, student testing, academic dishonesty, cheating, Florida Department of Education, State Board of Education, Board of Governors, Florida College System
Summary:
The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. 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 to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, by your vote, we'll show CS for SB 1080 reported favorably.
- Unless the senator requests a separate vote on individual appointees, we will take one vote on all appointees
- We're going to be voting on the amendment to the bill, correctly?
- Members, by your vote, will show CS for SB 382 reported favorably.
- Members, by your vote, will show SB 880 reported favorably.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Transportation Committee heard and advanced several measures. SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement was presented as a comprehensive cleanup of camera-based enforcement for red lights, school zones, and school bus violations. The sponsor said the bill aims to improve consistency, transparency, privacy limits, and due process, including clerk fee retention, virtual hearings, recordkeeping, limits on data use, school district approval for bus cameras, and reporting requirements. An amendment clarifying reporting and liability-transfer procedures was adopted without objection. Members raised questions about information sharing, facial recognition, school-zone flashing lights, private school buses, and bus stop safety; the sponsor said those issues were either already covered in statute or outside the bill’s scope, though he was open to future clarification. The committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard SB 1080, which received a delete-all amendment concerning FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements with sureties. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. A block of appointments to various boards was then considered together and reported favorably after a single confirmation vote.
Later, SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters was substantially revised with a strike-all amendment. The new version keeps pedestrian-yield and audible-signal rules, adds a 10-mph limit when pedestrians are within 50 feet, creates an e-bike task force, and requires crash data collection and reporting. Members discussed whether the speed rule applies to shared-use paths, how it would be enforced, whether licensing or speedometers should be required, and whether the bill could create barriers for seniors or others who rely on e-bikes. Supporters emphasized safety, data collection, and the need for stakeholder input; the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also reported favorably SB 684, which allows electronic signatures in connection with total-loss vehicles and vessels, and SB 880, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate. The meeting ended after all bills and appointments were approved and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 8, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So with that being said, we would ask you to vote down on the bill today.
- By your vote, the bill passes. Please show CS for House Bill 843 reported favorably.
- By your vote, the bill passes. Please show C.S. for House Bill 1053 reported favorably.
- By your vote, the bill passes. Please show House Bill 751 reported favorably.
- By your vote, the bill passes. Please show House Bill 751 reported favorably.
Summary:
The Budget Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. The first major item, House Bill 1467 on gambling, drew extensive debate and strong opposition from veterans organizations and related groups, who warned the bill’s language could unintentionally criminalize raffles and gaming machines used by American Legion and VFW posts for charitable fundraising. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen gambling penalties, authorize fantasy sports contests, preempt local enforcement, and require more reporting on illegal gambling, and he said he was open to amendments later. Despite concerns from several members about unintended consequences and local preemption, the committee passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote.
The committee then heard and passed House Bill 711, creating a statewide “spectrum alert” for missing autistic children and requiring FDLE training for law enforcement; House Bill 1335, allowing Medicaid coverage for blood-based colorectal cancer screening; House Bill 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds; House Bill 1371, strengthening protections for law enforcement and first responders, including penalties for attacks on officers and measures related to false reports and blood-borne pathogen exposure; House Bill 1405, revising youth prevention services for status offenders; House Bill 1053, updating FDLE-related statutes and adding support for retired police dogs; and House Bill 751, expanding health insurance protections for law enforcement and their families after catastrophic injury or death and clarifying fraud penalties.
Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 1371, which adopted an amendment removing a section to avoid fiscal impact, and HB 1053, which removed proposed changes to the capital complex definition. Most measures received supportive testimony from law enforcement, health, or advocacy groups and passed with little opposition. The committee concluded by reporting all of the listed bills favorably and then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- You can speak on any matter on which we will vote today.
- I would just say, Senator, that I'm going to vote for your bill today, but if you don't have a House
- case, but the order that they review isn't before us at the time of that vote.
- I would like to vote in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766. Without objection.
- I would like to vote in the affirmative on SB 1416 and SB 766. Without objection.
Committee:
Senate Ethics and Elections
Summary:
The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1416, which would move municipal elections to coincide with the general election and extend incumbent terms until the new schedule takes effect. Senators discussed whether the bill would affect runoff elections, with the sponsor explaining that runoff timing would shift to the August primary/general election framework. The Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties were noted as opposed, while members cited potential taxpayer savings and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then took up SB 766, as amended by strike-all, which would require agents of certain “countries of concern” to register with the Division of Elections when engaging in political activity. The amendment narrowed the bill’s focus and aligned terminology with existing state law. After no opposition or debate on the amendment, the committee adopted it and then reported the bill favorably.
Members next heard the reappointment of Mike LaRosa to the Public Service Commission. Questioning focused heavily on PSC transparency, the sufficiency of commission orders, Supreme Court criticism of PSC decisions, storm protection plans, utility rate cases, and how the commission evaluates evidence and consumer impacts. LaRosa said the commission had changed its procedures to produce more detailed orders and more robust discussion, and he described ongoing work on rate cases, public engagement, and emerging energy issues such as small modular reactors. Despite concerns raised, the nomination was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee then approved a block of additional appointments in tabs 4 through 27, also reporting them favorably.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The assistance board has for the commissioners that work early voting.
- They assist in different things that does early voting and elections. They work early voting.
- They assist in different things that does early voting and election day.
- Early voting is separate. They do get paid separately for that. Okay.
- If you look at the vote on the House side, it passed unanimously.
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 6, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard several bills before moving into confirmation hearings. HB 205, by Rep. Bacala, would allow local governing authorities to supplement election commissioners’ pay by up to $100 per day; supporters from clerks of court and the Secretary of State’s office said the increase is needed to recruit and retain qualified commissioners amid longer days, training demands, and election security changes. The committee also reported HB 210, a cleanup bill clarifying retroactive application of a prior ethics law, and HB 228, which recreates the Department of State Civil Service and related entities through 2033. It likewise reported SR 86, which bars eyeglasses with audio/video recording capability in the Senate chamber without the Senate President’s permission, and HB 1177, which protects the identities of lottery hunt winners until after the drawing. HB 1045, limited to Pointe Coupee Parish, raises an audit threshold for certain water districts from $500,000 to $600,000 to reduce audit costs, and HB 813 would move Orleans Parish sheriff terms so the sheriff takes office in January instead of waiting until May; all were reported favorably. Senator Miller also announced that SB 491 would not be taken up that day.
The committee then questioned nominees to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East. The first group, including Peter Vicari and Ronald Schumann, was asked extensively about recent personnel actions, an internal investigation, and the authority’s handling of a report that members said would likely be released after a board vote. Senators focused on the firing of the chief of police/operations personnel, allegations of payroll fraud, and whether the authority had improperly combined the chief of police role with compliance duties in a way that may conflict with statute and Civil Service guidance. Committee members also raised concerns about the chief’s contract, whether it had board approval, and whether the authority’s bylaws and salary practices complied with law. The nominees and counsel said some matters were still under review and that a separate compliance position was being considered.
The committee later heard from additional nominees, including David Martin, Gregory Marsiglia, and Elton Jude Myers, who described backgrounds in engineering, law, procurement, and governmental contracts. Senators again pressed them on the need to separate compliance/auditing duties from the chief of police role, and the nominees generally agreed that those functions should be distinct and that the authority should have qualified auditing expertise. The meeting ended with no public comment and adjournment after the confirmation discussion.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote of 12 to 1, it does pass. I pass, and okay.
- By a vote of 12-1, House Bill 3095 was voted do pass. We will now go to Representative Hruza.
- By your vote of 12 ayes and 1 no, we have voted House Bill 3249 do pass. We will now go to...
- I move that House Bill 2142 be voted do pass. Is there any discussion? Okay.
- By your vote of 12 ayes and one no, you have voted House Committee substitute, House Bill 2142 and 2058
Committee:
House Economic Development
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Economic Development Mar 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, 12 to 1, it does pass.
- I pass, and by a vote of 12-1, House Bill 3095 was voted do pass.
- By your vote of 12 ayes and 1 no, we have voted House Bill 3249 do pass. We will now go to...
- The House committee substitute is adopted by voice vote.
- By your vote of 12 ayes and one no, you have voted House committee substitute, House Bill 2142 and 2058
Summary:
The Committee on Economic Development met with 13 members present and first went into executive session. It voted House Bill 3095 and House Bill 3249 do pass, both by 12-1 votes, and also adopted a House committee substitute for House Bill 2142 that rolled in House Bill 2058 before voting the combined measure do pass by 12-1. The transcript does not describe the substance of those bills in detail, but records the committee’s favorable action on each.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 3262, Representative Peters’ proposal to create an interstate massage compact. Supporters, including the sponsor, a massage business operator, a former state massage board regulator, and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards, said the compact would improve workforce mobility, reduce duplicate licensing and background checks, and preserve state authority over standards and discipline. An opponent argued interstate compacts are unconstitutional, could supersede state law, and raise concerns about gifts and closed meetings. No vote was taken on HB 3262 during the hearing.
The final hearing was on House Bill 3157, which would create a single statewide permit for mobile food vendors. The sponsor and supporters from the Institute for Justice and the food truck industry said the bill would reduce duplicative local permits and inspections, lower costs, and help food trucks operate across jurisdictions while keeping health and safety standards. Opponents, including Kansas City and Springfield-Greene County health officials, argued the bill would preempt local control, shift regulatory authority to the state, and create enforcement and fiscal concerns. Committee members raised questions about local inspection authority, fees, and a possible committee substitute, but no final action was taken in the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 26th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote of ten yes, you have moved do pass. Thank you.
- Thank you. 2753 be voted, or I'm sorry, yes, House Committee substitute for House Bill 2753 be voted
- 2753 be voted, or I'm sorry, yes, House Committee substitute for House Bill 2753 be voted.
- By your vote of 10 ayes, two noes, and one present, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House
- By your vote of 11 yeses, one no, and one present, you have voted House Bill 2912 do pass.
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The committee first took up several bills in executive session. House Committee Amendment No. 1 was adopted and rolled into a substitute for House Bills 3292 and 2171, which then received a do pass recommendation by a 10-2 vote. House Bill 2753 also received a committee substitute and was voted do pass 10-2. House Bill 2912 was voted do pass by an 11-1 vote. During this portion, one member criticized the Department of Corrections for not responding to inquiries or attending earlier hearings, and the chair acknowledged the concern.
The committee then heard testimony on House Bills 1616 and 2832, sponsored by Representatives Allen and Collins, which would create an independent corrections oversight structure, including an Office of Corrections and Transparency or ombudsman-style advocate with authority to inspect facilities, investigate complaints, access records, and report publicly. The sponsors argued that DOC currently lacks independent oversight and that internal review is insufficient. They cited deaths, unsafe conditions, medical neglect, and the need for confidential reporting by staff and incarcerated people. Committee members questioned whether the bills would duplicate existing processes, what the fiscal impact would be, and whether the proposal had enough enforcement power; the sponsors said the office would be small, likely around $300,000, and were open to amendments.
Supporters testified that independent oversight is needed because of repeated deaths in custody, lack of trust in internal complaint systems, retaliation concerns for staff, and large taxpayer costs from lawsuits and settlements. Witnesses from Empower Missouri, Missouri Justice Coalition, the NAACP, ACLU of Missouri, and FAMM all supported the bills, with several emphasizing that prisons are closed institutions with inherent power imbalances and that external oversight would improve transparency, safety, and accountability for both incarcerated people and staff. The hearing ended after testimony in support, with no opposition presented and the committee adjourning without taking final action on the oversight bills.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations, Representatives.
- The vote was unanimous. It's in the Judiciary Committee.
- I want you to like what you're voting yes on.
- By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations.
- By your vote, the bill is reported favorably. Congratulations.
Committee:
House Education & Employment Committee
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Feb 3rd, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- By your vote, CS for SB 1422 is reported favorably. Thank you.
- Senators Arrington, Polsky, Smith, and Chair Rodriguez voted yes.
- By your vote, CS for SB 1510 is reported favorably. Thank you.
- And with that, I'll vote for the bill. Thank you. Thank you.
- By your vote, CS for SB 912 is reported favorably.
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
Keywords:
battery collection, battery stewardship, environment, recycling, hazardous waste, waste management, regulation, environmental protection, facilities, hazardous materials, coral reefs, natural resource, climate change, coastal flooding, solar facilities, wastewater treatment, nutrient reduction, land conservation, water conservation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Summary:
The Environment and Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up several environmental bills and one appointment. SB 1422, as amended by a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designating coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure, was reported favorably after support from Audubon Florida was noted. The committee then considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification related to minimum flows and levels for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and associated recovery strategy; witnesses from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates criticized the plan as too delayed and too dependent on a single future water project, while committee members raised questions about funding and utility responsibility. Despite concerns, the committee approved the bill as a committee bill, with Senator Smith voting no.
The committee next heard SB 1510, as amended, which made technical changes to DEP-related provisions including B-MAP notice and timing, septic system requirements in Florida Springs areas, biosolids, fees, land acquisition, and rulemaking procedures. The main public testimony came from the Florida Springs Council, which opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness as harmful to spring restoration, while DEP and others supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 1196, a targeted siting bill restricting new ash-producing incinerators or waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of large federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the practical effect to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, argued it would protect water resources and communities; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition argued it would limit local waste-disposal options and could force more landfilling. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 912, the Safe Battery Collection and Recovery Act, which would require battery stewardship organizations and related recycling plans to keep batteries out of the waste stream. Industry and recycling representatives supported the bill, citing growing battery volumes and fire risks at recycling facilities. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. All measures were approved favorably except that Senator Smith voted against SPB 7034; the meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026
Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And by your vote, CS for SB 698 is reported favorably.
- Voice vote. All in favor of the amendment say yay. Yay. Yay. All opposed say nay.
- And by your vote, CS for SB 1230 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, CS for SB 1288 is reported favorably.
- By your vote, CS for SB 1288 is reported favorably.
Committee:
Senate Environment and Natural Resources
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It is for this reason that they were voted by the citizens of our great state.
- The secretary will unlock the board and the senators will prepare to vote. All senators voted.
- Secretary will unlock the board, and the senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
- The amendment was put to a voice vote, and the amendment passed.
- All Senators voted. Please lock the board and record the vote. 38 yays, zero nays, Mr. President.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, doctor-of-the-day introduction, and several recognitions, including a Founders’ Day tribute to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a welcome to a nationally ranked student debater in the gallery. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 gubernatorial executive appointments; after explanation by the Ethics and Elections chair, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0.
The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program, housing and transportation investments, education funding, and rural health care improvements. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health-care provisions in light of new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding amounts. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing the bill’s focus on rural infrastructure, health care access, and local flexibility. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates explained that the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, tightening enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees, requiring student identification numbers, improving reimbursement processes, and directing the Department of Education to develop a business plan for scholarship funding organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision from the bill, with that issue expected to move elsewhere. Senators discussed transparency, accountability, and protections against overpayments and unverified enrollments, while also noting the need to preserve support for school districts. The bill passed 38-0.
After both bills passed, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and scheduled a group photograph for the following Thursday before adjourning until January 22 or upon the President’s call.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 12th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I thank the author again, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- I thank the author again and I respectfully ask for your I vote.
- I'm honored to celebrate the Korean American community and I urge an aye vote.
- Thank you for your vote and for my passing SCR 106, with that.
- Thank you for your vote and for my passing SCR 106.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 106 by Senator Choi, which designates January 13, 2026 as Korean American Day in California. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, highlighting the history of Korean immigration, the contributions of Korean Americans in business, public service, culture, education, health care, and civic life, and the significance of Korean American communities across the state. Several members also shared personal and district-specific examples, including Koreatown, the Korean Friendship Bell, Pachappa Camp in Riverside, and Korean American organizations and businesses affected by the recent wildfires. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 roll call vote.
After the vote, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests visiting the chamber, including the Consul General of Korea in San Francisco and other community leaders. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including notices that the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Human Services Committee would meet after adjournment. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas also requested that SB 626 be removed from the inactive file and returned to the Assembly for amendments.
The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment memorials. Senator Umberg honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, a longtime legislative staffer and artist. Senators Pérez and Allen jointly memorialized the 19 people who died in the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires, describing the devastation, the community’s recovery, and the names and lives of many victims. Senator Menjivar also asked for adjournment in memory of Marine Corps Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, who died in a December traffic collision. The Senate announced its next floor session for Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m. and then recessed.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Aug 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Remember, and we can play this game, the vote we had was we were trying to have the vote before lunch
- We voted on it after lunch, Mr. Chair. I'll tell you what. We tried to vote before, correct?
- And it's brought to the committee for a vote.
- And so for those who don't have a vote, don't like it or whatever, there's always a prerogative to vote
- **Senator Block**: Did we try to vote on it before lunch? We did, right?
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Hill votes aye. Kehler. Kehler, aye. Norris votes aye. Norris, aye. Swazinski. Swazinski, aye.
- Swazinski votes aye. The clerk will close the roll.
- Madam Speaker, to all the people in northern Minnesota, we will hope for a green vote.
- Hill votes yes. Hill votes aye. Kehler. Kehler votes aye. Norris. Norris votes aye. Swazinski.
- Swazinski votes aye. The clerk will close the roll. The bill is passed.