Transcript Highlights:

• I learned the importance of family from my mother, who, at all of five feet tall, was the most powerful
• For a long time I've been troubled with Congress's chronic delegation of the lawmaking power.
• Yes, so that case reinforced for me the importance of Article I, the vesting of legislative power in
• I read Article 3, which defines judicial power. Where does it... mention universal injunction.
• So when we talk about separation of powers, it does go both ways. It does go both ways.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the governor and Office of Community Services and the lieutenant governor for helping
• I want to thank the governor and Office of Community Services and the lieutenant governor for helping
• I want to thank the governor and Office of Community Services and the lieutenant governor for helping
• We want to thank the governor, the lieutenant governor, Senate President, Speaker, and members of the
• ,</c><00:02:20.800><c> speaker,</c> governor, senate president, speaker, governor, senate president,

Summary: The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million for nonprofit and community organizations facing uncertainty, especially amid federal funding disruptions. Speakers thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, House and Senate leadership, and legislative staff for helping craft the measure and review more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million in requests. They noted the funding was intended as a safety net for organizations serving at-risk populations and those that had lost federal support, with priority given to healthcare, human services, education, the arts, and food distribution. The co-chair then presented the recommended award list, describing it as aimed at programs with broad reach and high impact. The list included a large number of nonprofits and community providers across the state, such as food banks, health centers, youth and family services, domestic violence and legal aid organizations, cultural and educational groups, and hospitals. Several of the larger awards mentioned included Hui Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, West Hawaii Community Health Center, The Food Basket, and multiple Maui and Oahu service organizations. After the full list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the committee adopted the list of nonprofit awards as read. The briefing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:45.919><c> and</c> mobility and their bargaining power and mobility and their bargaining power
• </c> uh folks don't have bargaining power. uh folks don't have bargaining power.
• </c> balance of power that employers have. balance of power that employers have.
• They give more power to the employers.
• They give more power to the employers.

Bills: HF3889 , HF2567 , HF3878

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature,... ...impact our agency.
• Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, tremendous gains have been made
• It's my pleasure to present highlights of Governor DeSantis' Floridian's first budget for the Agency
• I'll be covering Governor DeSantis' recommendations in his Floridian's first budget.
• And Governor DeSantis has consistently shown steadfast and unwavering support for them.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fletcher and the first Governor M.
• Three names are then presented to the governor, and the governor picks one of those names.
• to the governor and the governor<00:16:05.680><c> picks</c><00:16:06.000><c> one</c><00:16:06.160><c
• one of those names they governor picks one of those names they immediately<00:16:08.880><c> assume</
• If the governor agrees with that, they can retain that board member.

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression. The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression. Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The damage impacted 25% of homes, interrupted water, power, and communication services, and displaced
• The power is inevitably shut off when wildfires hit now. That's always the case.
• And when the power goes off, there they had in the Thomas fire, no ability to run the water pumps.
• We want them to be more thoughtful about what happens if the power goes out.
• A lithium battery fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant led to its evacuation in January.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• acknowledged, a big part of the governor acknowledged, a big part of the Democrats<00:04:59.600><c>
• You saw the tone of the governor today really was a different tone that I haven't seen from him.
• Governor Speaker, sorry. No problem. Maybe in a year.
• Uh, the governor floated some IT upgrades as a possible spend this year.
• Uh the governor floated some IT &gt;&gt; Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so Governor DeSantis has remained steadfast.
• 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 Scott...
• I'm honored to be reappointed by the governor for a full four-year term.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives. The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the subpoena power.
• </c> job, a lot of the powers are taken away. job, a lot of the powers are taken away.
• We have the C subpoena power. the state. We have the C subpoena power.
• , that we have subpoena power, that we have the power necessary to do our jobs.
• The power necessary to do our jobs.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Meyer, Governor. Madam President, that concludes the reading of the nomination of Heidi J. A.
• From the Office of the Governor, June 11. ...is reading the nomination of F. Todd Kulata.
• Meyer, Governor. Madam President, that concludes the reading of F. Todd Kulata’s nomination.
• Stephen Urban of Sussex Technical High School, Lieutenant Governor. Thank you.
• Stephen Urban of Sussex Technical High School, Lieutenant Governor.

Summary: The Senate received communications from the House listing numerous bills, substitutes, amendments, and concurrent resolutions passed by the House or returned to the Senate, and it also noted a Senate amendment being stricken from House Bill 190. Committee reports were read on a wide range of nominations and bills, including favorable reports on several executive nominations and legislation involving nurse preceptors, voting, agricultural/forestry grants, child care, Title IX coordination, vehicle security devices, dry needling, human remains disposition, child care assistance, autism-related oversight, nursing advancement, correctional oversight, massage and bodywork, probate letters, computer security breaches, automobile insurance, medical debt protection, and technical corrections. The Senate also assigned House Bill 300, House Bill 64, and House Bill 385 to the Finance Committee. The chamber confirmed several gubernatorial nominations by roll call vote, each receiving the required majority: Heidi J. A. Gilmore to the Marijuana Appeals Commission; Lee Wynne and Ruth J. Tucker to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; Jennifer R. Hallman and Lindsay E. Alexich to the Professional Standards Board; Jason M. Munion and F. Todd Kulata to the Environmental Appeals Board. The Senate also passed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 383, which changes overtime eligibility for certain DelDOT employees and clarifies covered positions, and Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which revises the Delaware Technical Innovation Program to give the Division of Small Business more flexibility in using federal grant funds. Consent Agenda M passed unanimously, including Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 on menopause and perimenopause coverage, House Bill 411 on alcohol/tobacco/marijuana enforcement, House Bill 271 on marijuana establishment spacing, House Bill 258 on alcohol licenses, House Bill 303 on juvenile probation/parole officers and DCYF employees, and House Bill 377 on Ocean View municipal election deadlines. Consent Calendar 63 also passed unanimously, including resolutions recognizing Day of Service, National Adoption Month, National Coaches Day, Free Speech Week, Women’s Equality Day, and Spirit of America 250, along with resolutions encouraging a veteran cemetery in Kent County, seeking plans for repurposing underused public buildings, and honoring Delaware Boys State. The Senate spent significant time on floor remarks about the Boys State delegates and on a tribute to emergency responders who helped save a seven-year-old child trapped by a seatbelt; the responders were recognized individually and thanked for their work. Additional remarks explained the purpose of the menopause coverage bill, the adoption month resolution, the free speech resolution, and the America 250 resolution. The session ended with no further business and the Senate recessed until June 18.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is to stop a governor, a future governor, any governor, from deciding that a state attorney is not
• The governor complained that the version of the 2022...
• The governor and cabinet A new state board focused on immigration enforcement.
• The governor has been laser-focused on this, and he does deserve a win.
• The governor has been laser-focused on this, and he does deserve a win.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• with members the leadership the governor with members the leadership of<00:04:20.120><c> the</c><00:
• We also saw things that were dealing with Governor Walz.
• We also saw things that were dealing with Governor Walz.
• We were dealing with Governor Walz.
• I heard there might be a meeting tomorrow with the governor. Is that going to happen?

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Governor Lujan Grisham. curriculum that we still use today.
• Thank you, Lieutenant Governor.
• And, Lieutenant Governor, good morning.
• Well, I've never seen the lieutenant governor, anybody.
• I've seen the governor come support cabinet members. I never seen the lieutenant governor.

Summary: The committee first heard the nomination of Anna Silva to lead the General Services Department. Supporters, including the sponsor, former GSD officials, family members, the lieutenant governor, and other senators, praised her long career in GSD, her procurement and facilities management experience, and her work on e-procurement, veteran home construction, and other projects. Silva said her priorities would include stabilizing risk management positions for the transition to the next administration, ensuring continuity on construction projects, and protecting the department’s budget and operations. After questions and comments, the committee voted 7-0 to advance her nomination to full Senate confirmation. The committee then took up House Bill 96, which would create a working group to study establishing a New Mexico Space Commission to support the commercial space industry. The sponsor and witnesses argued the state already has strong space infrastructure and should remain competitive with other states. Senators expressed support, and a friendly amendment was adopted to add a Senate pro tem appointee to the working group. The amended bill received a due-pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered House Joint Resolution 5A, which would ask voters whether legislators should be paid based on median household income. The resolution received a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Joint Memorial 3, which asks the Environment Department and Environmental Improvement Board to review the PFAS law passed the previous year in light of changing federal rules. The American Chemistry Council opposed the memorial, arguing it misstated aspects of the law and could complicate rulemaking, while the sponsor and Environment Department said the memorial was intended to help assess whether changes are needed. The memorial received a subcommittee due-pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those were not recommended by the governor.
• Those were not recommended by the governor.
• And thankful for the past governor, or the past governor who saw fit to make those investments.
• The governor did not recommend funding for this item.
• And that's why the governor overlooked that request.

Summary: The Budget Committee heard the Department of Mental Health’s FY 2027 budget presentation, with Director Valerie Hoon outlining a $4.4 billion department budget, including $1.7 billion in general revenue, and describing the department’s roles in substance use, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities services. Early questioning focused on marijuana-related mental health impacts, but the main discussion centered on the department’s new decision items, funding sources, and expected wait lists. The director explained several increases tied to Medicaid growth, mental health youth services, outpatient competency restoration, crisis residential services, developmental disability waivers, and provider tax adjustments, along with offsets such as reduced wraparound funding at the Kansas City Assessment and Triage Center and cuts to some youth and self-directed DD services. A major portion of the hearing focused on competency restoration for people found unfit to stand trial and currently held in county jails. Members pressed the department on the cost, effectiveness, and legal implications of keeping people in jail while awaiting services, noting a reported wait list of roughly 524 to 538 individuals and average holds of about 14 months. The department said it currently has eight outpatient competency restoration beds in the community, is seeking funding for 50 additional outpatient slots, and also operates jail-based restoration for about 40 people at a time. Members repeatedly asked for breakdowns of violent versus nonviolent cases, success rates, cost per person, and the split between state and federal funding, while the department explained that Medicaid can cover only the treatment portion, not residential housing or other non-billable costs. The committee also discussed broader capacity constraints in state hospitals and developmental disability services. Hoon said Fulton, Center for Behavioral Medicine, and FTC North are full, with 183 vacancies across the department, and that the department is working on a new Kansas City hospital that would add 150 beds, though completion is now expected closer to 2029 or 2030. In the developmental disabilities section, the department warned that the governor’s recommendation would create wait lists for in-home waiver services and crisis residential services, and members questioned proposed reductions to self-directed services rates and other provider payments. No votes were taken, and the committee recessed before finishing the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, we have Rita said the Governor and she is ready. Terrific.
• Please admit Her Excellency, Governor Maura T. Healey. Brief recess. Brief recess.
• Please admit, Her Excellency, the Governor, Mora T. Healy, You know?
• Please admit Her Excellency, the Governor, Maura T. Healey, and the Executive Council.
• Thank you, Governor Healey. And thank you all for being here this afternoon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Governor. Reports of standing committees. Reports of select committees.
• The sponsor here is Governor Kathy Hochul.
• Five years later, the Governor and the Office of Cannabis Management come here on a Sunday, introduce
• So today, what we're considering is what the Governor in her program bill is asking us to do, is put
• SO TODAY, WHAT WE'RE CONSIDERING IS WHAT THE GOVERNOR IN HER PROGRAM BILL IS ASKING US TO DO, IS PUT

Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, approving the prior journal and taking up several messages and motions. A Rules Committee report was accepted on Senate Print 915, a Cannabis Law bill, and the chamber then moved to debate that measure on the controversial calendar. The bill was described by supporters as clarifying how distances are measured for adult-use cannabis dispensaries near schools and houses of worship, with the sponsor saying it would create statewide consistency and provide clearer direction to the Office of Cannabis Management. Opponents argued it would weaken protections for children and churches, reward agency mistakes, and allow dispensaries to be sited closer to school property than intended. After extended debate, the Senate passed the bill 36-23. The cannabis debate centered on whether the bill merely clarifies legislative intent or substantively changes the law. Supporters said the current language left measurement methods undefined and that the bill would help legal dispensaries, reduce confusion, and push back illicit stores. Opponents said the original law already protected school grounds and houses of worship, and that the new language would allow dispensaries to abut school playgrounds, fields, or church-related property in some cases. Several senators also raised concerns about youth exposure, public consumption, local zoning, and the performance of the Office of Cannabis Management. After the vote, the Senate returned to the calendar and passed additional measures, including Calendar 121 (Public Authorities Law), Calendar 170 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 190 (Labor Law), each by comfortable margins. The chamber also adopted a resolution package honoring Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School’s boys cross country team and girls field hockey team for state championships, with Senator Tedisco introducing the guests. Later, the Senate passed Senate Print 6990A, the Civil Voice Law, which requires state agencies to conduct exit interviews for employees who resign or retire. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, morale, and retention by standardizing a way to hear from departing workers. The bill received affirmative explanations of vote from Senator Jackson and others, and the Senate continued through the calendar after its passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• so much with this terrible ice storm, and we know that there are many today who are still without power
• first responders who are attending to them and doing their best to clear the roads and to get the power
• <00:07:11.440><c> are</c><00:07:11.560><c> still</c><00:07:11.880><c> without</c><00:07:12.280><c> power
• ,</c> today who are still without power, today who are still without power, without<00:07:13.200><c>
• and</c><00:07:24.280><c> to</c><00:07:24.360><c> get</c><00:07:24.480><c> the</c><00:07:24.600><c> power

Transcript Highlights:

• :04:04.560><c> although</c><00:04:04.879><c> the</c><00:04:05.120><c> governor</c> um my expectation
• although the governor um my expectation although the governor could<00:04:05.599><c> veto</c><00:04:06.080
• </c><00:04:16.880><c> affirmed</c><00:04:17.280><c> that</c> yesterday and the governor affirmed that
• yesterday and the governor affirmed that he<00:04:17.600><c> would</c><00:04:17.759><c> fulfill</c><
• But, you know, the governor is going to be the one that's going to call that special session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> those gas powered frame mounted engines. those gas powered frame mounted engines.
• Regardless of how it's own power, right? Regardless of how it's powered. powered. powered.
• Electric motors or gas powered. Yeah.
• Electric motors or gas powered. Yeah.
• Electric motors or gas powered. Yeah.

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:54:25.559><c> due</c> faced about 10 hours without power due faced about 10 hours without power
• </c> outdoor tools gas powered outdoor tools gas powered lawnmowers<04:50:51.240><c> uh</c><04:50:51.360
• </c> do you take away a gas or diesel power do you take away a gas or diesel power generator<04:51:01.520
• </c> at least temporarily what do you power at least temporarily what do you power that<04:51:08.840>
• </c><05:49:26.478><c> people</c> but I mentioned these powerful people but I mentioned these powerful