Transcript Highlights:

• I know of one individual who was serving and then was told by an attorney, "You can't do that."
• And there are lots of legal questions that I've learned some today from the attorney that was here about

Bills: HB471 , HB473

Committee: House Boards, Agencies and Commissions

Keywords: water authority, sewer management, fire protection, local governance, board of directors, local officers, water recreation, public access, water bodies, recreational use, water commissions, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what's going on with SB 357, you need to talk to your district attorneys around the state.
• And what's going on with SB 357, you need to talk to your district attorneys around the state.

Summary: The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded through routine floor business and several ceremonial resolutions. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules to withdraw AB 844 from committee and bring it directly to the floor; that motion received 16 ayes and 45 noes. The body also unanimously approved a request to re-refer AB 341. Members then adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding coauthors: ACR 35 recognizing Greek Independence Day, ACR 17 honoring women in carpentry and the BOOTS apprenticeship program, ACR 50 designating March 24, 2025 as Special Olympics Day, and H.R. 21 proclaiming Transgender Week of Visibility and March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. Each resolution drew supportive remarks from multiple members, while H.R. 21 also prompted extended debate, including opposition centered on girls’ sports, locker rooms, and claims about state policy affecting transgender Californians. In each case, the resolutions were adopted after the coauthor roll and voice vote. The session concluded with adjournment in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr., who died in the line of duty on March 17. Several members spoke in tribute to his service, his work with youth football, and his family. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you find something egregious, does that at that point turn over to, like, the Attorney General
• question, or Hoke, I can't remember which one of the two mentioned it, have there ever been any Attorney

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Florida Auditor General’s office on recent operational audits of four universities and to discuss how audit findings are handled. The Auditor General explained that financial audits occur annually and operational audits at least every three years, with universities required to respond in writing to findings; the office generally follows up in the next audit cycle, though it can audit sooner if needed. Members asked about accountability, whether findings are referred to other bodies, and how internal university audit functions interact with the state audit process. The chair emphasized the committee’s oversight role in ensuring public funds are used appropriately. The audit findings highlighted issues at New College of Florida, Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University. At New College, auditors cited invoice/payment errors, delinquent student account collection delays, prohibited extra compensation, exceeding state remuneration limits for certain employees, weak purchasing card controls, construction management cost documentation issues, and subcontractor licensing documentation gaps. At FAMU, auditors found investment accounting classification issues, delayed bank reconciliations, late vendor payments, and incomplete annual employee evaluations. At UF, auditors reported concerns over a $6.4 million consulting contract, event and catering spending, president’s office hiring and salary practices, bonus and relocation payments, continued high compensation after the president transitioned to another role, travel expenses including charter flights, and remote work agreements. At FAU, auditors found distance learning fee revenue exceeded allowable costs by about $2.8 million, carry forward funds were underreported by about $77 million, and credit card controls needed improvement. Members pressed the Auditor General on whether overpayments were refunded, whether any findings involved statutory violations, and what enforcement exists beyond the audit report. The auditor said some issues were corrected by the universities, such as New College recovering excess compensation from foundation funds, but others would be revisited in future audits; if potential fraud were identified, it would be referred to the state attorney’s office. The chair closed by noting that accountability for public spending rests with the Legislature and the committee, and the meeting adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond receiving the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And although I'm an attorney and many of us working in the space are also attorneys, we in our roles

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law requires an attorney represent you at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for an Oklahoma

Summary: The Public Safety Committee met and considered several Senate bills, hearing brief presentations and mostly unanimous support. Senate Bill 1636 would require law enforcement to review cold cases in a timely manner and, if requested, provide updates to the victim’s family or designee; it passed with a 6-0 vote. Senate Bill 1772 clarified when vehicle lights must be used, changing the requirement to sunset-to-sunrise and during rain or low-visibility conditions; it also passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1221 would require tracking numbers for mailed driver’s licenses and allow optional expedited shipping at the requester’s expense; it passed 6-0. Senate Bill 1932 would let individuals represent themselves, or be represented by an officer of a business or entity, in certain Oklahoma Corporation Commission motor carrier safety and hazardous materials hearings; it passed 6-0. The committee then laid over one bill when the presenter was not available. After a brief pause, it heard Senate Bill 1687, which would extend the period for new drivers who do not complete driver’s education and extend intermediate licensing requirements to age 18, while also clarifying that professional driving schools may administer written tests at all locations; this bill passed 5-1. Finally, Senate Bill 1213, a Department of Corrections request modifying earned credit and time-served provisions for inmates, passed 6-0. The committee completed its agenda and adjourned, with the chair noting a possible meeting the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• legal pathway for ag operators to challenge unlawful local regulations and recover court costs and attorneys

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock met with a quorum present and heard testimony on House Bill 5085, which would create a report on the impacts of seed banks and seed preservation, especially as they relate to food access, biodiversity, disaster recovery, and education. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented the bill, citing examples such as the Bastrop wildfire and the role of seed banking in restoring ecosystems and supporting food security. No one testified against the bill, and the author closed after questions. The committee then voted to report HB 5085 favorably to the full House without amendment, with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. The motion passed on a 6-3 vote. The committee also considered Senate Bill 1035, with a committee substitute adopted that made a minor wording change from "or" to "and." SB 1035, which creates a legal pathway for agricultural operators to challenge unlawful local regulations and recover court costs and attorneys' fees, was reported favorably on a 9-0 vote. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2155, which implements TDLR recommendations to modernize the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners by improving licensing, complaint resolution, and enforcement processes. The bill was reported favorably to the full House without amendment on a 9-0 vote. After disposing of these items, the committee adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• idea of not getting hired somebody, but I'm wondering if that two years, if that's been run by an attorney

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• As attorney general, it's my job to protect the constitutional rights of our citizens and to protect
• Once again, we should listen to our law enforcement, listen to our communities, listen to our attorney
• </c> communities, listen to our attorney communities, listen to our attorney general,<01:26:51.679><c
• And if I know that the New Hampshire<01:27:45.520><c> Attorney</c><01:27:45.840><c> General</c><01:27
• General sent us all a Hampshire Attorney General sent us all a letter<01:27:47.440><c> yesterday</c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• big issue, and I want to say thank you to the Gaming Commission, the Governor's Office, and the Attorney

Committee: Senate Racing, Gaming And Wagering

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee held what was described as its final meeting, with Chair Joe Addabbo and Ranking Member Tedisco offering brief remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and stakeholders for bipartisan work on gaming and racing issues. The chair emphasized the committee’s goal of promoting legal, safe gaming and supporting related industries such as horse racing. The committee then advanced several bills. S-2294 (Scufis) on employees of authorized organizations operating games of chance was approved unanimously. S-4865 (Fahy) would allow the Capital District Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation to retain and distribute certain uncashed tickets; it was approved, with Senator Helming voting without recommendation. S-5614 (Addabbo) would remove restrictions on how often certain authorized organizations may conduct bingo games; it passed unanimously and was sent to the calendar. The committee also approved S-9414 on prediction markets, with members noting the issue’s growing importance and thanking the Gaming Commission, Governor’s Office, and Attorney General’s Office for their efforts; Senator Helming voted without recommendation. S-9415 (Addabbo) would require mobile sports wagering operators to share monthly invoice statements with authorized consumers and was sent to the calendar. S-9545 (Fahy) on unclaimed winnings, refunds, and tax remittance was also approved and sent to the Finance Committee. No opposition votes were recorded on the measures that were advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to thank our staff for being here and our attorney, Gabe Paniza, for being here as well.

Committee: Senate Procurement And Contracts

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Procurement and Contracts met for its second meeting of the 2026 session, with Chair Jeremy Zellner noting a quorum and welcoming members. The committee took up a series of procurement- and contracting-related bills, including measures on reciprocal MWBE certification, liability and design professionals, minority and women participation in state contracts, waste diversion planning by state agencies, breaking public contracts into smaller sizes to increase small business participation, expanded construction mentorship opportunities, service-disabled veteran-owned business participation goals, and contract fee/requirements for agreements between state agencies and nonprofit organizations. The discussion in the transcript was brief, with no substantive debate recorded. Members generally moved each bill and seconded the motions, and the chair called for votes. Most bills were reported out of committee either to the calendar or to finance, with members voting in favor and a few recorded as “without rec” or individual ayes noted. No bills were defeated. At the end of the meeting, the chair reminded members to complete their voting sheets and then entertained a motion to adjourn. The committee approved adjournment and the meeting concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• military installation is located within the boundaries of the state, as long as the United States Attorney

Summary: The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and first postponed consideration of one bill at the sponsor’s request. The committee then took up SB 1514, a public records measure relating to Space Florida. Senator Burgess explained that the bill creates a public records exemption for meetings of the Board of Space Florida when trade secrets are discussed, arguing the exemption is needed to protect sensitive business information and support Space Florida’s mission. There were no questions or debate, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee next considered CS for SB 502, which Senator Wright presented. The bill would allow Florida to exercise concurrent state and federal legislative jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses committed on U.S. military installations when federal jurisdiction has been waived and the conduct is also a state crime. Senator Wright said the change is intended to move juvenile cases out of federal court and into the state juvenile justice system, which he said is better suited to rehabilitation. The bill received no questions or debate and was also reported favorably by roll call vote. After the votes, members briefly recognized guests from a Pasco County veterans wellness program, including Chris Sowell, Samantha Verbansock, and their dog Grit. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• military installation is located within the boundaries of the state, as long as the United States Attorney

Bills: S0502 , S1182 , S1514

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Keywords: military jurisdiction, delinquency, concurrent jurisdiction, federal law, state law, veterans, military spouses, business incentives, tax exemptions, economic development, public records, trade secrets, Space Florida, confidentiality, open meetings

Summary: The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. Senator Burgess presented SB 1514, a public records measure tied to Space Florida that exempts Board of Space Florida meetings from public records requirements when trade secrets are discussed. He said the exemption was needed to protect sensitive business information and support Space Florida’s mission. The bill drew no questions or debate, and it was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered CS for SB 502, sponsored by Senator Wright, which would provide concurrent state and federal legislative jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on U.S. military installations in Florida when federal jurisdiction is waived and the conduct is also a state crime. Senator Wright argued the change would allow juveniles to be handled in the state juvenile justice system rather than federal court, which he said is better suited for rehabilitation. The bill also had no questions or debate and was reported favorably by unanimous vote. After the bills, the committee recognized representatives from a Pasco County veterans wellness group and their therapy dog, Grit, for their work with veterans. The committee then adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yesterday, Attorney General Ken Paxton and I took action to domesticate the civil arrest warrants in

Bills: HB4 , HB 4

Keywords: redistricting, congressional districts, Texas Legislature, elections, 2020 Census, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yesterday, Attorney General Ken Paxton and I took action to domesticate the civil arrest warrants in

Transcript Highlights:

• It authorizes the Attorney General to bring action on behalf of a property owner to challenge an impact

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ALLOW YOU TO JOIN THE COMMITTEE OR THE PARTY FOR NOT STOPPING THIS TEXT MESSAGES AND TO RECOVER YOUR ATTORNEYS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• has read this and understands the importance of this so we can accurately use our two additional attorneys

Bills: HB78

Committee: House Baldwin County Legislation

Keywords: Baldwin County, court proceedings, nonjury cases, branch courthouses, judicial authority, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The attorney general at the time tried to outlaw fishing rights with nets, leading to a struggle over

Committee: Senate Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Steve Ninger, and I'm an attorney at the insurance department.
• and the state of New Hampshire, as a result through my office, was also having to spend money on attorneys
• and the state of New Hampshire, as a result through my office, was also having to spend money on attorneys
• been acting over to Karina Ferrari who's been acting as<04:21:34.800><c> an</c><04:21:34.960><c> attorney
• And then we have as an attorney on this.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that attorney is still there.
• If you're asking the number of attorneys that we have in count, we'll have to get you that number.
• attorney is still there. If you're attorney is still there.
• </c><01:16:53.800><c> that</c><01:16:53.960><c> we</c> asking the number of attorneys that we asking
• the number of attorneys that we have<01:16:54.480><c> in</c><01:16:54.640><c> count</c><01:16:55.280>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met for its first summer interim meeting, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and took roll. The first presentation came from Jerry Gels, principal of Ignite Institute in Erlanger, who focused on the rising cost of dual credit. He said dual credit tuition has increased from about $150 to $290 for a three-credit course over roughly five years, which he argued is discouraging participation, especially for working-class and low-income students. He cited Ignite data and broader college outcomes to argue dual credit improves college persistence, shortens time to degree, and reduces student debt, noting that many of his students enter college with substantial credit and that low-income students at Ignite have increasingly participated after targeted efforts and scholarship use. He also said the instructional labor is largely paid by county school systems, so he questioned the size of the tuition increase and said the committee should examine how the costs are being set and whether college tuition should be stabilizing as more students arrive with credits already earned. Members asked about who pays for dual credit, the role of state scholarship support, and whether tuition varies by institution. Gels said students in his district generally pay the dual credit cost themselves, though some districts may cover it, and he noted the dual credit scholarship now covers fewer classes than before. He said the price appears to be set centrally rather than varying by university, and he emphasized that the higher cost is creating barriers even though the courses are taught largely by local teachers on school payrolls. He also described Ignite’s efforts to expand access for free- and reduced-lunch students, saying participation among that group rose from 27% with no dual credit to about 90-92% taking at least one dual credit class. The committee then heard from the Goldwater Institute, represented by Michael Frazier and Dr. Tim Minella by Zoom. They argued Kentucky’s public universities should face stronger accountability and transparency, citing declining public confidence in higher education, rising costs, and what they described as administrative growth and research spending that does not clearly benefit students or the Commonwealth. They proposed requiring a 10-year accounting of staffing growth by category, comparing it to enrollment and low-income Kentucky enrollment, and limiting non-STEM faculty teaching releases for research unless approved under a baseline consent process. They also criticized certain university-funded research projects as examples of misdirected spending and said public reporting should distinguish Kentucky residents from non-residents more clearly, pointing to a reported decline in low-income in-state undergraduate enrollment. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.