Transcript Highlights:

• Democracy is just a tool to get to power. Period.
• Period. people who love to get to power.
• They love power. The President loves Putin. The President likes Kim Jong-.
• They love power. Mr.
• They love power. The President loves Putin. The President likes Kim Jong-.

Transcript Highlights:

• “How can our country balance the power of corporations with the power of not-wealthy voters?”
• “How can our country balance the power of corporations with the power of not-wealthy voters?”
• “How can our country balance the power of corporations with the power of not-wealthy voters?”
• with the power of not-wealthy voters?
• And so what we can do is we can increase the power of people's money.

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a part of uh RTO with Southwest Power a part of uh RTO with Southwest Power Pool<00:02:14.800><c
• So we're a power-producing state.
• That's the point. just stand on its own and provide power just stand on its own and provide power to<
• </c> supplying power. supplying power. &gt;&gt; Thank<00:09:59.279><c> you.</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you.
• 00:19:59.520><c> Electric</c><00:19:59.919><c> Power</c> member of Basin Electric Power member of Basin

Bills: SF0102 , SF0113

Committee: Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm in the power of community.
• And it was there where I learned the power of art, the power of community, and the power to dedicate
• of art,<00:32:53.360><c> the</c><00:32:53.600><c> power</c><00:32:53.760><c> of</c> art, the power of
• art, the power of community,<00:32:55.440><c> and</c><00:32:55.679><c> the</c><00:32:55.840><c> power
• </c> especially in our parks, is a power especially in our parks, is a power powerful<01:26:13.360><c

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee consists of 17 members appointed by the governor, including representatives from veterans
• The governor is required to appoint six rather than two at-large members, and member appointments must
• I think at the end of the day it will result in the governor receiving an increasingly broad amount of
• And we found a pathway forward for this bill where we're going to give it to the governor and let him
• And I hope you do pass this bill, and that he gets to have his very first bill signed by the governor

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 3, 2026, for executive session on 13 bills and a public hearing on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541. One published bill, Senate Bill 6123, was not moved forward. The executive session covered election integrity, holiday recognition, agency reporting and disclosure, veterans and state government administration, and several memorial or symbolic designations. Staff briefed each bill and several proposed substitutes or amendments, including changes to Senate Bills 5763, 6215, 6160, 6049, and 5784. Members discussed policy and fiscal concerns on some measures, including the cost of the aviation support grant program in SB 5763 and the inclusiveness of holiday recognition in SB 5950. The committee adopted amendments or substitutes where offered and advanced all of the bills it took up, generally by due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee or, for fiscal measures, to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Bill 5950’s amendment was withdrawn before final action, and Senator Hasegawa stated he would be without recommendation on that bill because a Buddhist observance was missing from the list. Other bills passed with little or no opposition, including SB 6084 on voting more than once, SB 6044 on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 6046 creating a Civil Air Patrol division, SB 6160 on agency reports, SB 6049 on public disclosure exemptions, SB 6164 on WOTEC information, SB 6313 creating a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account, SB 5046 designating Kim Chie Day, and SB 5489 naming the Wilkinson sandstone the state sandstone. In the public hearing on ESHB 1541, staff explained that the bill would reorganize the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee by increasing at-large seats, reducing the number of VSO-designated seats, and allowing appointments to reflect military experience and personal attributes. The prime sponsor and Representative Simmons described the bill as a compromise developed after prior concerns, including representation for formerly justice-involved veterans, and said it would broaden advice to the governor. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill, saying it would provide more flexibility in appointments and preserve a 17-member committee. The hearing closed with 57 pro and 1 con sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the governor said, "Boy, they sure are expensive." I would say, "They sure are valuable.
• And the governor said, "Boy, they sure are expensive." I would say, "They sure are valuable.
• And the governor said, "Boy, they sure are expensive." I would say, "They sure are valuable.
• And the governor said, "Boy, they sure are expensive." I would say, "They sure are valuable.
• It then passed in the House and was signed into law by the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• The council is also tasked with providing annual recommendations to the governor and legislature that
• I'm a little confused about what was originally started, I think, under maybe Governor Bush.
• This more specifically is the Office of Faith and Community that was established in 2019 by Governor
• It also transcends whoever holds the office of governor.
• God is greater than the Governor, whoever that is.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 132, as amended, would require the Department of Financial Services to contract for a study on whether Florida should recognize gold and silver as legal tender; an amendment advanced the report deadline to December 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1050, also amended, expands the intellectual and developmental disabilities managed care pilot program statewide, emphasizes that enrollment is voluntary, adds transparency and reporting requirements for APD, creates a statewide family care council, and requires related studies and coordination; it was reported favorably after supportive testimony about reducing the APD wait list. SB 820 codifies the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s office, and the bill drew extended debate over church-state separation and concerns about political activity by the office; despite opposition from several senators, it was reported favorably. SB 1060 creates a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid financing and operations, with supporters citing the size of the program and the need for stronger legislative review; it passed favorably. SB 7032 presumes Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals receiving certain long-term services during redetermination, to prevent gaps in care, and was reported favorably with broad support. SB 12, a claim bill for a minor injured in a DCF-related case, was also reported favorably without opposition. The committee also approved several infrastructure and tax-related measures. SJR 318 proposes an ad valorem exemption for certain tangible personal property used in agriculture or agritourism, such as equipment and tractors, and was reported favorably with support from agricultural and business groups. SB 818, as amended, revises utility relocation funding for public road and rail projects, shifting the financing structure after constitutional concerns were raised and adding a $50 million grant program; it passed after discussion of the impact on local governments and utilities. SB 1348 modernizes DMV services through tax collectors, adds a distracted driving course option, bans appointment scalping, and extends certain disabled parking permit terms; it was reported favorably. SB 1664 requires voter reapproval of local taxes, including tourist development taxes and local option sales taxes, when they expire, with special rules for taxes tied to revenue bonds; it drew significant debate over impacts on tourism-dependent counties and was reported favorably despite opposition from some members and local government groups. SB 1050, SB 820, SB 1060, SB 7032, SB 12, SJR 318, SB 818, SB 1348, and SB 1664 all received favorable committee votes, and the meeting ended with final missed-vote requests and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• to changes to Title 30, Department of Conservation and Energy statutory structure, organization, powers
• Bill 894 by Representative DeWitt, Title 33, City of Alexandria Fire Police Department employees, powers
• Wyble, create and provide for the Louisiana Commission on Foundational Education, provide for the powers
• House Bill 285 by represent Bacola, Title 17, use of school buildings, powers the local school boards
• school boards, who in House Bill 285 by Representative Bacala, Title 17, use of school buildings, powers

Bills: HR46 , HR47 , HR48 , HR49 , HR50 , HR51 , HR52 , HR53 , HR54 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HCR31 , HB20 , HB21 , HB166 , HB494 , HB710 , HB795 , HB985 , HB986 , HB987 , HB988 , HB989 , HB990 , HB991 , HB992 , HB993 , HB994 , HB995 , HB996 , HB997 , HB998 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR45 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR29 , HCR30 , SCR13 , HB894 , HB983 , HB984 , SB19 , SB23 , SB26 , SB30 , SB39 , SB45 , SB46 , SB50 , SB51 , SB55 , SB69 , SB71 , SB73 , SB84 , SB85 , SB89 , SB96 , SB98 , SB101 , SB110 , SB148 , SB150 , SB160 , SB164 , SB303 , SB340 , HB28 , HB36 , HB50 , HB52 , HB56 , HB62 , HB68 , HB92 , HB110 , HB117 , HB119 , HB124 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB174 , HB182 , HB193 , HB196 , HB198 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB237 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB316 , HB351 , HB393 , HB400 , HB413 , HB446 , HB469 , HB486 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB807 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB474 , HB487 , HB503 , HB606 , HB633 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB846 , HB852 , HB856 , HB868 , HB875 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB854 , HB952 , HB221 , HB148 , HB331 , HB149 , HB901

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, leave granted for one member, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Women Shaping Industry Day, Louisiana Agriculture Week, and CODOFIL Day at the Capitol. The chamber also received Senate messages concurring in several House concurrent resolutions and adopting SCRs 14 and 15, which designated Flood Awareness Month and recognized the bond between Quebec and Louisiana. Numerous resolutions and bills were introduced and referred, including measures on retirement systems, juvenile justice districts, carbon sequestration in St. Helena Parish, tax administration, election procedures, education, criminal justice, and state property transfers. The House adopted several resolutions without objection, including commendations for Thrive Academy, Bishop Lonnie Welder, Pastor Aaron Holloway, World Down Syndrome Day, and others. Members also heard committee reports on a wide range of bills, with many reported favorably or with amendments. In morning hour, the House discharged and withdrew two bills from committee, and later returned some bills to the calendar with notice to call them on later dates. The chamber then took up a series of floor bills, passing HB 474 to create an income tax checkoff for the Grambling State University National Alumni Association, HB 487 on penalties for unsafe red-light passing maneuvers, HB 503 on utility terrain vehicles in Golden Meadow, HB 606 on personal delivery devices, HB 633 on estimated income tax filing timing, HB 707 on the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission Advisory Board, HB 970 on tacit dedication of public roadways, HB 728 on out-of-state tow truck requirements, HB 846 on license plate coverings, HB 852 on a domestic violence donation checkoff, HB 856 on DOTD indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts, HB 221 naming the proposed Mississippi River bridge the President Donald J. Trump Expressway, HB 148 designating a highway memorial, and HB 331 creating a Louisiana GOP specialty plate. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, though HB 221 drew debate and passed 68-26. The House adjourned after announcing committee meetings for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's energy independent because we operate our own power plant to generate and consume all of our own
• power.
• Privately powered and infrastructure-neutral.
• generation reliability needed to power data centers without impacting customers.
• From an economic standpoint, data centers are powerful engines.

Bills: S0408 , S0986 , S0678 , S0800 , S1050 , S0484 , S1118

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Transcript Highlights:

• I am Representative Diane Power.
• executive session on House Bill 488 relative to limiting conflicts of interest and concentrations of power
• Um, when it became amendment 2944 by Chairwoman Power, no conflict existed.
• Power, no conflict existed.<00:14:34.880><c> Uh,</c><00:14:35.040><c> but</c><00:14:35.279><c> with<
• ,</c><00:23:05.360><c> financial</c> conflict of interest of power, financial conflict of interest of

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment will remove one Governor senior advisor position at an SPC 11, lowering the total authorized
• Six, make such reports and recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Legislative
• One of the same board members that was adamant that the Governor not have influence on their position
• But in the interim, he continues to do his job as an advisor to the governor. I understand that.
• And just to make sure, if I may, just that members are clear, the governor is making no request of you

Committee: All JBC-PERSONNEL

Summary: The committee took up several budget and personnel items, first approving revised requests from the Auditor’s Office and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. The Auditor’s request lowered its salary-and-match increases to 10 percent, with operations and UCP amounts reduced to $245,490 and $109,711. The Lieutenant Governor’s revised request kept positions at line-item maximums and sought $99,876 in regular salary and match appropriations, or 17.43 percent. Both items were approved without objection. The main discussion centered on a member amendment from Senator Rice to Senate Bill 30 affecting the Governor’s Office. The amendment would eliminate one senior advisor position, reduce authorized positions from 59 to 58, and cut salaries and matching funds by a total of $264,895. Senator Rice argued the reduction was warranted because of concerns about former Corrections Secretary Joe Profury’s handling of corrections-related matters, including the Franklin County land purchase, transparency issues, and his refusal to appear before Joint Performance Review. Several members questioned the relevance of the testimony and noted the Governor could still hire him in another role if she chose. After discussion, a roll call vote was taken and the amendment failed. The committee then approved two routine items: OPM’s request to reinstate a labor market rate at the crime lab so it can offer up to $300,000 to recruit two medical examiners, and Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s request for 11 positions tied to the new veterinary medicine school. Both requests were approved, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Lieutenant Governor. Members, I'd like to present to you Ms.
• The following members of the Senate are appointed to escort the governor at the proper time into the
• they're going to do that, there are going to be two things that I ask when we come back after the governor
• Thank you, Madam Lieutenant Governor.
• House Chamber to hear an address by the Honorable Sarah Sanders, Governor of the State of Arkansas.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Speaker of the House are automatically TDLR-approved
• And the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Speaker of the House are automatically TDLR-approved
• And the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and if we have a two-thirds vote.
• And the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Speaker of the House are automatically TDLR
• appreciate Senator Hall's support, Senator Hughes, all the senators, and especially the Lieutenant Governor

Bills: HB668 , HB677 , HB766 , HB3133 , SB3070

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee met to hear several bills, beginning with House Bill 766, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both on their applications while keeping that contact information confidential. No one testified for or against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 677, a companion to a previously approved Senate bill, would bar county election administrators from simultaneously holding another office or position appointed by an elected official; it also drew no public testimony and was left pending. Members then heard House Bill 3133, which would add explicit deepfake material to the list of content social media platforms must handle through complaint systems, including prompt acknowledgment, investigation, and status updates. Senators discussed concerns about how platforms would verify whether reported content was actually a deepfake, and the sponsor indicated the bill may be held pending while federal law on the subject is reviewed. House Bill 668 would create a one-year grace period for renewing an expired Texas handgun license to carry, codifying an existing DPS practice; it also received no testimony and was left pending. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 3070, a major overhaul of the Texas Lottery system. The bill would move oversight from the Lottery Commission to TDLR, dissolve the commission, impose new restrictions on ticket sales and internet play, create a lottery advisory committee, increase transparency and audit requirements, and include a sunset review that could lead to abolishing the lottery if not continued by 2027. The author described the bill as a response to alleged misconduct and illegal practices by the commission, while a witness from the Christian Life Commission testified in favor, supporting changes to prize anonymity and other lottery restrictions. After testimony, the bill was left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE PRAY THIS MORNING, GOD, THAT YOU GUIDE US, AND WE PRAY THIS MORNING FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP, GOVERNOR
• WHEREAS GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS HAS EXPRESSED THE DESIRE TO ADDRESS THE LEGISLATURE.
• THIS DAY, MARCH 4TH, 2025, FOR THE PURPOSE OF A MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR.
• WE ALSO HAVE WITH US FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEANETTE NUNEZ. PLEASE STAND.
• GOVERNOR BUSH AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS PUT THIS IN PLACE NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO. FLORIDA HAS GROWN.

Bills: SJR3 , SB5 , SJR36 , SJR3 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB5 , SB21 , SB72 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB703 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB790 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SR44 , SR135 , SR171 , SR180 , SR185 , SR187 , SR188 , SR191 , SR197 , SR198 , SR199 , SR200

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray this morning, God, that you guide us and we pray this morning for President Trump and Governor
• Whereas Governor Ron DeSantis who has expressed the desire to address the Legislature.
• President: We also have with us former Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez. Please stand.
• Governor Bush and legislative leaders put this in place nearly 30 years ago. Florida has grown.
• In recent years, the legislature in partnership with Governor DeSantis has appropriated record funding

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Lord, today we pray for Governor Brad Little as he readies to deliver his State of the State address
• Thank you for Governor Little and for his work serving as chief executive of this great state.
• President, I ask unanimous consent that the President appoint a committee to notify the governor that
• Go to the governor. Oh, my bad. We're going to notify the governor first.
• Governor, Senator, the House is organized. We were ready to do business. I couldn't read this.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> centralized negotiating and buying power centralized negotiating and buying power to<00:09:36.480
• </c> non-concurrence holds significant power non-concurrence holds significant power for<01:05:27.920
• </c><01:06:28.720><c> to</c> is doing everything within its power to is doing everything within its power
• </c><01:13:44.800><c> And</c><01:13:44.960><c> so</c> power from that that committee.
• And so power from that that committee.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we ask the Board of Governors and three universities, the university financial landscape.
• Their oversight body, Board of Governors, can also review our reports.
• The Board of Governors, I can't speak for the Board of Governors.
• As far as if it board of governors or anybody else, I'm pulling from memory bank.
• As far as the Board of Governors, we do engage. They also have an inspector general.

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:

• These areas could see a quarter to three-tenths of an inch of ice, which could result in power outages
• At a time of great power competition, we must, as Mr. Lutnick told us, stay in the lead.
• It also continues to be the most reliable form of emergency communication during severe weather and power
• We import 20 billion dollars of goods from Canada, primarily oil, gas, lumber, and electric power, making
• . 1 on my own legislation, the Ticket Act, to address an especially concerning abuse of government power

Bills: SB161 , SB195 , SB216 , SB245 , SB246 , SB257 , SB258 , SB260 , SB278 , SB281 , SB283 , SB93 , SB98 , SB99 , SB306 , SB314 , SB315

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Along with Governor Kathleen Blanco and Governor Edwards, we asked State Planning to get involved.
• And we're just making that in alignment with every other governor appointment.
• The governor appoints, the Senate confirms. That's two things that we're doing.
• The state public defender already sits within the office of the governor.
• The state public defender already sits within the office of the governor.

Committee: Senate Judiciary B