Video & Transcript : 'pretrial hearing' :
Page 466 of 500
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We will hear three-minute testimony on the amendments for this bill.
- We'll hear the committee, put it in its proper posture.
- If there's amendments, then we will hear green cards, red cards, white cards, then blue cards.
- We want to hear your voice. We want you to share your position.
- So you don't want to hear, and I'm a Saints fan. I apologize. You know. I apologize.
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines.
Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice.
Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll now hear Senate Bill 999, sponsored by Senator Hudson.
- What I think I'm hearing is you do not... ...what I think I'm hearing is you do not, you may feel potentially
- I hear you, but it's the amended parts on it.
- We'll now go into public testimony hearing on Senate Bill 999.
- We'll now go into public testimony hearing on Senate Bill 999.
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard Senate Bill 999, sponsored by Sen. Brad Hudson, which was presented as a revised “Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” combined with language from other bills on domestic violence/no-contact orders, pregnancy-associated mortality review, and cyber harassment. Hudson argued the bill would ensure that any child born alive during or after an abortion attempt receives the same legal protections and medical care as any other child, and he said Missouri’s current infanticide law contains a carve-out that leaves such children insufficiently protected. Committee members questioned him about the Canadian study he cited, Missouri mortality concerns, the scope of the infanticide statute, and whether medical providers already understand themselves to have a duty of care.
Public testimony was split. Missouri Right to Life supported the bill, saying it was needed to prevent confusion and ensure care for babies born alive after an abortion attempt. Abortion Action Missouri opposed it, calling it a “trap law” designed to restrict abortion access and warning it could delay life-saving care; the group also said major medical organizations oppose such legislation and that no abortion-after-delivery procedure exists. Campaign Life Missouri testified only for informational purposes, supporting the born-alive language but warning that the added provisions and a nonseverability clause could make the entire bill vulnerable to a court challenge and potentially invalidate unrelated sections.
In executive session, several members explained their votes. Opponents said they supported children and medical providers but believed the bill was unnecessary, duplicative, or harmful to medical practice; supporters said the bill was needed to protect babies born alive and to clarify duties in law. The committee then voted 12-4 to report Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 999 do pass.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG-CPN, EIG, EIG-TRS Public Hearings 04-16-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This hearing is being streamed live on YouTube.
- Hearing none, Madam Chair, recommendations adopted.
- Hearing none, Madam Chair, recommendations adopted.
- Hearing<00:15:27.400><c> none,</c><00:15:27.560><c> Madam</c><00:15:27.800><c> Chair,</c> Hearing none
- , Madam Chair, Hearing none, Madam Chair, recommendations<00:15:28.680><c> adopted.
Bills:
HCR202
Committee:
Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection heard HCR 202 HD2, a resolution creating a task force to study Hawaii’s electric generation mix and related costs. Testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office was neutral and stood on written comments, while another testifier supported the resolution, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and the need to understand the right balance of thermal generation and renewables as the state moves toward its 2045 renewable goals. The chairs said they had conferred on the measure and outlined recommended amendments, including adding study of the separation of ownership and control of generation versus transmission and distribution, and adding Senate committee representation to the task force.
The Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection committee voted to pass HCR 202 HD2 with amendments; the chair, vice chair, and another member voted aye, with one senator excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee did not have quorum at that time and said it would take its vote later.
The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also heard HCR 165, concerning pickleball courts in Hawaii Kai. One resident testified in opposition, citing concerns about permanent lights, permanent nets, noise, light pollution, safety, maintenance, and the loss of multi-use flexibility. After discussion, the chair recommended passing the measure as is, and the committee said it would vote the next day because it lacked quorum. The committee also heard HCR 154 and HCR 43 with the Transportation Committee; HCR 154 was passed unamended, and HCR 43, which urged raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary School for pedestrian safety, was also passed unamended. Supporters of HCR 43 described heavy pedestrian traffic, schoolchildren crossing, and unsafe vehicle turning patterns at the intersections. The Transportation Committee adopted both recommendations, while the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee scheduled its votes for the following day.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services REVISED Apr 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So you hear a lot about understaffing and over hours of being worked and not a break time.
- So, doctor, one of the things that we hear a lot, I've been hearing it for the last six or seven years
- I felt this committee deserved to hear this bill. This is what we should do.
- It was worth us hearing.
- So, I'm speaking in the microphone to the public for all of you to hear.
Bills:
HB3767 , HB3934 , HB4199 , HB4336 , HB2947 , HB3834 , HB4302 , HB4095 , HB3287 , HB3649 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB2059 , HB3647
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Keywords:
controlled dangerous substances, controlled substances, drug scheduling, Schedule I, Schedule IV, anti-drug diversion, drug diversion, synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine analogs, opioids, hallucinogens, depressants, pharmacy regulation, narcotics control, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, DEA scheduling
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's hear what this year. My dad is still in Israel, but he promised he would tune in and watch.
- If you hear nothing else I say today, hear this.
- If you hear nothing else I say today, hear this.
- We hear stories like Kevin's everywhere we go.
- I'll hear your motion. Mr.
Summary:
The transcript covers the opening of the Arkansas House and a joint session of the 95th General Assembly’s fiscal session. The House first established a quorum, granted leave for absent members, recognized guests, and adopted House Resolution 1001 to convene a joint session with the Senate for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s address. Several bills and resolutions were read for the record, including House Resolution 1002 and House Bills 1001, 102, and 103, before the House recessed to await the Senate and then the governor.
In the joint session, leaders recognized the late Representative Stan Barry with a moment of silence, introduced constitutional officers, judges, and other guests, and appointed committees to escort the governor. Governor Sanders then delivered a lengthy fiscal-session address focused on her budget priorities and policy agenda. She emphasized continued funding for education under LEARNS, teacher pay and literacy gains, public safety and law enforcement funding, government efficiency and tax cuts, and the 1033 initiative aimed at helping vulnerable Arkansans move from crisis to self-sufficiency. She also urged lawmakers to avoid new Medicaid mandates or ongoing spending and said she would call a special session to cut income taxes further if the budget is passed.
After the governor’s remarks, the joint session adjourned. The House then reconvened briefly, adopted a motion to adjourn until the next day, and announced that the Joint Budget Committee would meet later that afternoon and again the following morning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing and seeing none, I will now ask commissioners to approve the minutes from our February 9th meeting
- And hearing none, I'll now hand things over to Jess Presler and Gabe Adams Keene to walk us through the
- And I hear you as far as bolstering Fits our current circumstances.
- And if I hear you as far as bolstering, our drug checking could improve them.
- Do I hear a second? I'll second. We are now adjourned. Thank you, everybody.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Xylazine held its final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Velis’s absence due to National Guard deployment, and the commission approved the minutes from the February 9 meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the report’s redline changes, which were mostly technical or clarifying edits, along with several substantive updates on xylazine’s public health effects, state and federal actions, harm reduction, emergency response, wound care, and education and training.
Commissioners discussed several language changes, including clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” and revising references to “hotspots” to better reflect the limits of available data. They also refined recommendations to emphasize oxygenation and ventilation in overdose response, continued naloxone use, referrals to harm reduction services, language access in wound care materials, and clearer discussion of medical consequences and financial costs related to delayed wound treatment. Staff also described the appendices, including a letter from Senator Velis supporting the report and noting he could not vote because of active duty service.
The commission then voted to approve the final report, with members present voting in favor and Deputy Director Sarah Ruiz abstaining on the earlier minutes vote. After the report vote, commissioners offered brief remarks thanking staff and one another for the collaborative work and the quality of the final product. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 11:11 a.m., and staff said the final report would be submitted to the clerks and posted online.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I hear you as far as bolstering. Fits our current circumstances.
- And if I hear you as far as bolstering, our drug checking could improve them.
- And to hear from the professionals, non-politicians involved, I learned a lot. Thank you.
- And to hear from the professionals, non-politicians involved. Thank you. Thank you, Rev.
- Do I hear a second? I'll second. We are now adjourned. Thank you, everybody.
Summary:
The special commission on xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and finalize its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Velis was absent due to National Guard deployment, and the commission approved the minutes from the February 9 meeting. Staff then walked commissioners through the final draft, focusing on edits since the prior review and on appendices that would be completed after the meeting. Commissioners discussed several substantive wording changes, including clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or softening references to “hotspots,” and refining language about medical consequences and financial costs of delayed wound care. They also discussed adding or strengthening references to harm reduction measures, drug checking, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation, airway positioning, naloxone use, and language access considerations in educational materials.
The report’s main findings and recommendations centered on best practices for oversight and enforcement, outreach and treatment, emergency response, and education/training for first responders, medical providers, non-clinical staff, people who use drugs, and people in recovery. Commissioners emphasized the need for timely, accessible, and tailored training; better data collection and public health surveillance; stronger legal protections for drug checking; and coordination among public health, public safety, and legal stakeholders to address xylazine and emerging adulterants. There was also discussion of a recommendation for the Attorney General to compile guidance for law enforcement in consultation with experts, though staff clarified that this would not be the sole function of the broader public body envisioned in the report.
After reviewing the final language, the commission voted unanimously among members present to approve the final report, with one abstention on the earlier minutes vote and absent members to submit written votes within 24 hours for inclusion in Appendix A. Chair Domb then read a letter from Senator Velis expressing support for the report and its recommendations despite his inability to vote in person. Commissioners offered closing remarks thanking staff and one another for the collaborative work, and the meeting adjourned at 11:11 a.m., with staff to submit the report to the clerks and post it online.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Health and Human Resources Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:10 pm
Health and Human Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing no amendments, I recognize the Vice Chair for a motion. Mr.
- Hearing no amendments, I recognize the Vice Chair for a motion. Mr.
- Hearing no amendments, I recognize the Vice Chair for a motion. Mr.
- Hearing no amendments, I recognize the Vice Chair for a motion. Mr.
- Hearing no amendments, I recognize Vice Chair for motion. Mr.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Resources
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, in the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule a hearing or schedule a meeting
- Such behavior may be grounds for removal from the hearing.
- </c> grounds for removal from the hearing. grounds for removal from the hearing. probably<00:20:11.440
- We apologize; current hearings today, but the commission strongly supports this measure and we stand
- </c><00:21:52.320><c> commission</c> hearings today, but the commission hearings today, but the commission
Committee:
House Finance
Keywords:
appropriations, legislative expenses, auditor, legislative reference bureau, state ethics commission, ombudsman, government transparency, HB2272, Act 026, public employment cost items, emergency appropriations, collective bargaining, bargaining unit 11, BU-11, state employees, excluded employees, salary increases, cost adjustments, health premium payments, benefits
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for hearing the bill.
- Thank you for hearing the bill.
- The next bill we're going to hear is going to be HB 2113.
- We will hear that bill first next week. And with that, we are adjourned.
- We will hear that bill first next week. And with that, we are adjourned.
Committees:
House Rural Economic Development , House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference
Keywords:
utility consumer, rate intervention, public service corporation, Arizona Revised Statutes, residential rates, consumer protection, appropriation, Apache Junction, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, infrastructure, C-PACE, capital expenditure, special assessment, property improvement, local government financing, energy efficiency, water conservation
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This is one fund you will hear a lot about, as it pays for the quagga mussel treatments that have been
- This is one fund you will hear a lot about, as it pays for the quagga mussel treatments that have been
- And I'm glad to hear that we were hopeful that January is going to be good.
- Hearing none. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
- Okay, hearing none. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Agricultural Affairs
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (2-3-26)
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I know you hear this all the time, but we've got a nice simple bill here for you.
- </c><00:03:31.360><c> to</c><00:03:31.680><c> individuals</c> swallowing, and hearing to individuals
- swallowing, and hearing to individuals across<00:03:32.799><c> the</c><00:03:33.040><c> lifespan.
- I think this is really great to hear about this, and I think so often in our culture we hear people say
- I think this is really great to hear about this, and I think so often in our culture we hear people say
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair Harrell, for agreeing to hear this important bill.
- Next, we will hear tab two by our very own Vice Chair, Senator Bradley.
- And you hear that a lot.
- And we will hear from Frederick, I understand you go by Rick Piccolo. Mr.
- Okay, I'm going to put the phone right next to the microphone so everyone can hear you.
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
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair Harrell, for agreeing to hear this important bill.
- Next, we will hear tab two by our very own vice chair, Senator Bradley.
- And you hear that a lot.
- And we will hear from Frederick, I understand you go by Rick Piccolo. Mr.
- Okay, I'm going to put the phone right next to the microphone so everyone can hear you.
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
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 27, 2026 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- I hear there is a lot of buzz. Seeing none, Representative Trabulsy?
- Last week we had the opportunity to hear one of the House bills and now today we have Rep.
- Chamberlin: the opportunity to hear Representative Griffith's bill.
- We had fire, people hear how much a fire truck costs.
- We keep hearing about tax cuts, this is not a cut, this is a cap.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the project director for the State Exchange on Employment and Disability, which you're going to hear
- And Rachel Caprily, and I do see your text in the chat related to... ...it would be helpful to hear from
- I think, you know, for us, it's very important to hear your...
- So it's really important for us to kind of hear your focus. And then we can chat.
- It's really important for us to kind of hear your focus, and then we can kind of hone in on that.
Summary:
The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with SEED (the State Exchange on Employment and Disability) staff for a presentation on state disability employment policy options and possible collaboration with Massachusetts. After roll call, the committee approved prior meeting minutes and heard an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall emphasizing that every individual matters and can make a difference. Members then introduced themselves and described their roles in disability employment, accessibility, state government, and advocacy.
SEED staff Katya Alpanis and Dina Klumkina explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy resources to help states advance disability employment. They outlined seven policy areas, including career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and retention, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and accommodation tools, disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer strategies. They shared examples from other states such as Kentucky, Virginia, Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and others. In response to questions, they clarified that PEAT has been refunded and is expected to return online, and that SEED’s role is policy support rather than implementation of accessibility requirements.
Committee members discussed Massachusetts-specific interests, including digital accessibility, existing state efforts, and prior SEED engagement with Massachusetts agencies and legislators. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work requirements and the risk that people with disabilities could fall through the cracks, and asked whether SEED could help inform state policy responses. The group identified two likely project areas: a Massachusetts state-as-model-employer roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition supports and civic engagement. SEED agreed to follow up with briefs and a questionnaire, and the committee planned an offline follow-up discussion to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work. No formal votes beyond approving the minutes were taken.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Workforce Committee in Session Jan 19th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- happen with respect to what an average nursing home or skilled nursing facility looks like, and you'll hear
- And I think you'll hear that's kind of why things have shifted to more of a skilled nursing setting,
- So when you hear kind of people talk about, oh,... ...ultimately with the hope to get them back home.
- So when you hear kind of people talk about, oh, no one in long-term care doesn't want people to go home
- Again, you have to get back down to the poverty line, so you'll see and hear about a lot of people who
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Marty Wright, CEO of the West Virginia Healthcare Association, on the state’s long-term care system. He described the continuum from home care to assisted living to skilled nursing facilities, emphasizing that these settings increasingly serve short-term rehab-to-home patients as well as older adults needing round-the-clock care. He also outlined the number of facilities in West Virginia, the predominance of Medicaid as the payer for long-term nursing home care, the private-pay nature of assisted living, and the role of OFAC/CMS in regulation.
A major focus of the presentation was workforce shortages and turnover, especially for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, along with declining interest in nursing careers and the impact of regulatory burden and burnout. Wright said the system is also struggling to serve younger patients with substance use disorder, mental illness, or other behavioral needs, who are often not well suited for traditional nursing home placement but have limited alternatives. Senators raised concerns about where such patients are being housed, the long-term effects of opioid and behavioral health issues, and the gap between school-age special needs populations and adult care needs.
Wright said Medicaid can cover long-term nursing home care for those who meet financial and medical eligibility requirements, but affordability and spend-down requirements remain major barriers. He also warned that Medicare Advantage can create confusion and shorter covered stays for rehab patients, and he urged early planning around long-term care insurance and estate planning. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after questions and discussion.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - 2026-01-14 - 3:35PM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll be hearing a presentation on the history of the Vermont National Guard and the election of the
- And also, yesterday we held a joint hearing with Senate Government Operations, which is on our YouTube
- <00:08:42.159><c> joint</c> And also yesterday we held a joint And also yesterday we held a joint hearing
- Government hearing with Senate Government Operations<00:08:45.519><c> which</c><00:08:45.760><c> is<
- </c> yesterday morning and the joint hearing yesterday morning and the joint hearing yesterday<00:12:
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair, and thank you, members, for hearing this bill today.
- Thank you, Chair, and thank you, members, for hearing the bill.
- I'm kind of on the fence here, and so just wanted to hear how you explain that.
- Thank you, Chair, and thank you, members, for hearing the bill.
- I hear two, maybe two and a half questions there.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, most of them receiving favorable reports. SB 386, relating to farm equipment repair rights, was briefly explained by the sponsor as a lemon-law style measure for farm equipment; it passed without questions or debate. SB 528, aimed at strengthening Florida’s manufacturing sector by expanding Department of Commerce responsibilities, codifying the chief manufacturing officer role, creating a workforce development grant program, and requiring reporting, drew support from several appearance forms and was reported favorably. SB 806, a broader right-to-repair bill covering portable wireless devices and agricultural equipment, drew the most discussion: dealership and industry representatives opposed it, arguing existing manufacturer agreements already provide access to repair information and that the bill could force manufacturers into competition with dealers, while supporters framed it as pro-consumer and pro-repair access; it was still reported favorably. SB 696 on trademark registration modernization and SB 930 creating a Florida Retirement Savings Task Force were both explained as administrative/policy measures and passed without opposition. SB 874, which creates a professional licensure reciprocity path for out-of-state surveyors and mappers to address workforce shortages, also passed favorably.
The committee then took up SB 826 on gift certificates, which the sponsor said is intended to target bank-branded “reward cards” that function like gift cards but expire, while not affecting loyalty programs. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association expressed concern about unintended consequences and asked to work on tighter definitions, but the bill was reported favorably after the sponsor said clarifying language would be added later. The committee also heard SB 838, as amended, on electronic payments for retail installment contracts; the sponsor said it would clarify that reasonable convenience fees for optional electronic payments are permissible, require disclosure, and preserve a fee-free option. Members raised concerns about what counts as a “reasonable” fee and whether the bill could authorize junk fees, but the committee substitute was reported favorably.
Several votes were taken by roll call, with the bills above reported favorably and SB 898 temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request. Members later asked to be recorded as voting affirmatively on bills they had missed. The meeting concluded after the final vote on SB 838 and a motion to adjourn.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Criminal Justice Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Actually, it was really good to hear from PBA, hearing their support.
- Actually, it was really good to hear from PBA hearing their support.
- that need it, so that people who are in the shoes that I once was know that Florida sees them and hears
- Hearing no further business. Any other business before the committee?
- Hearing no further business, Senator Bernard moves, we adjourn. Meeting is adjourned.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met with several members excused and first took up SB 350, which clarifies public records protections for crime victims and extends temporary confidentiality to law enforcement officers involved in use-of-force incidents for 72 hours, with a possible written extension up to 60 days. Senator Graal said the bill was intended to align with the Florida Constitution’s victim definition and to address privacy concerns without allowing indefinite withholding. Testimony from Marsy’s Law and the Florida PBA supported the measure, though there were questions about the 60-day period. The committee reported SB 350 favorably.
The committee then considered two domestic violence-related bills by Senator Berman. CS/SB 296, after a delete-all amendment, directs a study of a secure web-based alert platform that would give domestic violence victims a unique phone number and code-based emergency alert system, and it expands Florida’s address confidentiality program to dating violence victims. Several speakers, including survivors and advocates, described the need for safer ways to seek help without alerting abusers. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 298 similarly expanded confidentiality protections for the Haven Coordinating Council records to cover dating violence victims, and it was also reported favorably.
Later, the committee heard SB 398, which updates Florida statutes by replacing the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material,” including conforming changes to the offense severity ranking chart. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 156, the Jason Raynor Act, which changes resisting-an-officer language, removes references to lawful or unlawful duty in favor of “any duties,” and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring a life sentence. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about removing judicial discretion and eliminating a statutory protection against force when an officer knows an arrest is unlawful. Despite those objections, the committee reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee approved SB 168 on public nuisances, which expands nuisance law to include gambling houses, increases penalties, allows attorney fees, and authorizes foreclosure for unpaid fees, and CS/SB 54, which after amendment focuses on medical examiner procedures and reporting related to violent offenders and toxicology/psychotropic drug review. Both bills were reported favorably. The meeting ended after members recorded additional affirmative votes and the committee adjourned.