Transcript Highlights:

• Here, we have some things we need to vote on. So when we get a full committee, we can do the vote.
• We're going to vote for it.
• So, we need to vote on a couple of bills here.
• By an 11-0 vote, it will be reported favorably.
• I hope to have a favorable vote. Somewhat, yes ma'am.

Bills: HB 1194 , HB 1221 , HB1738 , HB1913 , HB2177 , HB2178 , HB2180 , HB2229 , HB2282 , HB2448 , HB2492 , HB2777 , HB2984 , HB3357 , HB3553 , HB3602

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1562 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• By your vote, show Senate Bill 888 reported favorably. Congratulations. Yes.
• By your vote, show Senate Bill 888 reported favorably. Thank you. Congratulations.
• By your vote, show Senate Bill 1516 reported favorably.
• Seeing no objection, show that the motion is adopted to count those votes.

Summary: The Commerce Committee on Tourism met and first took up Senate Bill 1562 by Senator Trumbull, which was amended with a strike-all amendment. The substitute bill would apply only to new vehicle brands, set a 1,000-vehicle sales threshold, and limit any one dealer or dealer group to no more than one-third of statewide sales to promote competition and dealer diversity. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call vote, with Senator Smith later recording a negative vote and Senator Yarbrough requesting an affirmative vote on the tab. The committee then considered Senate Bill 888 by Senator Martin, which limits professional services contracts for architects, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects so they can be held liable only for their own negligence or that of those under their supervision. The bill extends existing protections from public contracts to private contracts, voids broader indemnity clauses, requires a professional standard of care, and bars additional-insured requirements. After no questions or debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1516 by Senator Garcia on misleading or inaccurate caller identification. The sponsor cited the volume of robocalls and scam losses, especially affecting older adults, and said the bill would create new statutory provisions requiring telecommunications companies to address spoofed caller ID and implement STIR/SHAKEN authentication or a comparable alternative. Testimony in support came from the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and AARP, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The chair then noted the committee would not reconvene later that evening and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no discussion or debate, staff please open the queue for a vote.
• Declare the vote. 8 aye, zero nay. Chairman Bowles with a vote of 8-0-0 nay.
• Chairman Bowles, with a vote of 8. I, zero, nay. We will report your bill out. Do you pass.
• Is he one who would like to change the vote? If not, close the roll, please announce the vote. 8-0.
• Please announce the vote. Chairman, it passes 8-0-0. It moves on to the oversight committee.

Summary: The House Energy Committee met for its first meeting of session and heard two bills. House Bill 3469, by Chairman Bowles, would create a three-year phase-in for higher oil and gas surety bond requirements adopted in last year’s HB 1369, giving smaller operators more time to adjust while still addressing the state’s orphaned and abandoned well liabilities. Bowles explained that some small producers have had difficulty obtaining the larger bonds, and noted the state’s need for stronger financial protection given the large number of orphaned wells. The committee asked about the bill’s effective timing, and HB 3469 was reported out of committee on an 8-0 vote. House Bill 3173, by Chairman Archer, would allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be taken over for geothermal or energy storage uses, with the goal of putting some wells back into productive use and reducing the backlog of wells needing state plugging. Archer said the state’s current pace could take roughly 200 years to clear the list, and emphasized that even a small number of wells converted to productive use would help. A question from Rep. Lepak clarified that if the well is not used for the approved purpose for 12 months, the entity taking it over becomes responsible for plugging or remediation. HB 3173 also passed 8-0 and moved to the oversight committee. House Bill 4264, relating to mines and mining, was laid over at the sponsor’s request and was not heard. The committee adjourned after noting it would plan to meet again the following week, with the possibility of needing a third meeting to finish assigned bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will make that edit with a consensus vote.
• The floor motioned and seconded, so you just need to vote. Okay, yeah.
• No additional comment, so we'll do a consensus vote again, or do we need to do a roll call?
• And I guess she's going to make those now so that we can move to vote on a final version.
• Any other abstention votes? Any opposed?

Summary: The H.R. 322 task force on public health outcomes of incurable STIs in Louisiana met on January 7, established quorum, and approved the November 19 minutes. Members then reviewed the draft final report and incorporated final edits. One change removed the term “cultural competency” from recommendation 6 after concerns it could imply stigma; another discussion centered on whether to keep a reference to LDOE in recommendation 2, and the task force ultimately left it in as a nonbinding recommendation for review and cooperation. Members also made formatting and wording changes to recommendations 2, 4, 5, and 6, including clarifying the presentation of “State Fiscal Impact” and related stylistic edits. After discussion, the task force moved to approve the draft report as amended. One member abstained because of educational recommendations in the report, but there were no votes in opposition, and the report was accepted by majority vote. The task force was told the final report would be submitted to the Legislature and the Legislative Library, and each member would receive a digital PDF copy. No public comment was offered, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking members and staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• And because, you know, I don't have the percentages right now of North Dakota that vote primary versus
• I'm voting no on everything.' Chairman Roars, okay, you're talking a little bit too fast.
• And so I think, I believe I voted against it just to keep the number of issues on the ballot off so they
• He is not in this room and does not get a vote in this room.
• paying better attention to it because there's just because you have a higher number of individuals voting

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on House Concurrent Resolution 4007 met to discuss whether the proposed constitutional amendment on single-subject ballot measures should appear on the primary or general election ballot. House members explained the change to the general ballot as a way to reach more voters and improve turnout, while others noted the prime sponsor preferred the primary ballot to avoid placing too many measures on one ballot and creating voter fatigue or a blanket “no” response. Members expressed mixed views. Some favored the general election because constitutional amendments should be decided by the largest possible electorate; others worried that multiple ballot measures could affect how voters evaluate each proposal, especially with other measures such as the 60% amendment and term-limit-related changes also pending. The committee also discussed prior sessions’ experience with combining multiple resolutions and the decision this year to separate them so each could stand on its own merits. No vote was taken. Representative Steiner asked for more time to consider the issue, and the committee agreed to continue the discussion at a later meeting. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, do we need a vote today on Mr.
• Chair Other than the vote today on Mr.
• </c> but I don't think any of us want to vote but I don't think any of us want to vote on<00:39:45.080
• on to us actual motion that we voted on to us all?
• I just think they need to vote in Mr.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting. The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access. Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Mary Susie LaBrie, Ronald Marshall with Vote, and Ivy Mathis.
• Boyer, do you want to close on your vote?
• Ronald Marshall, Vote.
• They voted to convict.
• And all 12 voted to convict. And that's my testimony. And all 12 voted to convict.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 63 and HB 622 at the authors’ requests. It then heard HB 131 on post-conviction relief, which would remove the word “inexcusably” from the PCR statute and delay bail eligibility after relief until the state’s appeals are exhausted through the Louisiana Supreme Court. The bill drew support from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys, with opposition cards from the Southern Poverty Law Center, and it was reported favorably. HB 789, concerning seizure of off-road vehicles used unlawfully on roadways, was amended to direct forfeiture proceeds to the Attorney General when acting as district attorney ad hoc; it was then reported as amended with support from law enforcement and no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 16 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Bill 1850
• By your vote of 14 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2368
• By your vote of 14 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Bill 2034 do pass.
• By your vote of 14 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2745
• By your vote of 14 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2463

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House committee substitute combining House Bills 1850 and 1975, which was then voted do pass by a 16-0 roll call. The substitute was described as incorporating federal PBM-related transparency and audit provisions, including requirements intended to ensure fair audits, greater transparency for employers and patients, and protections for pharmacies so they are not reimbursed below drug cost and receive a fair fee. Members said the package was a compromise and a needed step because pharmacies are closing. The committee then heard House Bills 2318 and 2368, related to artificial intelligence and mental health. The sponsors said the bills are aimed at truth in advertising, barring AI platforms from marketing themselves as mental health professionals or therapy providers, while not banning AI use in health care generally. Testimony from supporters emphasized concerns about minors and adults relying on chatbots for mental health guidance and the need to protect consumers from misleading claims. The committee adopted an amendment adding social workers to the bill string, rolled it into a substitute, and voted the combined House committee substitute do pass 14-0. Next, House Bill 3313, described as an AOT bill from the prior week, was voted do pass 14-0 without discussion. House Bill 2745 was then amended and passed 14-0; the sponsor explained the changes would require a prompt physical exam for children entering foster care, allow a physician or nurse practitioner to perform it, try to continue existing developmental, behavioral, or emotional care when possible, and require biological parental consent before updating vaccines at the initial visit. House Bill 2463 also received a substitute to close a loophole involving referral payments when a prospective resident or legal representative cancels a contract, and the committee voted the substitute do pass 14-0. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 28, which would designate the last full week of April as Infertility Awareness Week in Missouri. The sponsor linked the resolution to broader efforts to expand fertility access, and supporters, including a patient sharing her infertility experience, spoke about the emotional and physical toll of infertility and the value of awareness. Finally, House Bill 2979, the Rural Missouri Rural Doctors Act, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor and supporters argued it would limit physician non-compete agreements to one year and five miles for nonprofit employers to improve rural access and physician mobility, while opponents from hospitals and health systems said the bill would weaken recruitment, hurt financially stressed rural hospitals, and create uneven treatment between nonprofit and for-profit employers. No vote was taken on HB 2979 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I saw that vote, 79-46.
• I do want to understand it before I cast a vote.
• voting.
• Early vote will start three days later, and voting will not stop on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday until
• So this means once the voting starts, the same number of early vote days, it just doesn't stop.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several recognitions and memorial resolutions, including honoring retiring Senate staffer Kelvin Bass and Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw and her staff. Members also adopted a series of local and honorary resolutions, including designating Rockport as the Redfish Capital of Texas, San Antonio as Military City, Texas, and Bridge City as the Corn Dog Capital of Texas, along with memorial and medal-of-honor resolutions for Texans and service members. The chamber also received messages from the House reporting passage of various measures and conference committee actions. The bulk of the meeting focused on conference committee reports and related procedural resolutions. The Senate adopted reports and/or out-of-bounds resolutions on SB 293, SB 1610, HB 46, HB 145, HB 1545, SB 650, SB 1660, HB 40, SB 2217, HB 119, HB 493, HB 3642, HB 2963, SB 2024, SB 2972, HB 2516, HB 2885, and SB 2753, among others. Topics included the Texas Civil Commitment Office, the T-Cup prescription program, wildfire mitigation and utility liability, sunset scheduling, alcohol ID swiping at retail and package stores, business court jurisdiction, election administration and data consistency, foreign adversary lobbying, poll watcher qualifications, road naming, right-to-repair, disguised vape pens, and campus expressive activity rules. Several measures passed with near-unanimous votes, while others drew more opposition, including SB 268 on medical board enforcement and SB 2753 on election procedures. There was extended debate on SB 268, which would shift enforcement authority for scope-of-practice complaints to specialty boards rather than the Texas Medical Board. Senators raised concerns about whether the bill would weaken the Medical Board’s ability to stop unlicensed practice of medicine, while supporters argued that specialty boards should police their own licensees and that criminal referrals remain available for unlicensed practice. The Senate also discussed SB 2972 on expressive activities at public universities, with questions about content-neutral restrictions, who counts as the university community, and whether the bill provides a mechanism to challenge campus time, place, and manner rules. Both bills ultimately passed their conference reports, and the Senate later adopted a large package of resolutions by voice vote before adjourning further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I encourage you to vote yes to HB 1322.
• vote 1 to 0, but he's not going to live there ever.
• So how many votes were there typically?
• They were registered to vote and they were homeowners. Representative: OK, so you got 1400 votes.
• Representative: So do you vote sort of for a slate?

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> you a voting sheet give you a voting you a voting sheet give you a voting sheet<00:10:00.240><c>
• So, you're voting with it, or were you going to vote no? >> No. No. I voted with it. >> Okay.
• I will vote<03:43:27.920><c> yes.</c> vote yes. vote yes. &gt;&gt; Thank<03:43:28.720><c> you.
• Did you vote? Yes. Pardon me. Did you vote for yourself? I did. Okay. Vote is 15 to zip.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Vote again. Do we vote? &gt;&gt; Vote again. Do we vote?

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, you have 60 seconds, Senator, to explain your vote. Thank you.
• So I'll be a no vote. Senator Zuiderveld votes no.
• The vote count shows 24 in favor, with nine against and two absent.
• The vote count shows 26 in favor, with seven opposed and two absent, and a majority having voted in the
• The vote count shows 26 in favor, with seven opposed and two absent, and a majority having voted in the

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Braun, how do you vote? Senator Braun votes aye. Mr.
• As the title explains, it's a pathway system, and I will be voting yes.
• Respectfully asking for a no vote on this amendment for a few reasons.
• Having failed to receive a majority vote, the amendment is not adopted.
• We could have had some yes votes on this. But at this time, Mr.

Bills: SB5223 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024 , SB5223 , SB6178 , SB5892 , SB5177 , SB6039 , SB5941 , SB5993 , SB5831 , SB5928 , SB5912 , SB6183 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB5840 , SB6061 , SB6058 , SB5931 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6011 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB5936 , SB6137 , SB5185 , SB5956 , SB6025 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB6188 , SB5890 , SB5917 , SB5820 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB6136 , SB6091 , SB6024

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, medical debt, interest charges, consumer protection, healthcare, financial burden, mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, Senate Bill 428 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 162 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 340 will be reported. Yes. Chair Burton. Yes.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 192 is reported favorably.
• If I can please be recorded as voting favorably.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, Senate Bill 428 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 162 is reported favorably. Thank you.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 340 will be reported... Yes. Chair Burton? Yes.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 192 is reported favorably.
• If I can, please be recorded as voting favorably in the affirmative.

Bills: S0428 , S0606 , S0192 , S0162 , S0340

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Keywords: drowning prevention, water safety, swimming lessons, swim vouchers, child drowning, infant safety, toddler safety, pool safety, bath safety, safe bathing practices, postpartum education, newborn care, childbirth education, birth centers, home birth providers, Department of Health, public health, water competency, swim instruction, infant supervision

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up several health-related bills, with a strong focus on drowning prevention and patient safety. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. Supporters, including a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA leadership, cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be available to more children. Senator Harrell noted the need to consider increasing the program’s funding as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606 by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer home birth providers. A parent who lost a child to drowning testified in support, and senators emphasized the preventability of such deaths. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 340 by Senator Harrell would require nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure; after a strike-all amendment shifted the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves, the bill received support from advocates and was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also considered SB 162 by Senator Davis, which would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already common in many facilities, while opponents and some senators questioned the medical evidence, enforcement, and possible impacts on rural and smaller facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with some members voting no. SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, would remove the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change as pro-small-business, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation comparing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system with other states, focusing on board autonomy, rulemaking oversight, board composition, appointments, term limits, and funding mechanisms.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is for this reason that they were voted by the citizens of our great state.
• It is for this reason that they were voted by the citizens of our great state.
• The secretary will unlock the board, and the senators will prepare to vote. All senators voted.
• Secretary will unlock the board, and the senators will proceed to vote. Have all senators voted?
• All senators voted. Please lock the board and record the vote. 38 yays, zero nays, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 executive appointments. After explanation by Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gates, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties losing population, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care measures. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health provisions in light of a new federal rural health grant and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties spoke in support, while also asking about eligibility and access to grant funds. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision for later conforming legislation and changes to enrollment documentation and withdrawal procedures. Senators from both parties supported the bill while raising concerns about accountability, student oversight, and school quality. The bill passed 38-0. Afterward, the Senate waived rules so SB 250 and CS/SB 318 could be immediately certified to the House. The session ended with announcements, including Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and a reminder about the chamber group photograph, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank the author again and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
• Again, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Senator Darazzo, you are recognized.
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Senator Umberg, you are recognized. Well, thank you, Mr.
• I'm honored to celebrate the Korean American community and I urge an aye vote.
• Thank you for your vote and for passing SCR 106. Thank you for your vote and for passing SCR 106.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There were never the votes to pass any type of cuts to nonpublic school aid.
• There were never votes for that. That was not part of the deal to make cuts in that area.
• There are not the votes to support that. Part of the deal was not to cut them.
• There are not the votes was never there.
• There are not the votes to<00:12:59.120><c> support</c><00:12:59.279><c> that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably.
• I'm going to be very supportive of it, voting up.
• If I could vote on this bill twice, I would.
• I should appreciate your vote.
• By your vote, the bill is reported favorably.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and took up seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. First, HB 1367 on school attendance was presented as a response to rising chronic absenteeism; it would standardize attendance definitions and reporting statewide, and it passed 18-0 after supportive testimony from education and business groups. HB 949 would prohibit student use of wireless devices during the school day, while allowing district policies for designated use areas and existing medical/disability exceptions; members discussed classroom disruption, bullying, public safety, and accommodations, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved PCS for CS for HB 1135, requiring ECGs for student athletes in grades 9-12, with exemptions for religious objections and provisions on cost, liability, and medical clearance; the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates who described children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and was reported favorably after unanimous support. Members then approved CS for CS for HB 597 on diabetes management in schools, which would allow schools to keep glucagon pens and authorize trained personnel to administer them in emergencies; an amendment clarified charter schools are included as public schools. HB 1309 on reading interventions and instruction would expand reading support and training for grades 4-12 and require district reading plans to include evidence-based interventions; it also passed without opposition. CS for HB 981 on athlete representation and compensation would cap certain NIL agent fees, allow some high school athletes to earn NIL compensation, and create a framework for registered advisors; members raised concerns about predatory practices and coach involvement, but the bill passed favorably after amendment. Finally, HB 1111 would eliminate the certificate of completion option for students who do not meet graduation requirements, with the sponsor arguing it would better motivate students to earn a standard diploma and improve postsecondary and workforce opportunities. Members discussed the need for stronger supports to help students meet graduation standards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after completing all agenda items.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, CS for SB 102 is reported favorably. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• By your vote, CS for SB 296 is reported favorably. Yes.
• By your vote, CS for SB 296 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, show CS for SB 6th, 296 is reported it. Yes.
• By your vote shows CS for SB 296 is reported favorably.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and observed a moment of silence for Senator Geraldine Thompson. The committee first took up CS/SB 102, a bill by Senator Gates directing the Department of Education to develop a workforce credential program for students with autism spectrum disorder or students on a modified curriculum, in coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Supporters said the bill would help autistic students gain job skills and workplace safety credentials, while an opponent argued the bill should clearly make participation voluntary, expand to other exceptional student groups, include funding, and add stronger accountability. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 166, the Administrative Efficiency in Public Schools bill by Senator Simon. The bill would reduce or remove several state mandates and give districts more flexibility on testing, teacher evaluations, contracts and certification, school board operations, instructional materials timelines, audits, facilities planning, emergency make-up days, federal fund use, and public VPK oversight. Senators asked about the impact on student proficiency, teacher evaluations, and the transfer of public VPK oversight to districts; Simon said the tests would remain but count as 30 percent of the grade, districts would retain flexibility in evaluation measures, and only public VPK would shift to districts. Public testimony was largely supportive, with some speakers praising reduced testing and local control, while one senator cautioned that Florida still has a math proficiency problem. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 296 by Senator Bradley, which would repeal the 2023 statewide mandate requiring later middle and high school start times and return the decision to local districts, while still requiring districts to inform the community about the health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation and consider later start times. Supporters argued the mandate created transportation, staffing, and scheduling problems and that local control was more practical, while opponents emphasized sleep science and the benefits of later start times for teens. Several senators discussed the tension between research and district resources, and the bill sponsor said the measure preserves the conversation about sleep while allowing local scheduling decisions. CS/SB 296 was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.