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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Managers are oftentimes the through line for boards of directors in the state of California.
- We have vacant units, certainly sitting in my district and across the state of California.
- States like Minnesota and Texas already allow residential-style codes for small, low-rise, multifamily
- AB 1070 asks the state to examine whether we can safely modernize this framework.
- Many examples throughout the United States where this has been successful.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development met first as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking, then later established quorum and heard five housing-related bills. AB 748 would require local governments to create preapproved housing plan programs for single-family and small multifamily projects under 10 units, expanding a model already used for ADUs; the author and Habitat for Humanity argued it would save time and money, and there was no opposition. The committee later passed AB 748 unanimously to the Assembly Committee on Local Government.
AB 739 would require managing agents for common interest developments to provide HOAs a summary of fees charged and paid to management companies. Realtors and community managers supported the bill as a transparency measure, while the California Association of Community Managers initially opposed it but said it would remove opposition if committee amendments were adopted to avoid blanket mailings and cost increases. The committee adopted the amendments and passed AB 739 7-0 to Appropriations.
AB 939 would remove the 180-day resale restriction for certain income-restricted for-sale units when a developer is under contract with a qualified nonprofit affordable housing organization, allowing units to be sold sooner to low-income buyers. Habitat for Humanity, the California Building Industry Association, and several housing groups supported the measure as a no-cost fix to reduce vacancy and carrying costs, while the California Association of Realtors opposed it, warning it could create a right of first refusal and set a precedent affecting property rights and competition. After discussion about the narrow scope and committee amendments, the bill passed 6-1 to Appropriations.
AB 1070 would direct the state to study and potentially modernize building code treatment for small, middle-housing projects so that low-rise buildings with three to ten units could be regulated more like residential structures rather than commercial ones. Supporters said the current code makes small multifamily projects unnecessarily expensive and that other states have adopted similar approaches; there was no opposition. The committee passed AB 1070 unanimously to Appropriations. Finally, AB 1184, by the vice chair, would increase HOA transparency and resident access to records, including recordings of HOA meetings; it had no witnesses in opposition and passed 8-0 as amended to Appropriations. After the meeting, absent members later added votes, and the final recorded votes were 10-1 for AB 939, 11-0 for AB 1070 and AB 1184, and unanimous support for AB 739 and AB 748.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- As the author stated, the bill would. Be able to apply this streamlining legislation as well.
- We have vacant units, certainly sitting in my district and across the state of California.
- States like Minnesota and Texas already allow residential-style codes for small, low-rise, multifamily
- AB 1070 asks the state to examine whether we can safely modernize this framework.
- Many examples throughout the United States show that this has been successful.
Committee:
House Housing and Community Development
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Safety and efficiency in our state forensic system.
- However, most adults in our state lost access to care.
- It will worsen the teacher shortage we already have in the state.
- Teachers are leaving the state. Teachers are leaving the profession.
- Teachers are leaving the state. Teachers are leaving the profession.
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably.
The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Obviously, as state leaders, we hope that you care. We know that you care.
- Again, we're proud to be a part of the state, and we're proud to be in the St.
- Dalton, if you please state your name and who you're with.
- And then you get a pound of ground beef and some Texas toast.
- Our state.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> when we're trying to fund the state. when we're trying to fund the state.
- As the lowest tax state in the union, the best-run state in the union, a state with zero debt.
- </c> Wyoming State Statute 94719A. Wyoming State Statute 94719A.
- ><c> and</c> grow state product, state revenue, and grow state product, state revenue, and and<02:10:
- </c> in the state of Wyoming. in the state of Wyoming.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Obviously, as state leaders, we hope that you care. We know that you care.
- Again, we're proud to be a part of the state, and we're proud to be in the St.
- Other organizations within the state. We can help fill some of those critical gaps.
- And then you get a pound of ground beef and some Texas toast.
- You're paying your civic rent by serving our state.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The Veterans and Armed Forces Committee heard presentations from three organizations focused on veteran support and mental health. Dogs for Our Brave described its service-dog program for veterans with mobility limitations and PTSD, emphasizing the dogs’ daily assistance with tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, bracing, and getting help, as well as the emotional benefits for veterans and their families. The group said each dog costs about $50,000 to train, with total lifetime support for a veteran-dog team estimated at $75,000 to $125,000, and noted it serves veterans nationwide from a St. Louis base. Committee members asked about fundraising, expansion, and what happens to a dog if a veteran dies; the organization said it relies mainly on private donations and grants, is moving into a larger facility that will increase capacity, and would try to repurpose a dog when appropriate, with family wishes considered first.
Dalton Schmidt of Warriors’ Hoof Haven outlined a newer, free program for combat veterans and their families centered on horses, farming, outdoor recreation, and community outreach. He said the group is based near Thomas Hill Lake in Huntsville on 13 acres and is building activities such as horse handling and riding, meat chicken and produce farming, fishing, kayaking, jet skis, boats, firewood delivery, food bundles, and farm-tool lending. He said the organization funds its work through grants, donations, and sponsors, and that its goal is to reduce financial barriers and get veterans back into the community. Members asked about fundraising and the venison-for-vets effort, which Schmidt said is run by Truman VA and is supported by his group through incentives and outreach.
Brian Nooner, founder of the Mental Health Huddle and a commissioner with the Department of Mental Health, gave a personal account of his own depression, anxiety, PTSD, and isolation after a serious fall and a prolonged COVID-related recovery. He said his experience led him to create the Mental Health Huddle to encourage people to seek help, reduce stigma, identify triggers, avoid one-way relationships, and find hope through faith, family, or other supports. He stressed that he is not a medical professional but a patient sharing resources and said the effort is aimed at making help free and confidential. Committee members thanked him for his testimony and courage, and the chair adjourned the committee after the presentations.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/11/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- around the state.
- </c> this is a map of the United States. this is a map of the United States.
- I um I state my case. Um for the record, I um I state my case.
- . state. state.
- </c> in this state. in this state.
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency.
Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally.
Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Mar 11th, 2025
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- of State.
- a registered voter of this state, you know, a resident of our state, at the very least.
- outside the state.
- Dinoff, state public advocate.
- of another state in check.
Committee:
House Elections
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Go ahead and state your name for the record. Go ahead and state your name for the record, Senator.
- I’ve read that many states like Utah, Texas, Delaware, and Tennessee already have higher limits up to
- in another state.
- And unfortunately, the state just does not have that capacity that this state needs to get there.
- I don't see people leaving the state of Idaho. I see people coming to our state.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee first approved a motion to print RS 33676 without taking testimony, noting it would receive a hearing in another committee. The committee then heard SCR 114 from Senator Guthrie, which would limit the number of bill drafts legislators may request in a year, with exemptions for appropriations, amendments, trailer bills, interim committee legislation, and additional drafts approved by legislative leaders. Guthrie and supportive testimony from the League of Women Voters argued the measure would reduce legislative overload and improve quality; the resolution was sent to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next considered SB 1330, sponsored by Senator Galloway, to raise the small claims court limit from $5,000 to $15,000. Galloway and a constituent testified that the current limit is too low for common disputes and burdens small businesses and individuals. Administrative Office of the Courts counsel Jason Spillman said the courts expected additional workload and noted the bill could affect magistrate court jurisdiction; Galloway said he would take the bill to the 14th order to add an amendment removing the $25 cap on attorney fees in small-claims appeals. The committee voted to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment.
House Bill 556, carried by Senator Foreman, would increase state reimbursement to counties for housing state inmates in county jails from the current $55/$75 daily structure to a flat $80 per day. County officials and sheriffs testified that counties are still subsidizing the state, that actual costs are higher than reimbursement, and that overcrowding and delayed transfers create safety and operational problems. Several senators supported the bill while also raising broader concerns about Idaho’s incarceration rates and sentencing policies. The committee sent HB 556 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee also advanced HB 540, presented by Representative Bingham, which would extend public-records protections and related safety/security exemptions to the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections similar to those already available to the Department of Corrections. No opposition was offered, and the bill received a due pass recommendation. Finally, HB 688, presented by Senator Kaiser, would update Idaho’s airbag laws to define counterfeit and non-functional airbags, prohibit knowingly selling or installing them to mislead buyers, and set misdemeanor penalties. Testimony from the automotive industry supported the bill as a consumer-protection measure addressing counterfeit airbags; the committee sent HB 688 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Go ahead and state your name for the record. Go ahead and state your name for the record, Senator.
- I've read that many states like Utah, Texas, Delaware, and Tennessee already have higher limits, up to
- in another state.
- And unfortunately, the state just does not have that capacity that this state needs to get there.
- I don't see people leaving the state of Idaho. I see people coming to our state.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- laws of the state.
- The Constitutional Courts Act states that no state court, at any level of jurisdiction or authority,
- Sharia law is designed to eradicate the First Amendment, which forbids a state of state, Sharia law is
- The states of Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Now the states of Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana
- the State of Idaho.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee first approved the gubernatorial appointment of Amy Anderson to the Commission of Pardons and Paroles, sending the nomination to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then heard and advanced three Senate Resource Statements from Senator Todd Lakey: RS 32894, repealing an outdated capital crimes defense fund provision; RS 32896, removing an obsolete mountain standard time reference in juvenile corrections code; and RS 33120, clarifying the Attorney General’s civil enforcement authority. Each was sent to print without opposition.
The committee also took up the judicial council appointment of Michael Kennedy. Kennedy described his background, his service as a non-attorney member of the Idaho Judicial Council, and his view that citizen members help ask practical questions and keep the process grounded. Members asked about the role of citizen members and the judiciary’s proper constitutional role; no vote was taken on the appointment during this meeting.
The main policy debate centered on Senate Bill 1232, Senator Tammy Nichols’ proposal to modernize Idaho’s Son of Sam law. Nichols asked to send the bill to the 14th order for technical amendments after consultation with the Attorney General’s office, and the committee agreed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1233, the Constitutional Courts Act, from Senator Dan Foreman. Foreman said the bill would prevent Idaho courts from enforcing judgments based on religious or cultural law that does not conform to constitutional rights. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued it would protect constitutional supremacy and oppose Sharia law, while opponents warned the language was overbroad and could threaten references to common law, natural law, or religious history. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order failed, and the committee instead voted to send SB 1233 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, Senator Melissa Wintrow’s RS 3293, excluding photographs or images of deceased individuals from public disclosure, was sent to print.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- laws of the state.
- The Constitutional Courts Act states that no state court, at any level of jurisdiction or authority,
- Sharia law is designed to eradicate the First Amendment, which forbids a state of state,... ...to state
- The states of Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Now the states of Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana
- the State of Idaho.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of David Fotouhi, of Virginia, to be Deputy Administrator, and Aaron Szabo, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Administrator, both of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mar 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- their own state.
- Under one of the provisions, the states were asked to do a state implementation plan.
- the cooperation of those states.
- Again, states being responsible. Nobody cares more about our environment than the states.
- similar to granting a state state implementation plan that would just be providing that state that that
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , are going to drive jobs out of the state.
- the error in the states like we do.
- We want to make sure these manufacturing companies stay in the state of Washington, the evergreen state
- that the United States Code was a cafeteria plan.
- United States Code was a cafeteria plan.
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025 at 11:30 am
Nevada Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- The people of the State of Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows.
- The people of the state Nevada represented in Senate and Assembly do enact as follows.
- The people of the State of Nevada, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows.
- The people of the state of Nevada represented in Senate and Assembly.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/18/25 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:07.280><c> of</c> the trail across the state of the trail across the state of Minnesota.<00
- We are also creating a new state.
- And if we don't state of Minnesota.
- And with that, I will for us to see in the state of Minnesota for us to see in the state of Minnesota
- State your point of parliamentary inquiry.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- , even though most states have some sort of cap on non-economic damages in the United States.
- A couple of our peer states, Texas and California, have caps on non-economic damages.
- Ray continued: "...in our state.
- We are the only state that has this law.
- Perhaps those other states don't recognize anyone for non-economic damage. But that's their state.
Summary:
The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee considered one bill, HB 603, which would repeal section 768.21(8), the Florida medical negligence wrongful death exception often referred to by supporters as the “Free Kill” law. The sponsor argued the current statute unfairly bars certain families—especially adult children or parents of unmarried adults without minor children—from recovering non-economic damages when a loved one dies from medical negligence, while such damages are available in other wrongful death cases. Supporters, including family members, AARP, and some legal advocates, testified that the law is discriminatory and denies equal access to justice for grieving families and vulnerable adults.
Opponents, including physicians, hospital and insurer representatives, and business groups, argued that repeal would increase malpractice exposure, raise premiums, worsen access to care, and accelerate physician retirements or departures from Florida. Several urged that if the bill moves forward, it should be paired with caps on non-economic damages to balance the impact on the health care system. Supporters countered that negligence must still be proven, that the law creates unequal treatment, and that existing tort reforms have not lowered premiums. The sponsor closed by rejecting claims that the bill is “jackpot justice” and emphasizing that families deserve court access and accountability.
After debate, the committee voted on HB 603 and passed it 16-2. The meeting then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a teaching certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
- Don't call Jake from State Farm, call Edison from State Farm.
- He is currently my state insurance agent as well.
- Senator Conway, state your point of personal privilege.
- , how privileged we are in Washington State. ...and other states how privileged we are in Washington
Bills:
SCR8410
Keywords:
returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904
Summary:
The Senate convened on March 9, 2025, approved the previous day’s journal, suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during floor sessions, and referred committee and gubernatorial reports as designated. It also received several new bills and appointments, including Senate Bill 6359, and later suspended Rule 20 to allow additional floor resolutions. The chamber then moved through a series of gubernatorial confirmations, with broad support for Megan Matthews as Director of the Washington State Office of Equity and for several college board trustees, including Robert A. Zupon (Renton Technical College), Denise E. Gideon (Clark College), Adria Buchanan (Clover Park Technical College), Michelle R. Smith (Columbia Basin College), and Edison A. Valerio (Columbia Basin College). Each confirmation passed by majority roll call vote, with some members excused.
The Senate then considered Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation revenue and policy measure. Members rejected the Transportation Committee’s original striking amendment and adopted a narrower striking amendment that, among other changes, repealed the luxury aircraft tax and replaced it with higher aircraft fuel taxes, registration fees, and an annual excise tax, while also making technical corrections and creating a sustainable aircraft fuel account. Supporters said the bill reflected a bipartisan agreement, improved transportation funding, and supported aviation sustainability; opponents argued it would disproportionately burden small aircraft owners and general aviation. The bill passed the Senate on a 33-15 vote.
The final major action was adoption of Senate Resolution 8703 honoring Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of legislative service. The resolution highlighted his long career in the House and Senate, his leadership on labor, pensions, veterans, and local projects, and his reputation for institutional knowledge and mentorship. Numerous senators from both parties offered personal remarks praising his integrity, advocacy for working families, and support for colleagues. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and Senator Conway, joined by family and friends in the gallery, offered brief remarks thanking the Senate, his staff, family, and constituents before the chamber recessed for lunch and caucus.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We're here pleading and begging for existence in this state. We're the only state with this law.
- Begging for existence in this state, we're the only state with this law. And you know what?
- And as every time, Begging for existence in this state, we're the only state with this law.
- states where the outcome would be exactly the same because those states do not differentiate between
- Our neighbors to the north in Georgia and Alabama, Texas, New York, Connecticut—all of those states—the
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably.
Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.