Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully request an aye vote and immediate transmittal to the Senate.
• Thank you and respectfully request your aye vote on AB 299. Thank you, Assemblymember.
• Respectfully request an aye vote. Thank you, Assemblymember Schiavo.
• Respectfully request an aye vote, thank you. Thank you, Assemblymember Schiavo.
• Budget subcommittee five on state. Immigration meets in capital room 447.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strict enforcement has been requested. You can vote for your desk, but not for anybody else.
• This was a request of our county elections administrators.
• Literary reviews to curate their purchase order requests.
• They're not any good, and I'm requesting to go to conference. Mr. Gibbs.
• Speaker, I request we go to conference.

Bills: SB15 , SB646 , SB800 , SB790 , SB748 , SB571 , SB1957 , SB1923 , SB1896 , SB1760 , SB1335 , SB2368 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2986 , SB2965 , SB1563 , SB1467 , SB1164 , SB1137 , SB614 , SB705 , SB918 , SB955 , SB869 , SB850 , SB863 , SB1055 , SB2206 , SB457 , SB2337 , SB1610 , SB1362 , SB926 , SB1494 , SB251 , SB456 , SB500 , SB1307 , SB2615 , SB2995 , SB2321 , SB2972 , SB973 , SB865 , SB506 , SB1522 , SB1558 , SB510 , SB667 , SB763 , SB2073 , SB1858 , SB1660 , SB2900 , SB1433 , SB1540 , SB1964 , SB1300 , SB1644 , SB2217 , SB2373 , SB2431 , SB1758 , SB974 , SB2480 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB2781 , SB826 , SB766 , SB527 , SB1946 , SB2885 , SB1243 , SB2610 , SB857 , SB2501 , SB66 , SB268 , SB331 , SB1302 , SB519 , SB2807 , SB13 , SB7 , SB1718 , SB1567 , SB1233 , SB413 , SB2177 , SB30 , SB2024 , SJR1 , SCR27 , SB2018 , SB1580 , SB2121 , SB1049 , SB1266 , SB1400 , SB1596 , SB2753 , SB2221 , SB1719 , SCR9 , SB204 , SB437 , SB568 , SB612 , SB672 , SB710 , SB823 , SB876 , SB904 , SB905 , SB968 , SB1084 , SB1207 , SB1230 , SB1313 , SB1504 , SB1790 , SB2232 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2398 , SB2515 , SB2520 , SB2589 , SB2786 , SB2790 , SB3048 , SB3050 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3056 , SB3029 , SCR3 , SCR18 , SCR30 , HCR146 , HCR148 , HCR149 , HCR153 , HCR155 , HCR157 , HB5560 , HB762 , HB1584 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB4386 , HB2495 , HB581 , HB3348 , HB5323 , HB4341 , HB6 , HB2712 , HB171 , HB3153 , HB143 , HB2688 , HB3464 , HB449 , HB3486 , HB4263 , HB2 , HB1522 , HB24 , HB 1237 , HB2637 , HB3126 , HB3233 , HB4310 , HB3487 , HCR9 , HB5331 , HB1397 , HB163 , HB3250 , HB3071 , HB3463 , HB5033 , HB35 , HB3824 , HB216 , HB4226 , HB3512 , HB18 , HB5154 , HB 103 , HB851 , HB647 , HB4520 , HB3016 , HB2313 , HB2818 , HB2851 , HB4486 , HB4264 , HB1500 , HB5081 , HB2974 , HB2080 , HB4384 , HB5659 , HB493 , HB4903 , HB2516 , HB4488 , HB4530 , HB3689 , HB145 , HB43 , HB5247 , HB2221 , HB5671 , HB700 , HB3711 , HB 120 , SB17 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB21 , SB2778 , SB379

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• conference, Louisiana's official revenue forecast was lowered by more than $200 million across two budget
• Chairman, Members, House Concurrent Resolution 112 by Representative Jackson urges and requests that
• Chairman, Members, House Resolution 275 by Representative Dickerson urges and requests the Department
• And we have put this together as a resolution so that we can request the Department of Transportation
• We have one card present, providing information if requested, in support from Reggie Hope.

Bills: HR275 , HR282 , HCR112 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB513

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments. The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then it was folded into the budget, and desert homeowners had no real opportunity to weigh in.
• Respectfully requests an aye vote. Okay. This enjoys a due pass as amended recommendation.
• Just respectfully request, and I vote. We're going to get this right.
• think that's the reasonable thing to do so that we have real-time information, not an unreasonable request
• And I respectfully request, and I vote, and I thank everybody for their engagement. Okay.

Committees: House Water, Parks and Wildlife , House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call has been requested. Okay. Hey, Representative Mickelsen, welcome to the committee.
• as far as tax income, it's estimated—I can't remember the source, I just read it—but 0.07% of our budget
• He also objected to the good representative to his right saying that the committee was requesting people
• only for that reason, but also because of what the good representative to his right said about requesting
• Representative Church said that the committee's request to halt a ballot initiative and reject an effort

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're requested to just provide information based on our program, but this is not a bill in the governor's
• budget.
• Fiscal note has not been requested? All right, thank you, sir.
• Fiscal note has not been requested? All right, thank you, sir.
• Fiscal note has not been requested? All right, thank you, sir.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 128 was heard and then laid over for possible inclusion in the committee omnibus. The bill, authored by Representative Ric, would raise penalties for prostituting a minor so they align with existing criminal sexual conduct penalties: from 20 to 30 years for victims under 14, from 10 to 15 years for ages 14 to 16, and from 5 to 10 years for ages 16 to 18. The author said the bill addresses a statutory mismatch that makes prostitution of a minor carry a lower penalty than some sexual conduct offenses, and noted it was part of a broader, ongoing effort to reform criminal sexual conduct laws. Caroline Palmer of the Minnesota Department of Health provided technical assistance and described the harms of child sexual exploitation, including trafficking, survival sex, coercion, and long-term physical and mental health consequences. She said children are exploited in many settings, including online, and that vulnerability factors such as housing instability, abuse, disability, and lack of support increase risk. She also cited research showing buyers of trafficked minor girls often came from varied backgrounds, and emphasized that victims can face lasting trauma and collateral consequences in education, employment, housing, and the justice system. Members asked about the administration’s position, and Palmer clarified she was there only to provide technical assistance, not to represent a formal endorsement. Representative Mher noted that current law may already allow criminal sexual conduct charges in some cases involving very young victims, suggesting other tools remain available. Representative Pinto said he understood the policy concern but wanted to examine the bill’s structure and penalty levels further. No amendments or votes were taken, and the bill was simply laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> when this committee puts its budget when this committee puts its budget together,<00:07:16.400><
• </c><00:07:40.639><c> They're</c> than just lines on a budget. They're than just lines on a budget.
• Um with budget the credit's use.
• And you get rid of it in the budget, and that's the one item I saw that was good in the budget.
• </c> item I saw that was good in the budget. item I saw that was good in the budget.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we are going to, uh, uh, request that Representative Bryant, uh, explain his amendment.
• Uh, low wage employees with a request for tips, sometimes 4 and 5 requests.
• the bill for their service, but they should not be able to continue to pound these consumers with a request
• if an individual wanted their cash into their checking account immediately on the day that they requested
• locally managed, funded by member and city contributions, and operates independently of the state budget

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And we request favorable consideration, and I close. Thank you very much. Thank you. OK.
• Petitioners requesting the creation of a municipal utility district outside of a municipality corporate
• Chairman, my request is, all these seem to go. this committee, right?
• My request is can we either have one... a mine bill, or can we hear all the bills at the same hearing
• So that's my request, sir. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Any questions? Okay.

Bills: HB23 , HB363 , HB447 , HB954 , HB23

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, municipal utility district, petition, county clerk, water code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, traffic impact studies, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, extraterritorial jurisdiction, county authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1260 relates to county constitutional officer budget...
• Senate Bill 1260 relates to County Constitutional Officer Budget Thank you.
• Senate Bill 1260 relates to county constitutional officer budget processes.
• The Administrative Commission may adopt the budget proposed by the clerk or supervisor, the budget amended
• The Administrative Commission may adopt the budget proposed by the clerk or supervisor, the budget amended

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1134, which would extend the use of qualified private providers in the building permit process to residential solar energy systems and certain single-trade inspections, and would allow computer-based plan review tools. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce long solar permitting delays and lower costs. A late amendment clarifying the word “application” was adopted, and after some discussion about local permitting problems and the need to work with municipalities, CS/SB 1134 was reported favorably, with Senator Pizzo voting no. The committee then took up SB 784, dealing with issuance of addresses and parcel identification numbers for plats. The bill sets a 14-day timeframe, and an amendment was adopted that would allow use of a private provider if the deadline is missed and would limit fee collection if verification is not completed. Members discussed whether the bill should include more flexibility and whether private providers are appropriate for this function, but the committee ultimately reported CS/SB 784 favorably. SB 1738, allowing counties that previously opted out of transportation concurrency to opt back in while maintaining current levels of service, was also reported favorably without significant opposition. Next, SB 1080 on local government land regulation was presented as a measure to speed up development permit and order approvals, limit repeated information requests, prevent hearing delays, and impose penalties for noncompliance. Local government testimony argued it would rush planning and weaken public input, while supporters called it common-sense streamlining. After debate, the bill was reported favorably, with several no votes. SB 1260, which clarifies county constitutional officer budget procedures and creates an appeal process for clerks and supervisors of elections similar to that used by sheriffs, was also reported favorably after members raised concerns about county budget timelines. Finally, the committee considered SB 420, as amended by a strike-all, which would prohibit counties and municipalities from adopting or funding DEI-related ordinances, programs, or policies, while carving out compliance with state and federal law and defining DEI-related terms. The amendment removed retroactivity and delayed the effective date, but members from both parties raised concerns about vague definitions, impacts on women- and minority-owned business programs, local commemorations, and the loss of attorney’s fees for prevailing counties. Public testimony was sharply divided, with many speakers opposing the bill as an attack on local control and inclusion, and a few supporting it as a merit-based standard. The amendment was adopted, but the bill drew extensive opposition in debate and was not yet reported in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> from</c><00:38:10.240><c> their</c> request alternative materials from their request alternative
• really not a right-to-know request.
• </c> make this request? make this request?
• </c> is to bury the school board in requests. is to bury the school board in requests.
• Is my student they write a request.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:42:08.560><c> the</c> request from our association, the request from our association, the Association
• This bill has been requested by my constituents in Stratham.
• This bill has been requested by my constituents in Stratham.
• During budget season, I hear repeated concerns over spending.
• In the most recent budget season, we cut $400,000 from the town's operating budget.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal funding that we received was 5% of our budget, so $1.3 million.
• I heard some numbers, I don't know which number I heard: 40% of the budget. That's not unusual.
• There are member stations all over the country where 40% of their budgets came from the CPB.
• I think about 40% of their budget came from the CPB. So those stations...
• And it is going to happen, I predict, in the future less and less because of budget cuts.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not alone in making that request.
• I'm not alone in making that request.
• My specific request is simple.
• </c> we did not request the Okay. Be here. we did not request the Okay. Be here.
• </c> looking at we just got a budget looking at we just got a budget forecast.<01:36:31.600><c> Think

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there must be multiple requests made 15 days apart. There must be a written request.
• There must be a written request. There must be witnesses.
• There must be a written request. There must be witnesses.
• Madam President, I request capital leave for Senator Baker.
• Senator Pittman requests capital leave for Senator Baker.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session. On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage. Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education. In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's what we've done with now in submitting discovery requests, but getting incomplete discovery
• I believe respondent has waived any objection to not responding to the discovery requests by not filing
• getting incomplete requests, but getting incomplete discovery<00:00:52.800><c> responses.
• </c> not responding to the discovery requests not responding to the discovery requests by<00:01:56.720
• </c> there and making him go through a budget there and making him go through a budget session<00:34:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission heard argument on a renewed motion to compel discovery and related sanctions in an ethics case. Enforcement counsel said the respondent had provided incomplete and inconsistent discovery responses, including no authenticated medical records, and asked the commission to compel full interrogatory answers, bar the respondent from relying on unsupported medical claims at hearing, allow subpoenas for medical records and an LRC report, and continue the December 2 hearing. Respondent’s counsel replied that the defense had complied with discovery, that medical records were being withheld for reasons previously discussed, and that no outstanding discovery remained. The next matter was enforcement counsel’s motion in limine, which sought to exclude a wide range of evidence as irrelevant to the three ethics charges already found to have probable cause. Counsel argued the hearing should focus only on whether the respondent intimidated Fox’s, offered a favor in exchange for a donation, and engaged in inappropriate conduct while intoxicated in his office, and not on complainants’ motives, media coverage, bullying, religious discrimination claims, LRC policies, or other legislators’ conduct. He also argued that any claim of mental or physical condition should be excluded absent supporting medical proof. Respondent’s counsel opposed the motion, saying the excluded topics went to witness credibility, bias, motive, and context, and that LRC materials and testimony from additional witnesses were important to the defense. Commission members questioned both sides about the breadth of the motion in limine and whether any topics could be agreed to as irrelevant. Counsel for the respondent maintained that some challenged topics, including Lexington media coverage and broader legislative practices, were relevant to credibility and context. Enforcement counsel responded that even if such conduct were common, it would not excuse a violation of the ethics code. No final ruling or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:36.359><c> at</c><00:36:36.520><c> no</c> request to request and receive at no request to
• This process will increase administrative costs in processing requests, budgeting, and anticipating the
• deny the request.
• I will also request a division.
• Speaker, I request a division vote. Representative McGrath has requested a roll call vote.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, leaves of absence, guest introductions, and memorial remarks honoring former Representative Carolyn Gargas of Hollis, who was remembered for her long House service, work on child and family issues, and community involvement. The House then adopted a consent calendar and approved a motion to withdraw House Bill 431, which would have created a commission to review draft rules on minimum standards for public school approval and state academic standards; the motion failed after a roll call vote, so the bill remained in play. The House next took up House Bill 109-FN, relative to false reports to law enforcement. The majority supported the bill as a way to add penalties for knowingly false reports about law enforcement officers, arguing officers deserve protection from false accusations and that the knowingly standard is a high bar. The minority opposed it as duplicative of existing law and warned it could chill legitimate complaints against police. After debate and a division vote, the majority committee report of ought to pass was adopted, 198-173. The House also considered House Bill 218-FN, which would provide victims of crime a free police report. The committee amendment changed the bill so victims would receive a written confirmation that a crime occurred rather than the initial police report, to avoid conflicts with right-to-know law and active-investigation confidentiality. Supporters said the change was a small but important clarification agreed to by law enforcement and domestic violence advocates, while opponents argued the original language was already workable and that the floor amendment was unnecessary. A division vote was requested on the amendment, and the transcript ends during that debate before the final outcome on HB 218 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, you've heard the unanimous consent request without objection. That should be the order.
• Members, you've heard the unanimous consent request without objection. That should be the order.
• This is a request bill from the Oklahoma.
• All we're doing is once the request is The bill has been advanced.
• I think my question is along the same lines and requesting a tag for out-of-state.

Bills: HB3327 , HB3711 , HB4104 , HJR1077 , HB3329 , HB4322 , HB4202 , HB4203 , HB4457 , HB3983 , HB3660 , HB3802 , HB2933 , HB2955 , HB2956 , HB3781 , HB3521 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989 , HB3016 , HB2979 , HB2988 , HB2288 , HB3062 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3530 , HB3622 , HB3755 , HB4266

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• And some of the counties are on really tight budgets.
• As I said, received nominations at the request of one committee member, me.
• If there is such request by any member, we'll take them on block. All right. That being the...
• Kellam has not been requested by any member to be here, but we will take testimony.
• Kellam has not been requested by any member to be here, but we will take testimony.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Florida Commission on Ethics on several proposed legislative changes. The commission asked for changes to the Whistleblower Act to better cover ethics complaints, a public records exemption for commissioners’ and staff members’ sensitive personal information, an expanded gift-disclosure family definition to include foster relationships, and a first-time waiver of fines for late financial disclosure filers. Staff also requested technical fixes, including treating a timely postmarked appeal as filed on time, clarifying Form 6 filing requirements for appointees to elected seats, extending ethics-training requirements to municipal appointees filling unexpired terms, and clarifying where Form 10 gift disclosures are filed. Commission staff reported high electronic filing compliance rates, the rollout of automated fines, and an average of 92 days for completed preliminary investigations in 2025. They also updated the committee on two federal court challenges involving the in-office lobbying ban and the Form 6 requirement for elected municipal officers. The committee then heard from Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who outlined preparations for the 2026 election cycle and several policy proposals. He discussed work with new supervisors of elections, ongoing election-crimes enforcement, cooperation with federal agencies on citizenship verification, and data-sharing agreements with other states. Byrd also proposed a statewide pre-certification audit system with grants for smaller counties, a more streamlined process for checking voter citizenship status after registration, and a modernization fix for voter records affected by randomized driver’s license numbers. Members asked about special elections, election-crimes investigations, returning-citizen voting determinations, chain-of-custody procedures, and interstate data-sharing agreements. Byrd said special election timing is controlled by the governor, the elections-crimes office investigates but does not arrest, returning-citizen applications are resolved within 90 days, and he is confident in current chain-of-custody practices. The committee also considered gubernatorial nominations. By unanimous vote, members approved a block of nominees, then separately took up Joshua Kellum’s nomination to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The committee heard sworn public testimony from Robin Blevins, who urged rejection of Kellum’s appointment and criticized his background and past involvement in FWC-related advocacy. After brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve Kellum’s nomination as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> giant hole in the side of our budget. giant hole in the side of our budget. and<00:03:48.560><c>
• budget This this House budget resolution<00:37:24.079><c> $4.2</c><00:37:24.800><c> trillion</c><00:
• </c> the national debt just with this budget the national debt just with this budget resolution.<00:37
• The Budget Lab at Yale University did this analysis based on this budget resolution and said that this
• Um across our budget, we have them.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2591, the “Support Medicaid Not Millionaires Act,” laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Chair Gomez said the bill would create a fifth individual income tax tier on very high earners to offset any future federal Medicaid cuts, arguing that proposed federal budget changes would likely reduce Medicaid funding and create a large state budget hole. Gomez and other supporters framed Medicaid as essential for children, long-term care, mental health, substance use treatment, rural hospitals, and families across Minnesota, and criticized federal tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals. Several testifiers supported the bill. A SEIU Healthcare worker described how Medicaid supports her care for a disabled son and her own health needs, warning that cuts would threaten home care, hospitals, and nursing homes. A public health employee from the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees said recent state and federal layoffs had already weakened public health capacity and urged additional revenue to backfill losses. Other supporters, including community and faith leaders, said the wealthy and corporations should pay more to protect public services, youth programs, and Medicaid-funded care. A mental health provider testified that most of the people served by her clinic rely on Medicaid and that cuts would harm clinics, rural access, and the broader behavioral health system. Representative Anderson questioned whether the bill would affect Medicaid spending tied to undocumented immigrants and asked for data on MinnesotaCare and federal-state funding shares. Department of Human Services staff clarified that he was referring to MinnesotaCare, not Medicaid, and said Medicaid is generally matched by the federal government while MinnesotaCare does not have the same match. The exchange became contentious when Gomez objected to Anderson’s use of the term “illegal immigrants” and redirected the discussion back to the bill. Anderson also raised concerns about Medicaid fraud and whether the proposal would backfill any federal changes related to fraud enforcement. No vote was taken; the bill was simply laid over.