Video & Transcript : 'Washington State Energy Code' :
Page 481 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/18/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:24.280><c> 16,000</c> Latino Gallery in the state 16,000 Latino Gallery in the state 16,000
- </c><00:37:39.480><c> where</c> Land of 10,000 lakes a state where Land of 10,000 lakes a state where
- in all 50 states.
- in all 50 states.
- in all 50 states.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC-EIG Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:53:15.280><c> worker</c> So 39 states have election worker So 39 states have election worker
- Out-of-state voters and state candidates may also have to adapt to an earlier primary.
- State part uh state party convention.
- State part uh the<01:03:13.440><c> state</c><01:03:13.680><c> conventions</c><01:03:14.480><c> elect<
- </c><01:03:26.559><c> state</c><01:03:26.880><c> candidates</c> Out of state voters and state candidates
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Children and Families Feb 24th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Children and Families
Transcript Highlights:
- He says, let's let some other states do it first.
- , there is no law or state policy.
- We've tried to do as deep a dive as we can on Missouri Code.
- The burden is on the state.
- Please state your name. You may begin when you're ready.
Committee:
House Children and Families
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy Media Availability - 03/26/26
Transcript Highlights:
- but more importantly, an influx of funding for rental assistance, you'll see heating assistance, energy
- that people are experiencing significant increases in their family budgets, much of it coming from Washington
- statewide asset, and it is a critical asset when we think about the suite of hospitals across the state
- Across the state of Minnesota, but many of our hospitals are going to experience a lot of difficulties
Summary:
Senate leadership said members were working through a fast-paced, intense session before a break, with many committee hearings still scheduled and about 27 bills expected to be heard that day. The leader highlighted several priorities for when lawmakers return, including an independent Inspector General proposal, additional anti-fraud measures, and packages on gun violence prevention and the Metro Surge response. The Metro Surge package was described as roughly 11 bills dealing with masks in essential spaces, aid obligations for federal agents, civil-rights/Bivens issues, and BCA participation in investigations; the broader gun violence package includes school safety, mental health, an assault-weapons ban, and a ban on high-capacity magazines, though it still awaited Finance Committee action. The leader also said bonding remains a high priority and that the Senate plans to continue moving policy quickly after the break.
On budget matters, the leader said supplemental funding is needed for Capitol and Senate building security, largely because of increased personnel and overtime costs. He also said HCMC needs a short-term financing step because it is under financial pressure, but that the issue points to broader instability in Minnesota’s hospital system, especially as other hospitals may face difficulties related to HR1. Other budget-related items mentioned included housing support, rental and heating assistance, energy assistance, small business aid, health care, and food support, with some governor-proposed tax and spending ideas possibly left out because they are not affordable.
The leader said the Senate is still working on fraud legislation, including the Inspector General proposal and related enforcement and oversight measures, and expects House differences to be worked out in conference committee. He described the House as a question mark and said the two chambers are moving at different paces, but he hopes to resolve differences and send bills to the governor. He also noted a rough end to the Senate Jobs Committee, said Senator Champion is considering next steps, and said Senator Mohamed and other DFL members had sent the Attorney General’s anti-fraud bill through a different committee path. He added that legislator safety is a growing concern because members from both parties are receiving threats, and he is working with counsel on possible responses. On guns in the Capitol, he said the issue reflects broader divisions and that current law allows permitted carry after screening, though he is frustrated by those using the issue to provoke emotion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Sixteen other states already do what SB 923 proposes.
- I'm not going to pretend to be an expert in other states' laws.
- In December of last year, a 19-year-old, 19-year veteran Washington State Patrol trooper brought forth
- In addition, the age-appropriate design code ...from unknown harm.
- So SB 1114 simply provides that state agencies may not share state-level data related to LGBTQI Californians
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So to the uh state housing tax credit.
- Uh the other uh state tax policy.
- So, in light of these successful outcomes, 14 states so far, including Montana, Texas, Washington, California
- All it does is sideline our state.
- Each household with low wealth that is sideline our state. So I ask you, how sideline our state.
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, and welcome to a special meeting of Senate State Affairs.
- It would have to be self-contained in the state.
- As I've stated many times, we voluntarily work with ICE.
- So I think there's a real danger for the state of Idaho.
- But as far as the code stating, 'You shall enter into an MOU,' I'm not aware, but that doesn't mean that
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee first approved the March 18 and March 20, 2026 minutes. It then considered RS 33851, a proposed reconfiguration of an earlier bill that would avoid possible free-speech issues by changing language from “resident” to “qualified elector”; the committee voted to send it to print, with Senator Shippy recorded as a nay. The committee also heard RS 33853, a kratom-related proposal to classify mitragynine speciosa as a Schedule I drug with a delayed effective date and stepped penalties, but no action was taken on it.
The committee spent most of the meeting on Senate Bill 1441, which would create a statewide framework requiring local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE through 287(g) agreements, while allowing exceptions if resources are not reasonably available or if local governing bodies make written findings. Supporters, including Senator Anthon and representatives from ICRMP and the sheriffs’ association, argued the bill would standardize cooperation and address liability concerns by clarifying coverage under the Idaho Tort Claims Act. Opponents, including sheriffs and county representatives, said the bill blurred constitutional roles between sheriffs and county commissions, created an unfunded mandate, and risked federal oversight of local law enforcement. The committee voted 6-3 to send SB 1441 to the 14th order for possible amendment.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1443, which would allow the Department of Corrections director to conditionally release certain incarcerated noncitizen offenders with final deportation orders into ICE custody before they complete their Idaho sentences, with restitution, victim notification, tolling of the remaining sentence, and an indefinite warrant if they return. Supporters said the bill could reduce costs and align with deterrence and accountability, while critics raised concerns about victim safety, unequal treatment compared with U.S. citizen offenders, and the lack of probation or ongoing supervision after release to ICE. After debate, the motion to send SB 1443 to the floor with a due pass recommendation failed 4-5, and the bill was held in committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 1st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- State your point, Mr. DeMaio.
- I agree wholeheartedly with the governor's statement to the extent that it already states existing state
- I agree wholeheartedly with the governor's statement to the extent that it already states existing state
- The President of the United States, Donald J.
- Flora, state your point. Mr. Flora, I cannot hear you. State your point to the chair, please.
Summary:
The Assembly met with a quorum after a roll call and prayer, then moved through routine business and a lengthy floor debate centered on AB 379, a bill dealing with protections for minors and human trafficking victims. Assembly Member DeMaio first sought to bring the bill up without Public Safety Committee amendments, arguing the committee had gutted the bill and removed felony language for purchasing 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. The body instead adopted a substitute motion to take up Assembly Member Schultz’s floor amendments to AB 379, and the bill became the focus of intense debate over whether the amended language would still adequately protect minors or instead weaken penalties and create a lower standard for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Supporters of the amendments, including Schultz, Petri-Norris, Mark Gonzalez, Krell, Wynn, and others, said the changes were intended to strengthen and clarify the law, protect trafficking survivors, and preserve prosecutorial effectiveness while avoiding misinformation about existing law. Opponents, including DeMaio, Gallagher, Dixon, Macedo, Castillo, and others, argued the amendments watered down the bill, failed to restore the original felony treatment for buyers of 16- and 17-year-olds, and amounted to political maneuvering rather than real protection. The chamber also briefly considered a motion to table the amendments, which failed, and an appeal of a ruling on decorum, which was rejected.
After debate, the Assembly adopted Schultz’s amendments to AB 379 by a 55-21 vote and then rereferred the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The chamber also handled several procedural items, including re-referrals of other bills, consent calendar actions, and a series of unanimous consent votes on numerous bills and resolutions. The session ended with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session, followed by adjournment until Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- /c> significant differences from state to significant differences from state to state. state. state.
- they do differ from state to state. >> Yep.
- going to differ from state to state. going to differ from state to state. if<00:38:51.680><c> I</c><00
- </c> available to states.
- All 50 states as available to states.
Committee:
House Education Funding
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> institutions in the state of Minnesota. institutions in the state of Minnesota.
- </c> student in the form of a state grant. student in the form of a state grant.
- state grant program.
- . state. state.
- </c> students who received the state grant. students who received the state grant.
Committee:
Senate Higher Education
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- a little while ago, and as is stated in the amendment that is on everyone's desk, And as is stated in
- It's a stated fact. That part isn't part of the bill. It's a stated fact.
- It's a stated fact, that part isn't part of the bill, it's a stated fact that DPS and corrections wants
- less time and money if I want to treat a patient that is across state lines or if I'm out of state,
- I can work with compact states.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 022 Feb 5th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These folks, woo, yeah, state.
- </c> state of Colorado to forget them. state of Colorado to forget them.
- a state-only benefit plan, which means then all of the funding falls onto the state.
- a state-only benefit plan, which means then all of the funding falls onto the state.
- a state-only benefit plan, which means then all of the funding falls onto the state.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- revenue for the state, and you're acknowledging that they took a lot of time and energy to collect, maintaining
- compliance with the state.
- The state. It's a reduction in the sales tax collection to the state. But why?
- Why would the state pay that?
- So while I hear you citing a number that's specific to your state, if you add that to all 50 states,
Summary:
The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Business held a public hearing focused on credit card interchange fees, cashless transactions, chargebacks, fraud, and possible reforms affecting small businesses in Massachusetts. Chair Paul Feeney opened the meeting, outlined the commission’s charge, and noted that the hearing would hear from small business owners, industry representatives, and others on the effects of payment trends and proposed policy changes. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that universal card acceptance and the current interchange system are important to Massachusetts tourism and should not be disrupted ahead of a busy summer season.
A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates, who said processing fees are especially burdensome because restaurants operate on very thin margins and are charged fees on sales tax and tips that are not retained as revenue. Testifiers including Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, and Kerry Colzer described rising operating costs and gave examples of annual or monthly fee totals, urging relief from fees on tax and gratuity amounts. Ryan Lotz also asked for chargeback reforms, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, proportional fees, and safeguards against repeat abuse. Several witnesses, including Dan Swanson, argued that states have authority to regulate aspects of the payment system and cited the Illinois litigation and federal court rulings as support for state action.
Opposing testimony came from credit unions, banks, payment industry representatives, and policy groups, who warned that changing interchange rules could create compliance burdens, reduce rewards, raise account fees, and shift costs elsewhere. Witnesses such as Alex Vereen, Brad Popolado, Keely McEwen, David Montero, Hunter Hamburlin, and Luke Bondar emphasized fraud prevention, network security, consumer protections, and the need for a stable, uniform payment system. Some suggested alternatives such as vendor compensation, surcharging, instant payments, or QR pay code standards, while others argued that sales tax and tip amounts cannot easily be separated within current card-network architecture. The chairs said the commission is still exploring options, discussed possible state-level solutions, and announced plans for one more public hearing before moving toward recommendations and a report. The commission then voted to adjourn.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the current state of the law. Mr.
- Born and raised here, I love this state.
- Born and raised here, I love this state.
- I agree with everything my colleague just stated.
- The burden always remains on me as a criminal prosecutor in this state and in every other state.
Committee:
House Public Safety
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs Apr 1st, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- These are just state boards. These are just state boards and commissions. I'm so sorry.
- But this one is state board. His last year did. But this one is state board. His two years ago did.
- Not unless it's a state, a state entity. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- The bill says state agencies, government state agencies.
- A state board, commission, agency.
Committee:
House House and Governmental Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on public access, transparency, and campaign finance. HB 648, as amended, would allow early childhood providers and parents of children under five to participate virtually in certain boards and commissions when in-person attendance is not feasible; supporters said it would help short-staffed providers and busy parents, while an opponent argued participation is different from observation. The bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 615 would require certain public bodies with taxing, rulemaking, or fee-setting authority to broadcast meetings live and keep an online archive; supporters emphasized low-cost technology and broader access, while local government representatives warned of unfunded mandates, confusion over which bodies are covered, and concerns about archiving and platform dependence. The committee adopted amendments clarifying the recording/broadcast language and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 627, a similar live-streaming bill by Rep. Knox, was voluntarily deferred in favor of HB 615.
The committee also considered HB 996, which would allow campaign funds to be used for clothing required for holding office and related cleaning/maintenance. The author said the bill was meant to offset required professional attire costs for legislators with modest salaries, but members raised concerns about public perception, possible abuse, and whether a cap should be added. The bill was voluntarily deferred so the author could work with members on a cap and narrower language. HB 540, dealing with disclosures for certain digital political communications and influencer-style campaign advertising, was discussed as a way to require disclosure when third parties are paid from campaign funds to promote or attack candidates online; members sought clarification that it would apply to paid campaign content rather than ordinary self-posted material. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee took up HB 270, which would allow qualified incarcerated voters who have not been convicted of a felony to vote absentee by mail if they are first-time mail registrants and cannot vote in person. The author said the bill was intended to resolve a conflict between existing voting statutes and preserve already-existing voting rights for pretrial detainees and others not convicted of felonies. Supporters said incarcerated voters are highly verifiable and the bill would reduce confusion, while opponents raised concerns about administration. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to involuntarily defer the bill by a recorded vote.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Eight - Thursday, February 26
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- State Representative from Pagedale. And first State Representative from Pagedale. Excuse me.
- The members will state their point of order. The members will state their point of order.
- state that's in this compact.
- And I think about this state as well, and how this state distributes its resources.
- That this state needs to do. We have a balanced budget amendment on our state.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 132-0 vote. Members then used personal privilege remarks to recognize Black History Month, honor several Black colleagues and public servants, observe a moment of silence for the late Dr. Steven Leon, and deliver a lengthy tribute to the late Freeman Bosley Sr. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests and school groups, including congressional and local officials, mental health advocates, FFA students, championship volleyball players, elementary and junior high students, and other district visitors.
The House then took up several bills on third reading. The most contentious debate was over House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1663, 1607, and 1973, which removed a sunset from Missouri’s restrictions on transgender athletes in school sports. Supporters framed it as protecting fairness and women’s sports; opponents argued it targeted a very small number of students, was discriminatory, and distracted from more pressing issues. After extended debate, the measure passed 98-37. The House also passed House Bill 2682, a school-related First Amendment bill, after debate over whether it would protect hateful student speech; it passed 99-47.
Lawmakers next passed House Bill 2274, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, to make it easier for teachers to transfer credentials across states, especially for military families, by a vote of 133-13. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, dealing with sales tax on durable medical goods and certain auction items, passed 98-36 after criticism that it was too broad and would benefit high-end auction sales. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill that also allows localities to enforce a tobacco age of 21, passed 93-43 amid debate over local control and youth tobacco access. House Bill 2145, allowing businesses on two-lane highways to place signs across the road, passed overwhelmingly 142-2.
Finally, the House passed House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution 169, which would limit state and local spending growth to prior-year levels plus inflation and population growth, with emergency exceptions. Supporters called it a way to restrain government spending and align with the Hancock Amendment; opponents raised concerns about how it could interact with future tax policy, including the proposed income tax elimination plan. The resolution was discussed at length but ultimately advanced by vote.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- it's now my salary and it's no longer state dollars.
- That's your own money, but not with extra state dollars.
- Because I don't believe that the state gives city law enforcement, Because I don't believe that the state
- It's very clearly provided for in state statute.
- You look at these kinds of laws in other states.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from February 17 and introduced a new page. It then took up Senate Bill 1261, which would add the word “appointed” to code so that an appointed officeholder is treated the same as an elected one after a resignation and appointment. There was no opposition, and the committee voted to send SB 1261 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
The main item was House Bill 745, a proposal by Rep. Judy Boyle to bar school districts from using public funds or payroll systems for certain union-related activities. Boyle said the bill would stop districts from paying union dues, increasing compensation to cover dues, providing paid leave for union work, sharing extra personal information with unions, or distributing union communications, while exempting police and firefighter unions and preserving collective bargaining. Committee members pressed her on why teachers were singled out, how the bill fit with existing law, and whether the claimed $1.2 million fiscal impact was consistent with the fiscal note. Boyle said the bill was aimed at keeping taxpayer money in classrooms and that some districts already use public funds for union-related costs.
Public testimony on HB 745 was split. Supporters, including representatives of the Freedom Foundation, Americans for Prosperity, the National Right to Work Committee, parents, taxpayers, and several teachers or school employees, argued that payroll deductions, paid release time, and district support for union activities improperly subsidize private political organizations and should be paid for by unions themselves. Opponents, including the Idaho Education Association, the AFL-CIO, a superintendent, and an educator, argued the bill is aimed at teachers’ unions, is not neutral because it excludes police and fire, could interfere with local community events and school partnerships, and may create legal and administrative problems. No final vote on HB 745 was taken in the portion provided; testimony continued with the bill still under consideration.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And it is alumni day here in the state Senate.
- Welcome back, state senator, former state senator Kevin Rader, back to the chamber.
- And when I ran for State Senate in 2023, when I filed for State Senate in 2023, the first person who
- Thank you for your energy and your passion.
- No election in the United States, not presidential, congressional, state legislative, or municipal election
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2975, state land solar score mass. Natural resources.
- HB 2267, public nuisance renewable energy exemptions.
- HB 2268, state trust lands subleases approval.
- HB 2351, State Land Commissioner initiated sales.
- Arizona is a small business state.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a series of personal privilege introductions recognizing guests including the Doctor of the Day, realtors visiting for Realtor Day, and the family of former Senator Barbara Leff. The chamber also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 264 honoring Barbara Leff, followed by a moment of silence in her memory. The Senate then moved through a large number of bill introductions and first readings, as well as Committee of the Whole consideration of several measures.
In Committee of the Whole, senators considered and advanced multiple bills, often with technical or negotiated floor amendments. Among those reported out as do pass or do pass as amended were SB 1494, SB 1497, SB 1503, SB 1535, SB 1544, SB 1580, SB 1582, SB 1584, SB 1585, SB 1602, SB 1632, SB 1723, and SB 1798. The amendments addressed topics such as technical corrections to mining and pension language, classical learning tests, sex trafficking record sealing, probation reporting, school safety funding, kinship foster care stipends, DES credentialing, domestic violence release conditions, and a school safety/threat identification pilot program that was revised into a FAFSA awareness recognition program. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted.
The Senate then took up third-reading votes on several bills. HB 4115, SB 1012, SB 1213, SB 1416, SB 1474, SB 1511, SB 1549, SB 1573, SB 1634, SB 1647, SB 1649, SB 1664, and SB 1725 were considered, with most passing on party-line or near-party-line votes; SB 1416 and SB 1664 passed unanimously, while SB 1549 passed with broader support. Several members explained votes on immigration enforcement, concealed carry in establishments serving alcohol, commercial driver licensing, campaign finance, and a digital asset reserve fund. HB 2993, dealing with DPS legal representation funding, passed 16-13 after debate over constitutional concerns, funding sources, and the use of the Attorney General’s consumer fraud fund. The session ended with the Senate adopting the Committee of the Whole report and transmitting the passed bills to the House.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And it is alumni day here in the state Senate.
- And when I ran for State Senate in 2023, when I filed for State Senate in 2023, the first person who
- He's traveled the entire state for that issue.
- Thank you for your energy and your passion.
- No election in the United States, not presidential, congressional, state legislature, or municipal election
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including a resolution honoring the late Bob Graham and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber also adopted a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day in Florida. Later, the Senate adopted a memorial-style recognition of the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on health care coverage, veterinary licensure, and affordable housing.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/SB 1758, a public assistance/Medicaid and SNAP reform bill. The sponsor described five major changes: stronger anti-fraud authority, a Medicaid work requirement for able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services through a waiver, pharmacy program changes to reduce costs, and a SNAP fraud-reduction plan with photo ID and work requirements. Democrats offered amendments to condition the work requirement on Medicaid expansion and to add protections for SNAP photo ID use by caregivers, seniors, disabled people, and domestic violence survivors; both amendments failed. Senators then questioned implementation details, exemptions, and eligibility impacts. The bill was placed on the calendar for third reading. The Senate also passed CS/HB 7031 on taxation, substituting it for the Senate bill and adopting a technical amendment, by a vote of 34-0.
The chamber passed a series of other bills, generally after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. These included a computer science education bill adding digital literacy and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry bill and related public records exemption, a bill designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official flagship, a local government electronic payments bill, a legal tender bill repealing a sunset on gold and silver recognition, public records exemptions for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a stablecoin pilot program, local government spending transparency requirements, a digital voyeurism bill expanding privacy protections to private fenced yards, an insurance licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework, and a medical freedom bill addressing vaccine information, conscience exemptions, ivermectin access, and the mRNA mandate sunset. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with recorded votes ranging from 31-3 to 34-0.