Transcript Highlights:

• We just have a lot of business to take care of.
• We would be directed to work with This bill is fully implementable by the Office of Equity.
• We would be directed to work with interested parties, including the community-focused commissions, to
• From a government standpoint, this is careful, restrained lawmaking.
• We support the direct approach, addressing problematic and illegal and unquestionable behavior in all

Bills: HB1759 , HB2632 , HB2574 , HB2235 , SGA9267

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: designation, commemoration, December 12, local observance, cultural significance, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, election, ballot, candidates, deceased, voting law, public records, concealed pistol licenses, firearm purchases, transfers, exemptions

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we have got to be more careful about exposing the taxpayers of Washington to these ongoing and
• As a reminder to the body, please direct your remarks to the Speaker, not to the body.
• It used to be that they were very careful in the prisons to make sure that this kind of stuff didn't
• And his direct words were, come on, Waters, do we really got to do this? Come on, man. You know.
• I don't care, Mr. Speaker, who this affects. If it is not safe for all, then I am a no.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, and then moved to second reading of House Bill 1604, a bill addressing standards for strip searches in local jails and related correctional procedures. The bill was described by supporters as implementing and clarifying existing federal law and providing local jails with clearer rules, while opponents argued it would create liability, staffing, bargaining, and operational problems, and would force female correctional officers to perform searches they objected to on privacy, consent, or religious grounds. Members debated a series of amendments, most of which were rejected. Amendment 1470, changing the implementation date from 2025 to 2026, was adopted. Amendment 1492, which would have added intent language and liability protections, failed. Amendment 1494, requiring same-sex staff for invasive searches with a medical exception, failed. Amendment 1493, creating a religious accommodation process for staff, failed. Amendment 1491, focused on consent and boundaries for female officers, failed on a recorded vote of 37 yeas and 50 nays. Amendments 1495, 1496, and 1497, which would have expanded exigent circumstances, limited repeated gender-identity changes, or allowed temporary restraint when no appropriate search staff were available, also failed. A striking amendment to replace the bill entirely was likewise rejected. On final passage, supporters said the bill would help local officials comply with federal and state requirements while protecting dignity and safety for incarcerated people. Opponents repeated concerns that the bill would be difficult to administer and would burden or endanger staff, especially women officers. The House then passed engrossed House Bill 1604 by a vote of 56 yeas to 39 nays, with three excused, and adjourned floor action for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other formularies, like ones that HHS does for managed care, are carved out from the statutes from 541A's
• ><00:10:03.360><c> it</c><00:10:03.600><c> also</c><00:10:04.000><c> doesn't</c><00:10:04.399><c> direct
• </c> rulemaking, but it also doesn't direct rulemaking, but it also doesn't direct the<00:10:05.200><
• HHS does formularies like um ones that HHS does for<00:10:34.320><c> managed</c><00:10:34.720><c> care
• those</c><00:10:35.600><c> are</c><00:10:35.920><c> carved</c><00:10:36.240><c> out</c> for managed care

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and adopted the consent calendar without objection. It then postponed the Board of Licensed Dieticians item until next month after granting a waiver, and also postponed the Board of Accountancy item to next month so the agency could respond. The Board of Registry and Optometry received conditional approval. Staff noted the board had addressed editorial comments, but flagged one substantive issue involving the drug formulary and whether it should be exempt from rulemaking requirements; the committee agreed to add that as a legislative suggestion for later review. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources interim rule drew more discussion, focused on a provision regulating kindling size for Category 3 fires. Staff and committee members questioned whether the agency had authority over Category 3 fires under the statute, but agency representatives said the interim rules were needed because the prior rules had expired and forest rangers lacked enforcement authority while final rulemaking was pending. The committee ultimately granted conditional approval to interim rule 25-4, with one member voting against it over concerns about consistency with the law. The Board of Examiners’ Dental 304 rules were presented next. The agency explained that it had revised the rules to address prior committee concerns about anesthesia and sedation for children, including creating a pathway for oral surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists to obtain exemptions for under-13 patients, setting a 20-patient-every-two-years threshold for certain permits, adding pediatric minimal sedation permitting, and loosening moderate sedation rules for pediatric dentists. Members also discussed whether the rules were compatible with House Bill 470, and staff said they appeared compatible and would not require additional rulemaking. The committee then approved the dental rules, and after that it adjourned after announcing it would cancel the continued meeting and take up remaining business next month.

Transcript Highlights:

• These hidden costs reduce our ability to invest in patient care.
• urge the committee to support HB 1231 to ensure fair and transparent payment practices for health care
• These are clear indicators that we're moving in the right direction.
• These are clear indicators that we're moving in the right direction.
• I do, because all I care about are the citizens of Florida paying those high premiums.

Summary: The committee met to hear five banking and insurance-related bills. HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill to help more efficiently regulate financial institutions, was amended to match Senate companion language and then passed unanimously. HB 1231 would extend physician payment and prior-authorization protections similar to a prior dental law, including limits on virtual credit card payments as the sole payment method; physicians and medical groups supported it as a way to reduce fees and retroactive denials, while insurers were not heard in opposition, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 999, which would make gold and silver legal tender and allow transactions in bullion through electronic debit mechanisms. The sponsor and several proponents framed it as an inflation hedge and economic freedom measure, while questions focused on definitions, transaction costs, and vendor participation. The bill passed on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no. The committee also approved HM 4363, a memorial urging Congress to establish a sovereign wealth fund; the sponsor described it as a way to steward national wealth, and the memorial passed with one dissenting vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1551, which would create a prevailing-party attorney fee framework in insurance contract disputes. The sponsor argued it would restore balance, deter meritless litigation, and help consumers with valid claims recover fees, while insurers, business groups, and defense attorneys warned it would revive one-way fee shifting, increase litigation, and raise premiums. Consumer advocates and some members supported it as necessary to give policyholders meaningful recourse. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with one member voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> directing what happens in my household. directing what happens in my household.
• </c><01:50:22.960><c> of</c> or the capacity to even take care of or the capacity to even take care of
• </c> direct the education for their children. direct the education for their children.
• And yet, and accessible health care.
• </c> team to move together in that direction. team to move together in that direction.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm careful. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning. Chairman Moriak. I'm curious.
• So we're missing the boat by not taking care of our own people.
• just bringing this account into conformity with standard fund language regarding investments and directions
• And let me start out by going another direction.
• And let me start out by going another direction.

Bills: HB316 , HB549 , HB646 , HB752 , HB824 , HB873 , HB1129 , HB1157 , HB1170

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: literacy, adolescent, teacher education, high-dosage tutoring, reading intervention, workforce development, training programs, Bayou Growth Opportunity, funding, employment, skills gap, qualified employer, credential recognition, government growth limit, recurring revenue, state finance, Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund, fiscal responsibility, legislative sessions, regular sessions

Transcript Highlights:

• People care about you, and you deserve to be healthy, happy, and whole. Thank you.
• People care<00:27:27.720><c> about</c><00:27:28.080><c> you,</c><00:27:28.440><c> and</c><00:27:28.679
• ><c> you</c><00:27:28.840><c> deserve</c><00:27:29.400><c> to</c><00:27:29.560><c> be</c> care about
• you, and you deserve to be care about you, and you deserve to be healthy,<00:27:30.720><c> happy,</c>
• of our educators with extreme the care of our educators with extreme gratitude. gratitude. gratitude

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And if a brush hog goes through or some type of maintainer would go through there to take care of that
• , that would be incredibly expensive to always be... ...going through there to take care of that.
• We're going to take care of that fiscal note because I think the way that it's written, there is some
• It does increase their cost because that was the direct line.
• And it could work both directions against the landowner, against the condemnation authority.

Committee: House Special Committee on Rural Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand you wanting to take care of the people you serve, but also I would like that option, and
• Careful on the time limit with me. Well, good afternoon, everyone. My name is Cole, R. R.
• One direction or the other. Right. I definitely misspoke over on that part.
• But I will say, you know, looking back, we did not give the counties any direction.
• Where do we take one direction or the other, I guess? And this comes back to that, you know.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 2651, a broad property tax reform bill sponsored by Representative Burns. Burns said the bill is intended to close perceived loopholes in the Hancock Amendment, including moving tax-related elections to November, eliminating the new-construction exclusion, allowing multiple subclass rates, and preventing counties from opting out of multiple levies. Supporters argued the bill would better protect homeowners from large tax increases, while opponents and several members raised concerns about the loss of local control, the impact on growing communities, and whether the proposal was revenue neutral. No vote was taken; the bill remained in public testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 2944, which would change Missouri’s senior homestead property tax relief so eligible seniors would only have to apply once instead of annually. Representative Billington said the current yearly paperwork burdens older residents on fixed incomes and can contribute to them losing their homes. Some members supported simplifying the process, but others and the Missouri Association of Counties opposed the bill as written, arguing annual recertification helps ensure only eligible taxpayers receive the credit and that counties need a way to verify continued eligibility. Questions also focused on how to handle deaths, moves, and possible recapture of improperly granted credits. No action was taken. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1786/2060, a joint short-term rental property tax classification proposal from Representatives Brown and Vernetti. The sponsors argued that single-family homes used as short-term rentals should remain classified as residential, not commercial, and said some assessors have reclassified them in a way that sharply raises taxes. They cited case law and IRS treatment to support their position and said the bill would protect homeowners and local tourism economies. The Missouri Hotel Lodging Association opposed the measure, saying short-term rentals used as a business should be taxed accordingly, while the Missouri Realtors supported it. Testimony highlighted concerns about local control, the effect on housing availability, and whether short-term rentals should be treated differently based on frequency of use. No vote was taken on this bill either.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the report of how we directed the funds obviously was, as Superintendent Kinzie just stated,
• Take care of the situation here.
• At the risk of this going a different direction than I...
• We got a platform called and took care of that.
• It's clean and we take care of it, but it's pride that I don't mind wearing a bunch.

Summary: The meeting focused on school safety funding and security practices in Oklahoma schools, especially how districts have used school resource officer (SRO) allocation money and related security grants. Kevin Rey of the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Office of School Safety and Security explained that the program, created under HB 2903, allows districts to use funds for SROs and physical security improvements such as cameras, access control, fencing, window film, bollards, metal detectors, and vape detectors. He said more than 170 districts used the money to hire SROs in 2024-25, and that the 2024 change allowing retired officers and armed security guards to qualify was a major help. Members questioned whether the money should also support prevention and mental health services, and Rey said the current program is mainly for security hardware and related measures. Mark Stout, chief of police for Putnam City Schools, described the district’s layered security approach, including weapon detection at middle and high schools and the ZeroEyes AI camera system, which monitors existing cameras for visible guns and sends alerts to trained monitoring staff and then to district police. He said the system is used as one layer among others, alongside officers, weapon detection, and school procedures, and noted the district is expanding coverage at athletic facilities. He also explained that the system is more economical than full weapon-detection setups, with annual costs based on the number of cameras. Tecumseh Superintendent Kinsey, Chief Kennedy, and Pottawatomie County law enforcement described the October threat investigation involving a student who posted a photo with a handgun and knife and discussed violence online. They said the FBI tip, rapid coordination among agencies, and an SRO already embedded in the district helped lead to a search warrant and arrest within hours, preventing a possible attack. Kinsey also described the district’s safety measures, including secure entrances, cameras, ALICE training, crisis communication planning, mental health support, clear backpacks, and a new staff alert system. He said community feedback after the incident favored more law enforcement partnership, limited entry points, handheld metal detectors, more SROs, stronger training, and more mental health support. Matt Riggs, former superintendent of McComb, said smaller districts face different security challenges because of limited local law enforcement and long response times. He explained that McComb used its funding for facility upgrades rather than hiring a full-time SRO because the district wanted improvements that would last beyond the three-year funding window. Throughout the discussion, several members emphasized the tension between visible security measures and prevention, with repeated calls for more counselors, mental health supports, and threat-assessment efforts alongside hardening measures. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It talks about how you need to be careful with what you're putting on social media, the permanency of
• It talks about how you need to be careful with what you're putting on social media, the permanency.
• It was an opportunity for child care, and it was like a little mini convention.
• Direction for parents. But we live in a different world, and we have to acknowledge that.
• But you know, I like to say that, you know, be careful how we treat our kids because they choose your

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to review Florida’s cell phone and social media literacy law, with Representative Brad Yeager describing the 2023 policy as aimed at removing classroom distractions and teaching students how to use social media responsibly. He said the law was intended to keep phones out of classrooms unless used for instruction, require social media literacy education, and limit access to certain sites on school Wi-Fi and government devices. Yeager said feedback since passage has been mixed: many teachers support it and some have adopted inexpensive shoe-organizer or pouch systems, but implementation varies by school and administrator enforcement. He said he is not currently pursuing a broader statewide mandate. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez and Timber Creek High School Principal Mr. Wasco described Orange County’s approach as bell-to-bell phone restrictions, while Pasco County’s Dr. Zetchy described a similar policy with some flexibility during lunch or passing periods at the high school level. Both districts said the policy was implemented with parent communication, town halls, surveys, and transition periods, and that concerns about emergencies were addressed by allowing phones to be returned at the end of the day and by establishing procedures for parent contact. They reported few theft problems and said discipline issues related to phones have generally been manageable, though some teachers still struggle with enforcement or with students trying to evade the rules. A major portion of the discussion focused on social media literacy instruction. Orange County said it uses counselor-led programs, Canvas courses, resiliency days, and curriculum materials to teach students about cyberbullying, human trafficking, privacy, and the permanence of online posts, with progress tracked through the learning platform. Pasco said it has some resiliency modules but lacks a fully built-out, pre-made social media curriculum and would welcome more guidance from DOE, especially for high school classrooms where instructional time is limited. Members also asked about student anxiety, 504/IEP accommodations, caregiver students, and parent education; the districts said exceptions are handled through school committees and that parent academies and district resources are being used to help families set boundaries and understand the risks and benefits of phones and social media. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at the same time, we can have those disagreements in this room and personally care about and care
• </c> care about and care for one another. care about and care for one another.
• </c> We are objectively less safe as a direct We are objectively less safe as a direct result<00:53:57.599
• </c> to take care of this core function. to take care of this core function.
• </c> Let's get this done, but let's take care Let's get this done, but let's take care of<01:28:29.280

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Three continuums of care.
• It's child care policy.
• This is a health care matter.
• And, you know, it's a health care matter, and health care is messy. So, yeah.
• And so CCBHC really helps to take care of crisis.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of talk about congregate care, the number of children who are placed in congregate care
• In DCS for children in foster care.
• So the next piece we really look at is reducing time in care and time... ...care.
• And then how many children entered care to—how many, excuse me, how many children exited care to permanency
• How do you measure congregate care?

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so instead of accusing the other side of not caring about an issue that we, you know, we deeply care
• We're going after the direct motans.
• </c> accusing the other side of not caring accusing the other side of not caring about<01:43:11.360><
• We're going after the direct<01:44:14.719><c> motans.
• We heard the author say direct motans.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our residents are feeling the immense pinch of high costs in child care, health care, housing, electricity
• , energy, health care.
• , energy, health care.
• care seats across the state.
• Take care of your health. Thank you. Take care of your health. God bless.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness. A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law. Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right would take care of that problem.
• </c> it that it it it takes care of that. it that it it it takes care of that.
• </c> that that we have to be careful of here. that that we have to be careful of here.
• </c> it to you just so you know the direction it to you just so you know the direction that<00:43:09.520
• Um, that in fact, because direction.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the continuity of care that happens, and that's what we hear, or what I've heard about from the
• It's the continuity of care that happens, and that's what we hear, or what I've heard about from the
• It's the continuity of care that happens, and that's what we hear, or what I've heard about from the
• It's the continuity of care that happens, and that's what we hear, or what I've heard about from the
• </c><01:31:34.280><c> reports</c> species that I have some direct reports species that I have some direct

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an unprecedented level of violence directed towards our law enforcement, and the tragic loss
• towards our law enforcement and directed towards our law enforcement and the<00:37:08.400><c> tragic
• I really appreciate the direction that the NPPA came up with for adding Corrections, and uh, we will
• A substantial amount of that increase was directed to non-agency spending.
• A substantial amount of that increase was directed to non-agency spending.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• little out of order because we have two bills that I think are going to be very quick that we'll take care
• That we'll take care of, and then we'll turn it over to Chairman Bacala on capital outlay.
• So we have state general fund direct.
• Because what we do is every year we put cash, state, federal fund direct, into the bill, sometimes millions
• go out within HB 2 and reallocate that old money that’s just sitting there—the state general fund, direct

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 19, 2026, established a quorum, approved the May 11 minutes, and then took up several House bills. House Bill 1039, presented by Rep. DeSotel, would add taxpayer protections in local sales tax audits by requiring clear notice that waiving prescription is voluntary, requiring a written request identifying records sought before an estimated assessment, and allowing mutual agreements to suspend interest and penalties during an audit. The committee had no opposition and reported the bill favorably. House Bill 799, handled by the State Fire Marshal’s office, would move boiler inspections into the Fire Marshal’s office and allow licensed industry inspectors to perform them, with the stated goal of improving efficiency because current staffing only covers about 20% of inspections; it was also reported favorably without objection. The committee then spent most of the meeting on House Bill 2, the capital outlay bill, with Chairman Bacala explaining that the House had worked with the Division of Administration and Facility Planning and Control to find about $50 million in savings through cash-flow adjustments, under-budget bids, over-appropriations, and bundled-project savings. He argued the bill has grown beyond a true five-year plan and that some prior funding is not transparent because money placed in projects in earlier years no longer appears in later versions of the bill. Division officials said the savings would help address deferred maintenance, especially in higher education, and that Priority 2 projects are used to absorb additional funds if more savings are found later in the year. Senator Luneau asked about dormant projects and the process for removing or reallocating funds from projects with no recent expenditures; officials said such removals must go through the Bond Commission and that they are considering ways to improve the process. Bacala then offered amendments to HB 2, saying they kept Priority 1 fully funded, added about $54 million in Priority 2 projects, and included a large Priority 5 list of member requests. The committee adopted the amendment set without objection and then reported HB 2 as amended favorably. The committee also reported House Bill 3 favorably; Bacala described it as a housekeeping measure that provides bonding capacity to move HB 2 forward. Finally, the committee granted staff authority to make technical changes to the reported bills and adjourned on Senator Lambert’s motion.