Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I do want to be clear, we didn't do a voice vote, so I wanted to explain.
• I'm also a little bit on the fence, but I also voted yes for those reasons. Good.
• So, are you voting against the motion? Yeah. Mr. Chairman, procedure.
• It, and so we will go to again a roll call vote on reconsideration of our previous vote.
• I don't know what I'm voting about. It's to amend. Yeah, to amend that, to strike that. Okay.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will vote whenever we get a quorum; we'll call roll and vote when we get a quorum.
• By the window, we will vote on the nominees that we've had before us as soon as we get a quorum.
• Okay, we will have two votes today.
• The community and the voters don’t have a vote on you—you are appointed.
• I have a vote, we have a vote, and many times, you are that lifeline between... us and our constituents

Committee: Senate Nominations

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope you vote on this bill.
• And so with all that said, I will be a yes vote today.
• By your vote, CS for HB 127 is reported favorably. Congratulations.
• By your vote, HB 989 is reported favorably. Congratulations.
• By your vote, HB 633 is reported favorably. Congratulations.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard six bills, all of which were reported favorably. HB 1567, relating to insulin administration by direct support professionals, was amended to clarify the type of insulin that may be administered and to allow supervision of self-administration of an insulin pen. Supporters described the bill as a way to keep people with developmental disabilities in group homes rather than forcing institutional placement; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously, 17-0. PCS for HB 1103, on services for persons with disabilities, would expand the APD managed care pilot statewide in phases, require more transparency on waitlist data, create a statewide family care council, and address transition services for young adults leaving foster care. Testimony was mixed: supporters emphasized the long APD waitlist and the need for a voluntary option, while some witnesses and members raised concerns about the accelerated rollout, limited data, and preserving consumer-directed care. The committee adopted the bill 17-0. CS for HB 127, on exceptional student education, would create micro-credentials and coordinate with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA to support students with disabilities transitioning to work; it passed 17-0 after testimony from a parent and advocates. HB 989, concerning licensure of family foster homes, was amended to streamline license transfers for foster parents moving within Florida while maintaining oversight and directing DCF rulemaking. A teacher and other supporters said the bill would reduce bureaucracy and help children remain in stable homes; it passed 17-0. PCS for HB 1091, on substance abuse and mental health care, updates processes related to the 988 crisis line, methadone treatment needs assessments, and forensic evaluators, and adds data/reporting requirements for DCF managing entities. After one amendment and testimony from supporters and one opponent, it passed 16-0. Finally, HB 633, on behavioral health managing entities, was amended and then approved 17-0; it requires more structured data and reporting from managing entities to increase accountability and transparency in the behavioral health system.

Transcript Highlights:

• HSCR No. 1278: Representative Pierick, no vote, so ordered.
• Standing Committee Report No. 1279: Representative Pierick, no vote, so ordered.
• Standing Committee Report No. 1280: Representative Pierick, no vote, so ordered.
• Representative Morikawa, no vote, so ordered. Representative Garcia, no vote, so ordered.
• Standing Committee Report No. 1284: Members, we will be taking a voice vote.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I vote for both. Thank you.
• , a close vote, or no vote at all, right?
• So I would love to vote for this bill as is.
• Before I vote, Senator Boone, did we record your vote accurately? I think you were a yes.
• Vote no on the bill. All right, that's fine. We'll show you as voting no on the bill.

Bills: SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Flanagan voted no. Representative Prout voted yes. Representative Warden voted no.
• Representative Drago voted yes. Representative Granger voted yes. Representative Hall voted yes.
• Representative Murphy voted yes. Representative Sullivan voted yes.
• Representative Soucy voted yes. Representative MacKenzie voted yes.
• Representative Schultz voted yes. Representative Lovett voted yes. Chairman Kraton voted yes.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate voted this bill out 20 to 8 on April 13th, and we'd like the House's support as well.
• The Senate voted this bill out 20 to 8 on April 13th, and we'd like the House's support as well.
• I move that Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
• By your vote of 12 yeas and 0 nays, we have a unanimous decision.
• By your vote of 12 to 0, you have voted Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863 do pass.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate voted this bill out 20 to 8 on April 13th, and we'd like the House's support as well.
• I move that Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863 be voted do pass.
• I move that Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
• By your vote of 12 yeas and zero nays, we have a unanimous decision.
• By your vote of 12 to 0, you have voted Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863 do pass.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The Committee on Corrections and Public Institutions held a public hearing and executive session on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863. Senator Jason Bean presented the bill, which would create an Interscholastic Athletic Oversight Commission appointed by the Governor to hear certain appeals involving MSHSAA decisions, limited to eligibility matters such as athletic-transfer eligibility and contest procedures. He said the commission would provide an independent appeal avenue for parents, students, coaches, and school districts, could recommend rule changes, and would submit an annual report to legislative committees. Bean noted the bill had been worked on with MSHSAA and stakeholders and had passed the Senate 20-8. Jim Foley of the School Administrators' Council testified in support, saying the group had worked through contentious issues and supported the bill because it focuses on appeals rather than operational control. No witnesses testified in opposition or for information only, and no committee questions were raised after the sponsor's presentation. The committee then moved the bill do pass. The roll call vote was unanimous, 12 yeas and 0 nays, and Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863 was reported do pass. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that House Bill 1906 be voted do pass and consent. Mr.
• I move that House Bill 1906 be voted do pass and consent.
• Well, you got my vote. Thank you. Further discussion.
• Please call the vote. Please call the vote. Chair Pouche? Aye. Vice Chair Hovis? Aye.
• You'll vote House Bill 1906 do pass and consent.

Committee: House Consent and Procedure

Summary: The Committee on Consent and House Procedure met with eight members present, establishing a quorum, and then moved into executive session. The committee considered House Bill 1906, described by the sponsor, Representative Peggy McGaugh, as a simple change to allow township counties to accept property tax payments in installments like other counties, rather than only in a lump sum. She explained that the bill removes three words from the statute so township counties can offer quarterly or semiannual payment options, with taxes still collected through the county collector’s office. Members asked about how township counties currently handle collections and whether the change would create extra work or training. The sponsor and other members indicated that county collectors already process payments in their offices and that modern computer systems make the change easy to administer. Representative Reed asked specifically about workload and training, and the response was that the impact would be minimal. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to report House Bill 1906 do pass and consent. The motion passed unanimously by a vote of 8-0, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I will vote um allowed to do it.
• </c> vote for the inexpedient to legislate. vote for the inexpedient to legislate.
• </c><03:27:36.000><c> Representative</c> The clerk votes yes. Representative The clerk votes yes.
• Our recommendation Vote 14 to zero.
• </c> Clerk votes yes. Representative Hill? Clerk votes yes. Representative Hill?

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process. On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently. The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• He voted for it.
• I don't remember the vote when we had it. I know it passed. I don't remember what the vote was.
• What was the vote on that one? I'm just curious. Can anybody tell me what the vote was on that one?
• He's wanting to know the vote. He's wanting to know the vote. Right, committee. Okay.
• Just a reminder: a vote yes means you wish to report the bill by substitute, and a vote no means you

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeals process by allowing additional medical evidence submitted in court to be sent back to the medical director for review and a new opinion. The Attorney General’s office explained the bill, noting a 30-day deadline for the medical director to act before the case returns to court. The bill drew support from injured workers and several business and labor groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments and then reported the bill favorably without objection. House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage starting at $12 in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation, prompted extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, and the AFL-CIO, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind living costs, that many workers remain in poverty despite working, and that higher wages would help families and local economies. Opponents, including NFIB and several members, argued that the market is already setting wages above the federal minimum in many jobs, that a mandate would raise costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or jobs, and hurt small businesses. After discussion, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported Senate Bill 383 favorably with amendments. That bill expands the incumbent worker training program by increasing funding flexibility, shortening the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allowing unobligated funds to roll over. Members and the Louisiana Works secretary discussed workforce training, outreach, and how to connect workers to existing training programs and high-demand jobs. The committee also reported Senate Bill 382 favorably, which repeals the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and began hearing House Bill 422, the “Behind-the-Counter Safety Act,” aimed at workplace violence protections for retail and food service workers, including signage, reporting, and enhanced penalties; the sponsor explained it was intended to address attacks on frontline workers and to give businesses a tool to warn against violence.

Transcript Highlights:

• A vote favorable report with substitute.
• </c> report by vote of 15 eyes and zero NAS. report by vote of 15 eyes and zero NAS.
• House Bill 166 receives a favorable report by a vote of 10 yeas and zero nays.
• House Bill 487 receives a favorable report by a vote of 10 yeas and zero nays.
• </c> vote of three eyes and zero nazs. vote of three eyes and zero nazs.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then approved the prior journal and allowed bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber received multiple committee reports, including favorable reports on several finance and taxation bills, confirmations, local bills, and a series of resolutions. The Senate also confirmed several appointments to higher education and university boards, including Nicholas J. Balden, Jennifer Wit, Ronnie Stalworth, and Rex Reynolds, using long or previous roll calls as applicable. The Senate adopted a special order calendar that set up floor consideration of several bills, including measures on physician assistants, seafood/aquaculture, motor vehicles, campaign practices, property insurance and energy reduction, child custody, and school bus drivers. During debate on the special order calendar, Senator Smitherman raised concern that no bills on the calendar were sponsored by minority members, noting a prior understanding that minority-sponsored bills should be represented; Senator Wagner responded that the calendar was prepared based on legislation rather than sponsor party, and the exchange ended with an agreement to continue moving forward. The Senate then adopted the special order calendar and began taking up the listed bills. On the special order calendar, the Senate advanced House Bill 156 on physician assistant compacts, House Bill 277 on seafood/aquaculture tastings, and House Bill 42 on motor vehicles, with supporters describing each as consumer-friendly or supportive of industry. The chamber also considered local legislation, including bills for Madison, Tallapoosa, and Shelby counties; House Bill 337 for Madison County was amended and carried over, while House Bills 490, 491, and 493 passed after roll-call votes. Throughout the meeting, the Senate also adopted several commendatory and memorial resolutions, including measures honoring individuals, recognizing organizations and events, and naming a highway, with most adopted by voice vote and no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they don't vote on that date, and they don't vote to approve it, it would automatically become a preliminary
• So, the vote would be to conditionally approve, with the understanding that the board needs to vote to
• </c> understanding that the board has to vote understanding that the board has to vote to<00:17:36.240
• ><c> date,</c><00:17:43.440><c> they</c><00:17:43.679><c> don't</c><00:17:43.919><c> vote</c> don't vote
• on that date, they don't vote don't vote on that date, they don't vote to<00:17:44.320><c> approve</

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee convened after briefly waiting for a quorum, approved the minutes and consent agenda, and then moved through several agency rule items. The Department of Transportation’s outdoor advertising rule filing was approved after staff noted the department had addressed substantive comments, though the rules had been expired since 2021 and the agency said it had been operating under statute. Members asked about a denied digital sign proposal, and DOT said that decision was based on statute rather than the rule. The Department of Safety’s administrative license suspension item was postponed with a waiver so the agency could submit conditional approval materials and resolve issues between its forms and rules. The Board of Architects item was conditionally approved, with the condition that the board later approve updated incorporation-by-reference materials at its April 3 meeting or the matter would return as a preliminary objection. The Department of Agriculture’s expired rules prompted extended discussion. Staff and committee members questioned why the department was seeking to adopt rules that had been expired for many years and whether the statutes already provided enough authority to operate without them. Agriculture officials said they were working through a broader modernization effort, focusing on statutes that use mandatory language and updating outdated rules to match current practices, federal standards, and current products such as apples, cider, eggs, and other agricultural commodities. They said the rules before the committee were part of that effort and recommended approval, but members remained concerned about whether some rules were unnecessary. The committee ultimately granted a waiver and postponed the agriculture item for one month so staff could review the underlying statutes and determine whether rulemaking is actually required. Under other business, the committee took up an emergency Department of Safety rule to update DMV forms to reflect statutory fee changes enacted in the 2025 budget. DMV officials said the new fees were already in effect, but the corresponding forms still showed old amounts, causing confusion for customers and elected officials who were fielding complaints. They argued the forms needed immediate updating because the affected forms are widely used, and they said the department had already tried to treat the changes as editorial before being told full rulemaking was required. The department emphasized it was trying to follow the process while avoiding continued use of incorrect fee forms, and asked the committee to allow the emergency rule to proceed.

Transcript Highlights:

• things coming out of Washington about, we're not going to, you know, we don't want to do mail-in voting
• We'll start with a vote to introduce LRB 6707 and LRB 6710.
• You no longer get a vote in it.
• This bill does not do that, and I will be voting now.
• So for the sportsmen and women in this state, we're voting this motion down.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Finance

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that House Bill 2370 be voted do pass. This is Representative Peters's bill.
• I vote of 13-9 and 0 knows you voted House Bill 2370 is due pass.
• By a vote of 13-9-0, House Bill 2370 is do pass. I now move that House Bill 3278 be voted do pass.
• By your vote of 15 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Bill 3278 do pass.
• By your vote of 17 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Bill 1638 do pass.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just for members' information, we will be voting after this. Thank you, Mr.
• You did vote earlier this year to cancel the 2026 release of that report.
• roll call vote on this.
• Rather than doing an oral vote, please simply raise your hand.
• In that case, I'm going to proceed with an oral vote on a document.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: At the April 8, 2026 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 7 minutes and recognized Marilyn Richter for more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that JLARC staff presented to five committees during session, six bills or budget provisos implementing prior recommendations were enacted, and seven new study assignments were received. Members approved the updated 2025–2027 biennial work plan, including the new studies and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard a presentation on a new post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures. Members then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that many drivers required to install ignition interlock devices do not do so, with installation rates rising with income, and identified problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and coordination with the State Patrol. Both agencies said they concurred with JLARC’s recommendations to clarify responsibilities, formalize coordination, and develop a plan to increase installation rates. The committee approved the final report. Next, JLARC reviewed the final report on drug takeback fee setting and expenditures. Staff concluded that the Department of Health’s fee design limits full cost recovery and that the agency should publicly report oversight costs and activities; the legislature should revise the fee structure to better align with best practices. Members discussed whether the program should remain at DOH or be housed elsewhere, and adopted committee comments emphasizing transparency and future sunset review work before approving the final report. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focusing on state-owned Tier 1 buildings and K-12 facilities in the first compliance cohort, with questions centered on compliance costs, energy savings, funding sources, fines, and possible workforce or budget impacts. The meeting ended with administrative announcements about upcoming meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just for members' information, we will be voting after this. Thank you, Mr.
• You did vote earlier this year to cancel the 2026 release of that report.
• We'll be voting on that at the end. It's going to be presented by our staff.
• The final report will be voted on at the end.
• roll call vote on this.

Summary: JLARC met on April 8, 2026, with Senator Keith Wagner chairing in person and Rep. Pallett joining remotely. The committee approved the January 7 minutes and honored Marilyn Richter, who is retiring in June after more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that the legislature adopted six bills or provisos implementing recommendations from recent JLARC reports, and that JLARC received seven new study assignments, including reviews of state oversight mechanisms for fraud, waste, and abuse and State Patrol toxicology lab delays. The committee approved the updated 2025-27 work plan, including the new assignments and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard about a new anonymous post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures, then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that 59% of drivers with ignition interlock requirements had not installed a device as of June 2025, with installation rates rising by income, and found problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and in coordination between DOL and the State Patrol. The report recommended clearer goals and responsibilities for DOL, a formal interagency agreement, and a coordinated plan to raise installation rates; both agencies concurred. Members discussed whether noncompliance reflected continued driving or people stopping driving, and agency representatives said some drivers do stop driving while others take the risk. The committee approved the final report. JLARC then reviewed the drug take-back fee setting and expenditures report. Staff said the Department of Health’s oversight costs had outpaced fee revenue because the statutory fee cap is tied to program operator spending, and recommended public reporting of oversight costs and a legislative change to allow full cost recovery. Members debated transparency, the risk of overpricing the program, and whether Ecology might be a better home for the program; the committee adopted a comment urging transparency and a future review of best practices before fee-structure changes, then approved the final report with that comment. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focused on large state-owned and K-12 buildings due to comply by June 2026. Members asked about fines, funding, workforce constraints, and how costs and energy savings would be measured; staff said the study would examine compliance costs, savings, funding sources, and variation by building characteristics. The meeting adjourned after administrative announcements about upcoming JLARC meetings and the survey reminder.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, final tally: nine votes yes, zero votes no. Representative, you have a do pass.
• Madam Chair, final tally for the due pass motion, nine votes yes, one vote no. Madam Vice Chair?
• Madam Chair, final tally for the due pass motion: nine votes yes, one vote no.
• So I'm not necessarily against this, but I'm not going to vote for it.
• Madam Chair, final tally for the due pass motion: seven votes yes, two votes no.

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote, the amendment is adopted. And we are back on the bill as amended.
• By your vote, the amendment has failed. All right.
• By your vote, the amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.
• Maybe they can't vote.
• I even voted for Rep. Baker's putting them to death after multiple criminal acts.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met to consider three bills. HB 199, relating to Veterans Court, was presented as a repeat measure aligning Veterans Court procedures with mental health and drug court laws and allowing post-adjudicatory referrals. A technical amendment was adopted, numerous witnesses waived in support, and the bill passed unanimously 17-0. The committee then took up HB 45, which would add public swimming pools and public bathing places to existing sex offender residency, work, volunteer, and visitation restrictions. The sponsor argued it would protect children and apply only to specified sex offenses. Several members and public witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s definitions were overly broad, could effectively ban registrants from much of Florida, and could increase homelessness and make offenders harder to track. An amendment narrowing the bill’s scope and definitions was adopted after debate, and the bill passed 11-5 as amended. Finally, HB 17, the Jason Rayner Act, was heard to clarify that force may not be used to resist an arrest by an officer acting in the performance of official duties, retain good-faith language, add manslaughter to offenses requiring a life sentence when reclassified, and increase the severity level for battery on a law enforcement officer. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen protections for officers; opponents argued it could sweep in accidental or less culpable conduct, while supporters said existing law already covered serious cases. A clarifying amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-0 as amended. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I respectfully asking you to please vote no on this bill.
• So just want to make that point as we as we vote on, Mr. Chair.
• I'm gonna I'm gonna vote yes today. But I want to make this better for you.
• I thought someone else passed a bill because I was voted for it.
• Any senators wishing to record on the votes. Okay.

Keywords: 999, senate, all