Transcript Highlights:

• It benefits the tech companies. It benefits business. It benefits regulators.
• Got it.
• It evolves.
• It's just, it makes it untraceable.
• Platforms are doing it. They're using it for growth. They can use it for safety, too.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't. It doesn't ban abortion at all.
• I like it. So we've defined it already in law.
• I like it. So we've defined it already in law.
• It seems pretty clear that it would cover movies.
• Madam Chair, it could be. Last point. It could very well be if it was a movie.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee heard and advanced several House bills dealing with criminal law, victims’ rights, and court fees. HB 2131 would remove the financial-gain requirement from weapons and explosives trafficking and make trafficking three or more weapons or explosives in one offense ineligible for probation, pardon, commutation, or early release until the sentence is served; it passed 6-1. HB 2132 lowered the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 100 grams and adjusted related sentencing language; supporters said it would help law enforcement and prosecutors, while opponents argued it would sweep in heavy users and lacked data on current enforcement; it passed 4-3. HB 2223 requires sex offenders seeking a name change to notify prosecutors and victims, and to register under the new name if granted; it passed 6-1. The committee also passed HB 2411, which creates the crime of coerced abortion for secretly or forcibly administering an abortion-inducing drug with intent to cause an abortion, as a class 2 felony. Supporters described cases of covert or forced abortion drug use and said existing laws do not clearly cover situations where the drug is given but no death occurs; opponents argued current assault, manslaughter, homicide, and food-contamination statutes already address the conduct and that the bill is unnecessary. HB 2043, which adds unborn children to the felony-murder statute, also passed 4-3 after testimony from prosecutors and advocates on both sides; supporters called it a cleanup measure, while opponents warned it advances fetal personhood and could have broader reproductive-health consequences. HB 2046, requiring victims to be notified of pre-hearings in probation review proceedings for certain sex offenders, passed unanimously after emotional testimony from a victim’s family and county prosecutors. The committee then approved HB 2666, which increases penalties for sexual extortion involving 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds when the offender is an adult and knew or should have known the victim’s age. Finally, HB 2265, which eliminates court-imposed fees and assessments on criminal defendants for public defense, jury trials, and appeals, passed 7-0 despite county opposition over lost revenue and shifting costs to taxpayers. The last bill, HB 2133, would require commercial websites hosting sexual material to verify the age and consent of depicted persons, retain records, and treat synthetic depictions like AI-generated images similarly to existing revenge-porn laws; it drew support from adult-industry representatives on some implementation issues but also significant constitutional and privacy concerns, and the committee adopted an amendment before passing the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And um it defines how to take it down.
• </c> as it was. as it was.
• And um it defines how to take it three.
• </c><00:23:31.679><c> shall</c> I think it was before it was shall I think it was before it was shall
• mean it it definitely goes it &gt;&gt; I I mean it it definitely goes it definitely<01:02:20.079><c>

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would.
• We've tried in the past to add it into the core budget and it doesn't make it.
• It does.
• It does.
• It doesn't mean that they would reach competency. It doesn't mean—it doesn't...

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It emboldens hate. It fuels harassment. It causes real harm. It emboldens hate.
• It encourages and normalizes it. It authorizes it. Racism has become too visible.
• Taking it down doesn't... Taking it down does not make it better.
• And when you think about it, as a generation say, clock it, when you think about it, stand on it.
• It was shameful. It was harmful. Thank you. It was clear. It was shameful. It was harmful.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on it.'
• It is not.
• So it makes it very difficult.
• us do it, so hurry up and make us do it.
• but we won't do it until you make us do it so hurry up and make us do it okay from both sides y'all

Summary: The committee first approved the January 28, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1241 for a later hearing because a witness was unavailable. It then took up Senate Bill 1144, which would create an alternative pathway for veterinary technician certification through supervised on-the-job training and board-approved skills standards. Supporters, including the Arizona Humane Society, a high school student in a veterinary program, and other advocates, said the bill would help address workforce shortages, reduce student debt, and improve access to care, especially in rural and low-income areas. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association and several veterinarians, argued the bill could weaken training standards, increase liability, and create safety risks; the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association ultimately moved to neutral after amendments added supervision and affidavit requirements. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 1144 as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee next passed Senate Bill 1247 unanimously. That bill would allow a person who does not receive care services to live with a resident in an assisted living center, and would bar the Department of Health Services from imposing requirements on that person that the resident would not face. Supporters said the bill was needed to fix a recent agency interpretation that could force spouses or other companions to separate or pay for services they do not use, and noted a possible floor amendment to extend the same treatment to assisted living homes. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1286, which would extend from 14 days to 60 days the period for veterinary prescriptions and renewals issued through telemedicine. Supporters said the change would improve access in underserved and rural areas and reflect how telemedicine is already used in human medicine, while opponents warned that longer telemedicine prescriptions could delay necessary exams and diagnostics, increase the risk of misdiagnosis, and create animal welfare and liability concerns. After testimony, the sponsor asked that the bill be held for a possible amendment next week, so no vote was taken. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1164, which would allow Medicaid claims to continue under a prior owner’s billing number during a skilled nursing or assisted living facility change of ownership until new enrollment is complete; supporters said this would prevent long reimbursement delays, while Access raised concerns about federal-law conflicts and said it needed advance notice to process ownership changes. The bill passed 6-0 with one member not voting. Finally, the committee passed Senate Bill 1181, which expands CPA licensure pathways by allowing combinations of degree and work experience and updates reciprocity and rulemaking provisions, and Senate Bill 1415, which creates a licensing path for salaried insurance adjusters with out-of-state credentials, subject to an amendment clarifying exam and employment requirements. Both bills were supported as workforce and mobility measures, and both were reported out of committee on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would cost you to do it now.
• Proposing it means you put it out there, but do it or don't do it.
• Yes, it is.
• To get clean drafts, everything it is as it should be.
• Because it says it shall not happen.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was just wondering if we needed to make it one, but it started life as... ...to make it one but it
• It has its own name. It's called load factor.
• It actually bailed Rocky Mountain Power out. It did. A lot of forethought there. It did.
• It has its great uses, but cyber threat actors are also using it.
• I've tried it. It doesn't work very well.

Committee: Joint Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• shows that, A, it was opened and, B, it was read?
• It needs no definition. It has a plain meaning. Representative Robinson.
• It is factual.
• HB 1205 sets the bar so high, it doesn't actually protect the system; it blocks so much access to it.
• to mandate it.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Walton County Deputy Will May, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for April 3, 2025 was adopted, and CS/HB 947 was recommitted to the Judiciary Committee. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, mostly reviser and technical measures, with several companion Senate bills substituted and passed: SB 36 (Florida statutes adoption act), SB 42 (general reviser’s bill), SB 40 (deleting inoperative statutory provisions), and SB 38 (renaming references from the Division of Investigative and Forensic Services to the Division of Criminal Investigations). All of those passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The House also passed HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders, requiring clerks to electronically send certain petitions, notices, summonses, and orders within six hours, including Baker Act, Marchman Act, and risk protection order documents. Members discussed whether judges needed to direct transmission and whether there were fail-safes if clerks did not comply. HB 615, on electronic delivery of notices between landlords and tenants, was amended to strengthen tenant protections and passed 108-0. HB 655 establishing a regulatory framework for pet insurance, HB 299 on elevator accessibility requirements, and HB 1145 on workforce education also passed, with HB 1145 receiving 100 yeas and 4 nays. HB 649, removing the paper supervised protocol for certified registered nurse anesthetists, passed 77-30 after structured debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on CS/HB 1205, which would significantly revise Florida’s citizen initiative process. The bill adds a $1 million bond requirement after 25% of required signatures are collected, requires petition handlers to be Florida residents and U.S. citizens, imposes background checks and training for paid circulators, shortens petition turn-in deadlines to 10 days, increases penalties, adds signature revocation notices, and creates additional criminal penalties and enforcement provisions. Supporters argued the changes were needed to address fraud and protect petition integrity; opponents said the bill would burden First Amendment activity and make citizen-led amendments much harder to qualify. Numerous amendments were offered, including proposals to remove sensitive personal information from petition forms, soften deadlines and penalties, change validation thresholds, and alter the estimating conference process; most failed, though one amendment clarifying who pays for background checks was adopted. The transcript ends during continued debate on an amendment to strike most of the bill and prohibit public funds from being used to advocate for or against constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was just. We can do it because we're here.
• for it.
• We fix it, we make it right.
• It was during... COVID, our members needed it, they wanted it, they desired it, we built it out.
• It was material supply, and it was actually having the crews to go do it.

Bills: HB3445 , HB3448

Committee: House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband

Keywords: telecommunications, electric cooperative, rights-of-way, infrastructure, provider access, right-of-way, pole attachment, regulatory access, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> it</c><00:18:35.320><c> had</c> program as it came to finance it had program as it came to finance
• In response, it was noted that they did have money on it and that it has numbers in it, but it doesn't
• <c> on</c><00:36:43.240><c> it</c><00:36:43.560><c> it</c><00:36:43.760><c> it</c><00:36:43.920><c> it
• </c><00:36:44.079><c> has</c><00:36:44.319><c> numbers</c> we had money on it it it it has numbers we
• had money on it it it it has numbers in<00:36:45.040><c> it</c><00:36:45.440><c> but</c><00:36:45.640

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, it may be.
• He said the goal is 250,000 and that they will make it, adding that every time he looks at it, it doubles
• It is unstoppable now, and it is so uplifting.
• It is an easy ask.
• decorate it with the appropriate decorations so that when it gets to communities it looks a little bit

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its February 13, 2020 meeting, with a correction changing a reference from the America 250 subcommittee to the America 250 Council. Members then received a financial update showing remaining balances in the commemorative and celebration funds, with discussion that some unspent celebration money could revert to the commemorative fund. Haley Domgaard also reported that seven grant applications had made it through scoring and could be approved for disbursement, with additional applications still being reviewed. The committee considered several America 250 spending requests. A proposal to fund special “I Voted” commemorative stickers for counties at a cost of $12,992 was debated, with concerns raised about whether the state should pay for something counties normally print themselves and whether funds should be reserved for later needs. After a roll call vote, the motion failed on a 3-3 tie. Members also discussed the Capitol Celebration and ambassador program, including plans for events, booths, a scavenger hunt, music, food trucks, and school outreach tied to the Liberty Bell and other America 250 activities. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Liberty Bell project, including a custom trailer and steel transport stand to move the replica bell safely around the state. Officials explained the trailer would be decorated to resemble a coach, that the bell is very heavy, and that the stand and trailer were needed to prevent damage during travel. The committee also heard updates on the Governor’s Task Force, White House-related America 250 initiatives, and a proposed Liberty Grove tree-planting project with the Department of Lands. The committee approved grant disbursements for Blaine County and the cities of Dietrich, Grace, Nespers, Orofino, Pierce, and Twin Falls, and tentatively scheduled its next meeting for March 23 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is offered by Senator Schumake.
• They own it, they control it. They ultimately can decide whether to sell it or not.
• They own it, they control it. They ultimately can decide whether to sell it or not.
• its obligation.
• The ayes have it.

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They may say, okay, students, you keep it in your backpack. We see it. We take it... ...in.
• They may say, okay, students, you keep it in your backpack. We see it. We take it.
• And if you're going to do it, own it. It's my phone.
• What is it, is it too burdensome to tell kids to stop...
• it.

Bills: HB294 , SB40 , SB43 , SB35

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: cannabis, cannabis packaging, cannabis labeling, cannabis regulation, Cannabis Control Division, adulterated cannabis, artificial color additive, food dye, youth appeal, minor appeal, child-resistant packaging, black-and-white packaging, edibles, product labeling, consumer protection, marijuana, hemp, dispensary, licensed cannabis business, cannabis manufacturer

Summary: The committee first briefly discussed House Bill 95, which would create an additional judgeship in the Second Judicial District. Members noted it was being aligned with the Senate version so the House and Senate bills would match. An amendment was adopted to also include the new First Judicial District judgeship that had been added earlier in the session, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies banning wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, and health care needs. The sponsors and Public Education Department officials said the bill was intended to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus and mental health, and support teachers, and the Office of Broadband explained that $1 million from an existing education technology fund would help schools implement storage solutions such as lockers or pouches. Supporters included representatives from New Mexico Kids Can, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Higher Education Department; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s definition of “school day,” the three-year phase-in, local control, and whether the funding and storage requirements were necessary. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to strike Section 4, which contained the phase-in schedule, and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended. Members also discussed whether the bill should be more direct and immediate, but sponsors said the phased approach and funding were intended to improve chances of passage and implementation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 246, which would add licensure and inspection requirements for massage therapy establishments to address safety, sanitation, and concerns about illegal activity such as prostitution and human trafficking. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would close a regulatory gap and allow inspections of establishments, while the massage therapy industry supported the rulemaking being left to the board. Members questioned the breadth of the bill, including inspection timing, the impact on legitimate businesses, and language that could unintentionally bar people from licensure for past conduct. The committee worked through amendments to narrow those provisions, including adding “for compensation” and limiting certain denial language to conduct after the bill’s effective date, and the sponsor accepted those changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you say it was an opioid or did you say that it was an alkaloid?
• Well, let me put it this way: I'm interested in knowing what it is.
• Otherwise, if you haven't tried it, don't judge it.
• I'm only taking it when my back is burning, and it does take the pain away.
• It models it. structures, the way that the license is created.

Bills: HB2291 , HB2629 , HB2439 , HB1078 , HB1701 , HB2207 , HB2501 , HB2361 , HB1932

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Keywords: kratom, consumer protection, regulation, health safety, substance control, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public health, tobacco regulation, smoking cessation, vapor products, health policy, youth prevention, pet insurance, insurance regulation, animal welfare, claims processes

Transcript Highlights:

• It was great.
• It was great.
• So it was as exciting as it sounds. Thank you.
• It looks like Trump killed it, though. Oh, no. Yeah, it must be my photo. Anyway. Oh, no.
• We loved it for the music, the talent, delivered it.

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call, establishing a quorum after some initial confusion about attendance. Chair Paul Mark and Co-Chair Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester event. The group also discussed the role of the National Park Service and changes in park leadership related to Boston National Historical Park. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism gave a detailed update on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 programming. Topics included the Henry Knox Trail commemorations, grant funding for 250th-related events, the proposed America 250 time capsule, a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, an “America’s potluck” idea for July 5, educational programming, volunteer service initiatives, and a Kansas-inspired tractor tribute. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions for a Massachusetts-only backup capsule and for Secretary of State Bill Galvin to help determine criteria. They also said they would seek the governor’s input on the potluck idea and distribute a graphic for the Declaration reading. Representatives from Revolution 250 then updated the commission on upcoming commemorations tied to Henry Knox and Evacuation Day, including Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights. They described crowd sizes, procession plans, living history participants, a Washington Medal unveiling at the Boston Public Library, and coordination with local and state partners. They also gave an extensive update on Sail Boston, including ship recruitment, public safety planning, expected international participation, and the event’s overlap with other major Boston activities. The meeting ended with a presentation on “Rebel Town,” a proposed musical about the Boston Tea Party, which its creator said was developed in western Massachusetts and sought support to bring to Boston for the 250th anniversary. The commission took no substantive votes beyond approving adjournment at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is what is done to amplify it to now make it dangerous.
• We cannot fix it if we don't understand it.
• We passed it. We made it illegal. There is a glide path.
• Let's keep it. It is on the bill, it is on the bill.
• If it applies here, it is going to apply across the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it data-related? Is it cybersecurity-related? Is it productivity? What are the things?
• we want, when we want it, how we want it.
• If we've got it, we should build it on an enterprise level so it benefits the entire state, and that
• But in fleet management, it doesn't work at all. And it won't matter if we don't have it.
• And it makes it very difficult to be successful.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a panel on Florida’s IT procurement process from the Florida Digital Service, the Department of Management Services, and the Department of Financial Services. Witnesses walked through the procurement lifecycle, including planning, market research, solicitation, evaluation, award, implementation, and closeout, and emphasized the role of budget timing, contract managers, and subject matter experts. DMS described the state’s enterprise contracting system, noting more than 1,100 active vendor agreements, over 800 involving IT services, and the statutory requirement to request 25 quotes for certain IT purchases. DFS demonstrated the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACS), explaining how agencies upload contract and payment data and how the public can search contracts and related documents online. Members focused on accountability, transparency, and whether the state is getting the best products and vendors. Questions addressed how contracts are vetted, how technical evaluations are performed, how financial consequences are used for missed deliverables, how public records and confidential information are handled, and how the state screens vendors for foreign-concern or bad-actor issues. Witnesses said agencies rely on technical experts for evaluations, that contract terms should include measurable deliverables and meaningful financial consequences, and that agencies—not procurement staff—generally manage performance, though Florida Digital Service oversees large IT projects of $10 million or more. The committee then shifted to broader policy discussion, including Senate Bill 7026 and proposals to reorganize state IT governance. Several members argued for stronger centralization under a state CIO or similar enterprise authority, while others cautioned against abrupt restructuring and stressed the need for a transition plan. Members also raised concerns about workforce retention, consulting services, recurring project overruns, and the need for better planning and periodic monitoring. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking members and staff and adjourning the subcommittee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hancock sends it.
• Wish it would have passed, wish we would have passed it back then.
• It is the makeup of.
• I love it.
• Well, I mean, it doesn't. It doesn't add anything to it physically.

Bills: SB 53 , SB53 , SB125 , SB315 , SB379 , SB457 , SB541 , SB599 , SB896 , SB921 , SB963 , SB1038 , SB1084 , SB1330 , SB1461

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, mental health, court proceedings, notice requirements, legal filings, electronic documents, autologous blood donation, direct blood donation, blood bank, hospital, Health and Safety Code, physician order, preoperative blood donation, patient blood reserve, transfusion, surgery

Transcript Highlights:

• It was added in 2021. Okay. It was tinkered with in the update. And then we tinkered with it. Okay.
• But it wasn’t like bike events. It was health-related stuff. I mean, that’s how it started.
• But it doesn’t say it. You’re right, it doesn’t. That’s, yeah.
• But it wasn’t like bike events. It was health-related stuff. I mean, that’s how it started.
• But it doesn’t say it. You’re right, it doesn’t. That’s, yeah.

Summary: The board opened its public meeting with a quorum, approved the prior minutes by motion and voice vote, and noted there were no employment disclosure forms. The main substantive item was an advisory opinion request from the chief clerk about whether legislators may include information about other governmental agencies or events in constituent newsletters, especially when the same material can be posted on official legislative websites or social media under a statutory safe harbor. Board members discussed the scope of the statute and whether the safe harbor for official websites and social media should be read to extend to printed newsletters. Some members argued the newsletter context is different because it is distributed directly to constituents and has limited space, while others said the same principle should apply and that the statute is not an exclusive list of permissible content. The discussion also touched on examples such as public health notices, bike safety events, and other government-published information, with concern expressed that a broader reading could allow too much unrelated content. No final advisory opinion was adopted during the meeting. Instead, the board directed staff to rewrite the draft opinion to reflect the discussion and bring it back later. The meeting then moved toward public testimony, but no testimony was taken before the public portion was adjourned and the board proceeded into executive session.