Video & Transcript : 'ABA services' :
Page 496 of 500
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, with all that uncertainty, and because we were able to do good service to our preservation
- At this time, with all that uncertainty, and because we were able to, I think, do good service to our
- And will boost passenger and freight service. Thank you.
- We also appreciate the support in your city bus service, youth fares on Amtrak Cascades, and, while not
- We also appreciate the support in your city bus service, youth fares on Amtrak Cascades, and, while not
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- equipment, materials, and relocatable facilities as surplus property, school districts, educational service
- Turning to the bill before you this morning, school districts and educational service districts are exempted
- Educational service districts, or ESDs, also have a role in the budget development process of proposed
- The first one relates to educational service district and additional budget...
- The first one relates to educational service district additional budget and oversight and support duties
Committee:
House Education
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Deputy Secretary for Student Support Services in the Public Education Department.
- It is a health care service, and then we define massage therapy establishment.
- I believe that we would have to hire one additional inspector to assist with providing the services.
- Should we have an exception for therapists who want to offer that service?
- This bill does not address the mobile establishment or the therapist who provides mobile services.
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.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- birthing centers, they are not charged with regulating entities or persons providing unregulated services
- at all, surgical services at all in those areas, and so that that may result in the . services at all
- , surgical services at all in those areas.
- Wendy Scott, OPAGA's staff director for health and human services, is here to discuss this research.
- I'm the staff director for the Health and Human Services Policy Area at OPAGA.
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Keywords:
drowning prevention, water safety, swimming lessons, swim vouchers, child drowning, infant safety, toddler safety, pool safety, bath safety, safe bathing practices, postpartum education, newborn care, childbirth education, birth centers, home birth providers, Department of Health, public health, water competency, swim instruction, infant supervision
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up several health-related bills, with a strong focus on drowning prevention and patient safety. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. Supporters, including a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA leadership, cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be available to more children. Senator Harrell noted the need to consider increasing the program’s funding as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606 by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer home birth providers. A parent who lost a child to drowning testified in support, and senators emphasized the preventability of such deaths. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 340 by Senator Harrell would require nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure; after a strike-all amendment shifted the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves, the bill received support from advocates and was reported favorably as a committee substitute.
The committee also considered SB 162 by Senator Davis, which would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already common in many facilities, while opponents and some senators questioned the medical evidence, enforcement, and possible impacts on rural and smaller facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with some members voting no. SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, would remove the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change as pro-small-business, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation comparing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system with other states, focusing on board autonomy, rulemaking oversight, board composition, appointments, term limits, and funding mechanisms.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- and leadership continues. ...angel, Senator Gerardine Thompson, whose legacy of service and leadership
- May your Founders' Day be filled with pride, purpose, and continued service.
- On November 3, 2025, AHCA submitted the application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- I'm happy to share to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Families choosing homeschool fronted the money for materials and services and then often had to wait
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, doctor-of-the-day introduction, and several recognitions, including a Founders’ Day tribute to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a welcome to a nationally ranked student debater in the gallery. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 gubernatorial executive appointments; after explanation by the Ethics and Elections chair, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0.
The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program, housing and transportation investments, education funding, and rural health care improvements. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health-care provisions in light of new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding amounts. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing the bill’s focus on rural infrastructure, health care access, and local flexibility. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates explained that the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, tightening enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees, requiring student identification numbers, improving reimbursement processes, and directing the Department of Education to develop a business plan for scholarship funding organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision from the bill, with that issue expected to move elsewhere. Senators discussed transparency, accountability, and protections against overpayments and unverified enrollments, while also noting the need to preserve support for school districts. The bill passed 38-0.
After both bills passed, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and scheduled a group photograph for the following Thursday before adjourning until January 22 or upon the President’s call.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-14 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Gerardine Thompson, whose legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire us all.
- May your Founders' Day be filled with pride, purpose, and continued service.
- On November 3, 2025, ACA submitted the application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
- Families choosing homeschool fronted the money for materials and services and then often had to wait
- Like I said, I appreciate it. that include consumer-friendly services, as well as careful stewardship
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day, a visiting debate student, and later Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol. The chamber then took up committee reports and confirmed a slate of 52 executive appointments by a 39-0 vote.
On special order, senators considered SB 250 on rural communities. The bill, described as a “Rural Renaissance” package, would create an Office of Rural Prosperity, establish a Renaissance Grant Program, increase housing and transportation support, and direct new funding to rural education and health care. Two amendments were adopted to update rural health funding and hospital estimates. Members from both parties spoke in support, while raising questions about eligibility and access to grants for certain rural areas. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then debated CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. The bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, tightening payment and audit procedures, and creating a stabilization fund for scholarships. Three amendments were adopted to remove a district declining-enrollment provision from the bill, adjust private-school documentation timing, and clarify withdrawal form and parent-attestation procedures. Senators from both parties supported the measure while noting concerns about oversight, school quality, and future conforming legislation. The bill passed 38-0, and both SB 250 and CS/SB 318 were certified to the House before adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that including putting more counselors who are more student-centered direct student services, or is
- Counselors are not mental health service providers.
- to the school district, they charge the school district for the service.
- And thank you for your military service, as always. Thank you, Chair Burgess.
- Thank you again for your military service and everything you bring to the table when you're here.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And a big piece of that is having that career-connected service.
- And I would just say before I came to the Senate, I was at the Educational Service District for 25 years
- eligible, school districts must report the amount of excess costs and the specific activities or services
- And as chair of human services, as Senator Wellman said, these are young people who then oftentimes do
- On new development activities to help pay for the increased services that will be required because of
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several education bills. SB 5841 would require students’ high school and beyond plans to show completion of at least one FAFSA or WASFA application, or a parent/guardian opt-out. The sponsor and supporters said it would reduce barriers to postsecondary education, improve financial aid completion, and bring more students and federal dollars into the state. School groups opposed it, warning it would add an unfunded administrative burden and create verification challenges, especially for small districts and families with undocumented students. Senators discussed data-sharing from the Washington Student Achievement Council and noted the bill’s connection to existing FAFSA outreach efforts.
The committee then took testimony on SB 5922, which would let districts petition OSPI to transfer money from transportation vehicle funds to other district uses if they reduce their fleet because of enrollment declines. The sponsor said the bill would free up unused bus funds for other pressing needs. Members asked about whether districts could shift to smaller vehicles and how the funds could be used. The committee also heard SB 5858, which would move the pupil transportation safety net for special passengers into statute. Supporters from OSPI, districts, school directors, and PTA said the program is essential for transporting students with disabilities, homelessness, or foster care needs, and that current funding is far below demonstrated need. No votes were taken on these bills.
Finally, the committee heard SB 5943, which would allow limited use of school impact fees for modernization and, in districts under binding conditions or enhanced financial oversight, for up to 25% of operations and maintenance. The sponsor and one superintendent argued it would help districts with aging buildings and new state mandates like safety and energy-efficiency requirements. Builders, business groups, and school coalition representatives opposed the bill, saying impact fees should remain tied to growth-related capital costs and warning it could worsen housing affordability and weaken the nexus required for impact fees. The chair closed by noting the session’s budget constraints and the committee adjourned after the hearings.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) May 1st, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- It also authorizes the Health and Human Services.
- Services Commission Executive Commissioner or designee to obtain criminal history record information
- Brad Davenport, assistant director with the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services.
- After that, I moved on to Athens Animal Services.
- SB 2113 is in service of this provision.
Bills:
HB12 , HB149 , SB229 , SB1361 , SB1749 , SB1897 , SB2113 , SB2566 , SB2677 , SB1652 , SB2327 , SB2344 , SB2696 , HB12 , HB149
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is unrealistic for a public school system operating on finite funds intended for student services.
- either continue paying ballooning premiums for partial coverage or reduce critical instructional services
- Again, members, this is about navigation centers and, you know, homeless services that are in proximity
- Again, members, this is about navigation centers and, you know, homeless services that are in proximity
- The bill we heard last. ...services that are in proximity to a school, the bill we heard last week.
Committee:
Senate Education K-16
Summary:
The Committee on Education K-16 heard testimony on SB 1635, which would give certain coastal, recapture-paying school districts a credit against recapture payments for mandatory windstorm and hail insurance costs. Senator Hinojosa said the bill is intended to offset unusually high insurance expenses for districts in Tier 1 or Tier 2 coastal zones, and he estimated about a $12 million impact to state revenue. Witnesses from Port Aransas ISD and Gregory-Portland ISD described sharp premium increases, reduced coverage, higher deductibles, and the effect on teacher pay and classroom spending. Senators asked about the number of affected districts, the accuracy of the fiscal estimate, and whether the bill might encourage districts to maintain coverage. Public testimony was closed and SB 1635 was left pending.
The committee then took up several other bills and committee substitutes, adopting and reporting favorably SB 2786, SB 2623, SB 646, SB 843, SB 2392, SB 1998, SB 1418, SB 2788, and SB 2076, with most votes unanimous or near-unanimous. SB 2392 was amended to add improper relationship between educator and student to mandatory reporting offenses and to authorize an attorney general civil penalty for failure to report. SB 2623 was revised to clarify duties and exemptions related to the Safe Schools and Neighborhood Task Force and school proximity restrictions. SB 843 would create a TEA database of school district bonds and related projects, and SB 2788 would exempt certain PSAT scorers from the Texas Success Initiative assessment.
The committee also heard SB 2929, which would allow referees and other officials at school athletic events to immediately eject disruptive spectators. The Texas Association of Sports Officials testified in support, citing abusive spectator behavior and a shortage of officials. SB 2929 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard a substitute for SB 2927 on 1882 partnerships and a substitute for SB 2619, which would require more transparency and accountability for failing school districts, superintendent hiring, trustee training, and takeover timelines. Testimony on SB 2619 was mixed, with one witness from Texas 2036 supporting parts of the bill’s accountability provisions. The committee adopted the substitute for SB 2619, left it pending, and then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 11th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- I just discussed this for the homeless veteran services to prevent and eliminate veteran homelessness
- Not, I misspoke, it's not that sorrow, but our veterans service personnel back home.
- Representative O'Brien, I see that the Senate added $50,000 for service dogs.
- Did you guys discuss how many service dogs that would provide? Yes.
- We don't have services. We don't have infrastructure.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs appropriation. Representative O’Brien explained the House changes, including funding for a restored Veterans Benefits Specialist FTE, salary equity adjustments for the commissioner and veterans service officers, one-time funding for veteran homelessness services, carryover authority for the Fargo Fisher House, and a highly rural transportation grants program. Members also discussed the commissioner’s prior salary increase and the use of transportation grant funds for administrative costs, as well as the status of the Fisher House project. The committee adopted amendment 25.092.0203 and then gave SB 2025 a do pass recommendation as amended, with Representative O’Brien as carrier.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 2307, the library bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed the fiscal note, but several members objected on policy and process grounds, citing constitutional concerns, potential costs to counties and state’s attorneys, and the fact that the bill had not been heard as a full policy hearing. The amendment failed 4-19. The committee then voted do not pass on SB 2307 as introduced, and Representative Murphy was named carrier.
The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 2188 on the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority. Representative Bosch described the program’s grant and low-interest loan authority and the Senate’s reduced funding levels. The committee amended the bill to restore the Senate funding amounts in Section 3, then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Kempenich carrying it. Finally, the committee considered two rural development bills and chose Senate Bill 2097, the rural endowment fund bill, for do not pass while advancing House Bill 2390, which uses regional councils to distribute rural development grants. The committee amended HB 2390 to lower the population threshold from 4,500 to 3,000, kept the 50% set-aside for communities under 1,500, and then passed the bill as amended, with Representative Mitskog as carrier.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 25th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- aware of the signs of family violence, um, but are equipped to guide survivors to the resources and services
- are not familiar, the Texas Advocacy Project is a statewide law firm, and we provide free legal services
- CPA services are a. cornerstone of the Texas economy.
- Steve Bruno, Deputy Executive Director for licensing services with TDLR. Thank you.
- For example, if you go to a salon, you should see a photo next to the person providing services.
Committee:
House Licensing & Administrative Procedures
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 24th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- However, his legacy of service and sacrifice will live on forever. May he rest in peace.
- As we mourn the loss of this courageous public servant, we remember the legacy of service, sacrifice,
- Hector Quavis already built a remarkable legacy of service. I don't know.
- Hector Quavis already built a remarkable legacy of service. He was more than just a protector.
- His watch may have ended, but his legacy of courage and service will legacy of courage and service will
Summary:
The Assembly met on March 6, 2025, after a quorum call and prayer, then proceeded through routine floor business and several ceremonial resolutions. Early procedural motions included a failed attempt to suspend the rules to withdraw AB 844 from committee and bring it directly to the floor; that motion received 16 ayes and 45 noes. The body also unanimously approved a request to re-refer AB 341.
Members then adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding coauthors: ACR 35 recognizing Greek Independence Day, ACR 17 honoring women in carpentry and the BOOTS apprenticeship program, ACR 50 designating March 24, 2025 as Special Olympics Day, and H.R. 21 proclaiming Transgender Week of Visibility and March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility. Each resolution drew supportive remarks from multiple members, while H.R. 21 also prompted extended debate, including opposition centered on girls’ sports, locker rooms, and claims about state policy affecting transgender Californians. In each case, the resolutions were adopted after the coauthor roll and voice vote.
The session concluded with adjournment in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr., who died in the line of duty on March 17. Several members spoke in tribute to his service, his work with youth football, and his family. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 20th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- The General Services Department has already sent out an RFP property. It's not exactly like a TIT.
- And many of these schools will be on tribal lands. that are not taxable, just like Forest Service, BLM
- Carlos Lucero with Public Service Company, New Mexico.
- The SRUSF is the State Rural Universal Service Fund.
- has been made possible through the matching grants of the Universal Service Fund.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Legislative Budget Hearings Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Health and Human Services, including mental health and public health, are basically...
- The Legislative Service Agency generates revenue estimates, as does the executive budget office.
- I think Kirk made those points. service.
- We need to be in a position to serve meals, provide services, and have a secure environment.
- Consequently, it costs more as it relates to maintaining, operating, and servicing those needs.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And we hosted the very first advanced or mobility test flight at a commercial service airport in Tampa
- Providing a service can be utilized to help the overall mobility systems of those communities within
- And I think we imagine service in early years as really being able to to take advantage of that rich
- And it's going to be, you know, of about to service to communities that we want to serve.
- There is third-party service approvals for utm systems that manage that drone traffic.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 63 Jul 1st, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bank for Matthew McRae, an employee of the Department of State Police, to the Committee on Public Service
- Chris dedicated his life to public service and to strengthening our democratic process.
- He served on a ...to public service and to strengthening our democratic process.
- Eddie Crispin's distinguished career of public service and unwavering commitment to the residents of
- So I want to thank him for his friendship and his service to my caucus and to me.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- From an environmental standpoint, delivery services reduce vehicle miles through optimization and trip
- In Massachusetts alone, delivery services could eliminate nearly 190 million miles of driving each year
- This imbalance is a legacy of decisions made during the '80s and '90s,... ...to debt service, much of
- This lifeline takes us to medical appointments, vet services, and family events.
- This five-member board controls everything from the lifeline... ...services and family events.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation.
There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers.
Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-12 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Across districts, across chambers, and across differences, understanding that service to people must
- always be greater than service to self.
- House Bill 5207E, a bill to be entitled, an act relating to the Department of Management Services.
- House Bill 5207E, a bill to be entitled, an act relating to the Department of Management Services.
- House Bill 5207E, a bill to be entitled, an act relating to the Department of Management Services.
Summary:
The Senate convened in special session with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and observed moments of silence for Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to budget, implementing, collective bargaining, retirement, education, health, taxation, corrections, fuel tax, and related conference-report legislation. Chair Hooper then outlined the process for taking up Senate conforming bills first, followed by House bills once received, in preparation for budget conference.
The chamber passed several Senate bills and House companion bills, generally by 32-0 votes, after delete-all amendments were adopted to place the measures in proper posture for conference. Measures taken up included fuel taxes (SB 2506E), the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge (SB 2508E), judges (SB 2512E), pre-K-12 education (SB 2514E), retirement (SB 2E/HB 5205E), higher education (SB 2516E/HB 5601E), health care (SB 2518E/HB 5301E), collective bargaining/state employees (SB 2504E/HB 5201E), government administration (HB 5203E), correctional facilities financing and capital improvements (HB 5403E), documentary stamp tax distributions (HB 5501E), petroleum cleanup programs (HB 5701E), and the general appropriations and implementing bills (SB 2500E/HB 5001E and SB 2502E/HB 5003E). In each case, the Senate either passed the bill as amended or, after failing to pass the House version as received, requested conference with the House.
During debate on the tax package, Leader Berman urged lawmakers to consider suspending the motor fuel tax for the summer, citing high gas prices and the need for immediate relief at the pump. The Senate ultimately passed HB 7031E as a blank vehicle for conference and then requested conference with the House after failing to pass it as received. No substantive amendments were adopted beyond the conference-posture delete-all amendments, and no recorded opposition votes were cast on the measures considered.
At the end of the session, the Rules Chair announced the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet that day or the next, and the Senate adopted a motion to establish the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session by website publication and secretary announcement. The Senate then adjourned upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other business.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Special Session E May 12th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Across districts, across chambers, and across differences, understanding that service to people must
- always be greater than service to self.
- House Bill 5207E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Department of Management Services.
- House Bill 5207E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Department of Management Services.
- House Bill 5207E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Department of Management Services.