Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, as I recall from our discussion in appropriations committee and transportation committee, this
• Committee announcements for Monday, March 23rd.
• President Pro Tem, Rules Committee will meet at 11:45 a.m. in Caucus Room 1. drawn from the Committee
• Committee announcements for Monday, March 23rd.
• President Pro Tem, Rules Committee will meet at 1145 AM in Caucus Room 1. 1:45 a.m. in Caucus Room 1.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Rules will come to order. The Senate Committee on Rules will come to order.
• To provide one to two minutes for your opening testimony to this committee.
• Good afternoon, Madam Pro Tem and members of the committee.
• Good afternoon, Madam Protem and members of the committee.
• Thank you very much, Madam Chair, members of the Rules Committee.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules will now come to order. Cindy, please call the roll. Chair Pasadamo? Here.
• Good morning, good morning committee members.
• Thank you, Chair and committee.
• Thank you, committee.
• Edwin Henry: “Ladies and gentlemen of the Rules Committee, Madam Chair, thank you for the opportunity

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early measures included CS/SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would allow qualified candidates or political parties to sue over violations of party-affiliation qualification requirements, and CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and impose a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. SB 156 drew strong support from the City of Daytona Beach and law enforcement groups, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposed parts of it, arguing the bill removed existing limits on force and erased sentencing distinctions. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills, including CS/SB 7014, SB 7016, CS/SB 7012, SB 7000, SB 7002, SB 7004, SB 7006, and SB 7008, all of which extend or preserve public records or meeting exemptions for topics such as social media investigations, small business loan records, motor vehicle enforcement records, emergency shelter information, military affairs records, conviction integrity unit materials, Public Service Commission proceedings, and Gaming Control Commission records. The committee also approved SB 624, allowing batterers’ intervention programs to offer optional faith-based activities, with supporters saying faith-based counseling can help reduce domestic violence and opponents not appearing in the excerpt. HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably after supporters from the Florida Chamber and Associated Industries backed the bill, which limits strict liability claims involving natural geological substances on former phosphate mines but not phosphogypsum stacks. CS/SB 48 on housing, as amended, would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units, limit certain local barriers, and extend housing incentives; it drew broad support from housing, business, real estate, and advocacy groups. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, CS/SB 364 on CPA licensure modernization, SB 292 on public records protection for appellate court clerks, CS/SB 296 and CS/SB 298 on domestic and dating violence protections and related public records exemptions, and SB 386 on farm equipment warranty protections were also reported favorably, generally with supportive testimony from affected industries, advocacy groups, or public safety stakeholders. Later, the committee approved SB 168 expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increase penalties and enforcement tools. It also heard but temporarily postponed CS/CS/SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services after the chair allowed public testimony because many stakeholders had traveled to attend; one opponent, a longtime builder, argued the bill could criminalize contractors who withhold payment for deficient subcontractor work. The meeting concluded with members recording additional votes on selected bills and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules will now come to order. Cindy, please call the roll. Chair Passidomo? Here.
• Good morning, committee members.
• Thank you, Chair and committee.
• Thank you, committee.
• Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the Rules Committee, Madam Chair.

Bills: S0062 , S0156 , S0168 , S0288 , S0290 , S0292 , S0296 , S0298 , S0364 , S0386 , S0624 , S7004 , S7006 , S7008 , S7012 , S7014 , S7016

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: candidate qualification, political party, voter registration, election law, Florida Statutes, rural electric cooperatives, energy production, Florida law, energy tariffs, regulation, agriculture, landscape equipment, gasoline-powered, ecologically significant parcels, local government regulations, public records, appellate courts, information exemption, safety, personal identifying information

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and considered a long agenda of bills, many of which were reported favorably. Early action included CS for SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would create an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation qualification requirements, and CS for SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and add mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. SB 156 drew strong support from the City of Daytona Beach and law enforcement groups, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposed parts of the bill, arguing it removed useful limits on force and imposed overly rigid sentencing. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills, including measures extending exemptions for social media platform investigations, small business loan program records, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigatory records, emergency shelter recipient information, Department of Military Affairs records, conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information, Public Service Commission records and meetings, and Florida Gaming Control Commission records and meetings. The committee also advanced CS for SB 624, allowing batterers’ intervention programs to offer optional faith-based activities, with supporters saying faith-based counseling can help reduce domestic violence and no participant would be required to take part. Other approved measures included HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands, which limits certain liability claims if notice and survey requirements are met; CS for SB 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units and was amended to remove hearing and variance requirements and clarify local ordinance obligations; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, described as a negotiated glitch bill preserving co-op authority over generation and power purchases; and CS for SB 364 on public accountancy, which creates additional CPA licensure pathways and mobility provisions. The committee also approved SB 292 creating a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and their families, despite some opposition votes. Later, the committee passed CS for SB 296 and CS for SB 298, which expand protections for victims of domestic violence and dating violence by creating a feasibility study for a secure web-based 911 alert platform and extending address confidentiality and public records protections to dating violence, stalking, and aggravated stalking victims. SB 386 on farm equipment, described as a “lemon law” for tractors and similar equipment, also passed. Additional open-government bills were approved for emergency shelter recipients, military affairs records, conviction integrity unit materials, PSC records, and gaming commission records. SB 168 on public nuisances was reported favorably as well. One bill, CS for CS for SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was temporarily postponed after extensive stakeholder testimony; the chair allowed public comment but no vote was taken, and the sponsor indicated ongoing discussions and possible changes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded several individual votes for the record, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rules of the committee require that all nominees be sworn in, in connection with their testimony.
• First, will you be able to appear before this committee and other congressional committees to represent
• It is truly an honor to appear before the committee, and I appreciate the confidence of the committee
• You did extraordinary work for the committee, and I hope that the committee will recognize that by giving
• Senator Murkowski, who was before this committee, or on this committee, in July 15th, 1986, and apparently

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Wrong committee.
• </c><01:31:41.120><c> So,</c> federal rules. So, federal rules.
• </c> rules, that seems to be out there. rules, that seems to be out there.
• This committee is the committee of darkness.
• This committee is the committee of darkness.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Joint Committee on Public Service.
• my testimony, and rule favorably on Senate Bill 1831.
• Good afternoon, Chair, and members of the committee.
• Good afternoon, committee, again.
• Is there no one else in the committee hearing room?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on May 7, chaired by Senators Mike Brady and Dan Ryan, and heard testimony on a wide range of retirement and benefits bills for public employees and their families. Several bills focused on line-of-duty death or disability benefits for police and firefighters, including Senate Bill 1831 for Joanne Sanji, widow of Rutland Detective John Sanji, whose COVID-19 death was described by family, counsel, and the police chief as a line-of-duty death already recognized by local, state, and federal memorials. Similar support was offered for bills involving the surviving spouse of a State Police officer injured in the line of duty, a Springfield officer injured by a hammer attack during a mental health call, and a bill for a former police officer seeking an increased disability retirement due to PTSD after a traumatic incident. Testimony repeatedly emphasized that these cases had been recognized locally or had already moved through prior sessions, but legislative action was still needed to secure benefits. The committee also heard multiple firefighter-related retirement bills. Representatives and union advocates supported a bill for retired Attleboro Fire Captain Walter Gerton, arguing that an audit and recalculation improperly reduced his pension after retirement and that the correction was requested by the local retirement board. Another bill sought disability retirement for former Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who testified that Parkinson’s disease has made daily life and family care increasingly difficult; supporters cited studies linking firefighting exposures to Parkinson’s and said the city, retirement board, and local officials backed the measure. The committee also heard testimony for retired Quincy Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Bithrow, who described a Parkinson’s diagnosis following years of exposure at major toxic fires, including the Home Depot and MWRA incidents, and for a related Quincy bill that would treat his retirement as line-of-duty for survivor protection. Additional bills included a proposal to provide flags to next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, a bill to resolve employer contribution obligations for the Neshoba Associated Boards of Health in the state retirement system, and several individual retirement or service-credit measures. These included a bill for former State Police gang unit officer David Patterson, a school nurse seeking additional credible service credit for a temporary staffing emergency, and a former Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy seeking an increased disability retirement after a violent inmate assault left him with lasting injuries. Testimony generally came from the affected individuals, family members, municipal officials, retirement boards, and public safety unions, with most speakers urging favorable action and noting that many of the bills had already passed one chamber or had been filed in prior sessions. At the end of the hearing, the committee took no recorded votes on the bills and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions from the committee? I would like to briefly comment.
• But we're going to get this thing out of committee.
• Chairman, members of the committee. I am Elizabeth Rosen.
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• Commerce Committee will stand adjourned.

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and committee members. Thank you for the opportunity to present updates to NMFA.
• I just like to get started off with just you know thanking the members of this committee.
• We do it based on the statutes, the rules, and the policies.
• Chairman, and committee members.
• I know these are big discussions we've had in that committee as well.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the first hearing of the session in the Community Safety Committee.
• Welcome to the committee. Go ahead, Chairman.
• Good afternoon, committee.
• This committee is today. And I oppose this bill, 2156.
• Chair and members of the committee.

Summary: The committee opened with a work session on effective interrogation techniques, hearing from two remote experts, retired homicide detective Matt Jones and former federal agent Mark Fallon. Both argued for science-based, information-gathering interviewing over confrontational or deception-based tactics, emphasizing rapport, open-ended questioning, corroboration, and avoiding coercion, especially with vulnerable interviewees. They said these methods improve reliability, reduce false confessions and wrongful convictions, and better withstand court scrutiny. Members asked for source materials and raised concerns about how friendly or minimization-style questioning could affect victims; the witnesses said they would provide research and noted that some common tactics can be problematic in sexual assault cases. No votes were taken in the work session. The committee then held a hearing on House Bill 1982, which would expand Washington’s existing process for vacating convictions tied to treaty rights. Staff explained that current law mainly covers pre-1975 fishing convictions, while the bill would extend relief to convictions involving treaty fishing, hunting, gathering, and pasturing rights, remove the date limit, include local ordinances, authorize the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation and consultation, and create a tribal liaison position. The prime sponsor and tribal leaders testified in support, describing the bill as a way to correct historical wrongs and remove barriers to jobs, housing, and other opportunities. The Office of Public Defense said it supports the bill but needs statutory authority and a hub to identify and process cases; an Attorney General’s Office tribal liaison also supported the concept and suggested clarifying amendments. Some members questioned the scope of the affected population, costs, and whether the legislature could vacate the convictions directly, while others raised concerns about competing resource demands and the need for judicial action case by case. No final action was taken. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 2156, which would expand the Attorney General’s Office investigators’ authority in limited circumstances. Staff said the bill would let AGO investigators exercise only the authority of the entity granting concurrent jurisdiction, allow them to serve business search warrants only when authorized by a judicial officer, and clarify that they cannot detain, arrest, or carry weapons. The bill sponsor said it would reduce delays in economic-crime cases by allowing investigators to serve electronic warrants themselves instead of relying on local officers. Opponents from the sheriffs and police chiefs association and a retired veteran argued the bill blurs the line between investigation and prosecution, lacks sufficient oversight, and could create constitutional and training concerns. AGO representatives responded that the bill is narrowly focused, that most investigators are retired law enforcement, and that it would mainly streamline service of electronic warrants in cases such as organized retail theft and wage theft. The hearing was still in progress when the transcript ended, and no vote was recorded on this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee will go into recess. The committee will come back to order.
• Pursuant to House Rule 14, I Speaker.
• </c> the majority leader, and the coat rule the majority leader, and the coat rule is<00:05:38.560><c
• Members, I have a rule, with few exceptions, that I support our Joint Budget Committee members in their
• </c> Conference committee reports. Conference committee reports.

Keywords: Continuation of today's legislative session, beginning at 7:45 pm., 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It isn't like a lot of the joint committees and even some of the standing committees.
• And by the way, I will remind people that we have subpoena power as a committee, the only committee in
• What rules are in place for selection committee members when it comes to communicating with bidders?
• from the committee.
• As the Vice Chair of the Committee, I will also serve as the Chair of the Committee on State Administration

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we came to committee and presented a committee substitute, which is The language in this bill.
• Permission of the chair and the signatures of the committee restoring title.
• No, we already have administrative rules going through the Secretary of State's office.
• And we kind of brought this up in committee. We talked about the lanterns people lied off.
• The rules are in place. You drink, you don't drive. You drink, you don't vote on bills.

Bills: SB1627 , SB227 , SB366 , SB1193 , SB1433 , SB1450 , SB1481 , SB1749 , SB1810 , SB1812 , SB1921 , SB1948 , SB2044 , SB2178 , SB169 , SB1877 , HB1409 , SB1266 , SB1432

Keywords: criminal code cleanup, duplicate statutes, statutory consolidation, repealer bill, emergency clause, Title 21 crimes, Title 47 DUI, child abuse reporting, child neglect, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, sex offenses, rape, stalking, domestic abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking, sex trafficking, gang-related offense, eluding police

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, my name is Tony Bradley.
• committee gets them.
• Members of the committee, my name is Vicki Kampen.
• They're only lasting a year, sir, committee members.
• The Rangers already comply with those rules.

Committee: Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1452, which would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s office to coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement on theft and fraud involving cargo and freight. The Arizona Trucking Association supported the bill, describing cargo theft as organized and rapidly increasing. The committee reported SB 1452 out with a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. Members then considered SB 1048, a $36 million appropriation for Coconino County to build a new juvenile court services facility and convert the existing juvenile detention center into a detox, sobriety, and crisis recovery center. The sponsor and supporters framed it as a juvenile services and recovery investment, while one member objected to funding one county in a tight budget year. The bill passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1092, which would prohibit early termination of lifetime probation for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children and apply the restriction retroactively. The sponsor argued it would keep child sex offenders under supervision, while opponents raised concerns about judicial discretion, retroactivity, and cases involving internet-related conduct or defendants with disabilities. After extensive testimony, the committee approved SB 1092 on a 4-3 vote. The committee next took up SB 1391, which would direct AZ POST to create a pilot law enforcement stress management and mental wellness training program, with a $950,000 appropriation and a sunset date in 2029. Supporters, including law enforcement advocates, said it would help officers manage trauma, improve retention, and support families. The bill passed unanimously. SB 1401, creating a golf tournament charity special plate and fund to support youth athletic programs in Tucson, also passed unanimously after brief supportive testimony from the Tucson Conquistadors. On SB 1314, a broad pay raise bill for probation staff, corrections, juvenile corrections, and DPS employees, supporters argued that recruitment and retention problems and vacancies justified the increases. Some members supported the concept but noted uncertainty about the cost and the broader budget picture. The bill passed 5-1. The committee then heard SB 1071, which would repeal statutory provisions relating to the Arizona Rangers. Testimony split sharply: the sponsor and some former members argued the organization lacked transparency and accountability, while current and former Rangers said the bill would undermine an important volunteer public safety auxiliary. Rather than vote, the chair held SB 1071 for further discussion and possible amendment. Finally, the committee began SB 1400, which would allow law enforcement agencies to establish confidential wellness and peer support programs for employees exposed to trauma; supporters said confidentiality is needed to encourage officers to seek help, and the roll call had begun when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• to allow floor privileges for the rules to allow floor privileges for the rules to allow floor privileges
• on rules begs leave to report committee on rules begs leave to report committee on rules begs leave
• committee the 192 from the house rules committee the 192 from the house rules committee the special
• 69 requiring the suspend rule 69 requiring the suspend rule 69 requiring the engrossment of committee
• understood by our whole committee understood by our whole committee because our whole committee is is

Bills: HB 9 , HB 22 , HB 908 , HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse is called to order. Secretary, please note the role. Ms.
• I will also be staffing this Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse.
• I love people who follow the rules, just because if we want to make it equal for everybody.
• You're currently on that committee? Yes, sir. Great.
• That's why I'm on that other committee. We are not, we have a legal system.

Committee: Senate Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse opened by explaining it was gathering testimony on elder abuse, especially alleged misconduct involving court-appointed systems such as guardians ad litem and fiduciaries, to identify gaps in law and oversight and develop legislative fixes. The chair limited each witness’s time, asked for names and contact information for follow-up, and repeatedly noted that some allegations might warrant referral to law enforcement, the attorney general, or county attorneys if basic criminal elements were present. Several witnesses described alleged abuse in guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary cases. Dr. Holly Lauder said her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was subjected to allegedly deficient psychological capacity evaluations that ignored treating doctors and family input, leading to a fiduciary arrangement that later resulted in neglect. Kevin Axson described his mother’s probate case, saying a guardian ad litem and conservator were appointed after a family financial dispute, that the guardian ad litem and fiduciary had little contact with his mother, and that the estate was burdened with substantial fees and a $200,000 bond requirement. Frieda Alvarado testified about a 94-year-old client, Samuel Armento, saying he was isolated, medicated without his request, and treated without dignity after a fiduciary and care team took control. Bill Chalmers, Johnny Hamilton, and Kathy Hamilton also testified about Sam Armento’s case, alleging isolation, excessive fees, conflicts of interest, and poor oversight by fiduciaries and caregivers. Other witnesses raised broader concerns about Arizona probate practices. David Redkey said he has been under a long-running conservatorship despite earning degrees and maintaining capacity, and alleged that court-appointed professionals and fiduciaries overcharged his estate and blocked efforts to terminate the arrangement. Susan Wolfe described the Peyton case, alleging that a wife’s conservatorship and related court actions led to the loss of assets, exclusion of witnesses, and large fees for a relatively small monthly care bill. Dr. Lewis Heller, an OB-GYN and disciplinary committee member, said the medical evaluations he reviewed showed the people involved were competent and that the conduct he observed was unethical and possibly criminal. Renee Self testified that she lost her role as trustee and spent large sums defending her father’s estate, alleging that the probate process stripped her father of assets and limited her access to him despite APS findings that her actions were in his best interests. No formal committee votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt, but members repeatedly expressed concern, asked for documents and transcripts, and indicated they would follow up with witnesses and consider stakeholder meetings to craft legislation addressing oversight, transparency, and accountability in guardianship and fiduciary systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The Senate Judiciary Committee.
• Chairman, members of the committee.
• Chairman, members of the committee.
• I noticed in the rules that it talks about a 10-day appeal of the subpoena that's in the rules.
• But that's a common 10-day rule that we have in our court system, uh, is called Civil Rule 59.05."

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to maybe speak to the committee a second.
• And some of you are kind of new on the committee.
• Chairman and members of the committee. My name is John Barge.
• The Committee on Utilities will now go into executive session.
• Having no other business in front of the committee, the Committee on Utilities will now adjourn.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee reports. Committee on Finance.
• Committee will come to order. Code rules relaxed. Mr.
• Committee will come to order. Code rule is abolished. Mr.
• </c> committee rise and report. committee rise and report.
• Committee will come to order. Coat rule is relaxed. Mr.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Senate Commerce Committee on May 6, 2026. Secretary, call the roll.
• After this bill came out of the House Commerce Committee, Mr.
• Weed those people out that are violating the rules and regulations for plumbers.
• It's that three-minute rule. with the State Licensing Board for Contractors.
• It's that three-minute rule. Senate education. It's that three-minute rule, Senator Mazzle.

Bills: SB147 , SB414 , HB220 , HB750 , HB799 , HB827 , HB952 , HB953

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: roof standards, construction code, residential property, fortified roofs, insurance, medical debt, interest rate, healthcare services, consumer protection, debt collection, Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act, child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, automatic renewal, cancellation policy, subscription service, transparency