Transcript Highlights:

• 14.160><c> uh</c><00:11:14.320><c> and</c> The association has a rigorous and sometimes very quick screening
• c> review</c><00:16:43.120><c> every</c> The association has a rigorous and sometimes very quick screening

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, watch the screen here.
• Um, watch the screen here.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 329 around rate-regulated utilities for various reasons, moving them from basically an assessed

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill removes the classic learning test as a qualifying assessment for fee waivers.

Bills: S7038 , S1694

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities, accreditation, public safety, technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which would revise general education core standards at public postsecondary institutions to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology integration within existing core courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related instruction in areas such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. For high school computer science courses, the amendment added guidance on critical evaluation of AI results, AI limitations, and ethical use of AI. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted the bill favorably. The committee also took up confirmation appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. In addition, it considered SPB 7038 on postsecondary education and workforce development, which addresses tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Members asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure exemptions, and the removal of the Classic Learning Test as a fee-waiver qualifier; staff said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment, the CLT removal was an error to be corrected, and a Florida Dental Association representative raised concern about preserving the long-standing exemption for dental assisting programs. The committee moved SPB 7038 as a committee bill and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill removes the classic learning test as a qualifying assessment for fee waivers.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard and approved CS/SB 1694, which revises postsecondary general education standards to incorporate technology-related instruction. The adopted amendment shifted the bill away from creating a sixth core course and instead required technology-integrated general education courses to include digital literacy, AI tool application, and related content such as software engineering, networks, databases, and cybersecurity as applicable. The amendment also addressed high school computer science instruction by emphasizing critical evaluation of AI results, limitations of AI, and ethical use. After brief questions and no opposition, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably. The committee also took up a confirmation package for appointments on tabs 1 through 2 and, on one motion, recommended confirmation of all appointees favorably. It then considered SPB 7038, a committee bill on postsecondary education and workforce development that touches tuition and fee policies, consumer protections, career and technical education, student acceleration, and institutional operations. Senator Berman asked about dual enrollment expansion, CIE licensure/jurisdiction, and removal of the classic learning test as a fee-waiver qualifier; the sponsor said the dual enrollment change was intended to expand student options without necessarily increasing enrollment costs, and that the classic learning test removal was an error to be corrected later. Joanne Hart of the Florida Dental Association appeared in support of preserving the existing exemption for dental assisting programs from CIE requirements, noting the programs are approved by the Board of Dentistry and help address workforce shortages. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to submit SPB 7038 as a committee bill and then voted unanimously to report it favorably. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs are primarily financed by a $1 per head assessment on sales of domestic and foreign cattle sold

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference met to conduct a sunset review of the Arizona Beef Council. Lauren Mailing, the council’s executive director, presented the council’s role in promoting, educating, and researching on behalf of Arizona beef producers, explaining that it is an industry-financed, governor-appointed board funded through the federal beef checkoff program. She described its consumer education, classroom materials, gate-to-plate tours, and social media outreach, and noted that checkoff funds may be used only for promotion, education, and research, not lobbying. Members asked about whether growers can request refunds of checkoff dollars, and she said they cannot under the federal program; one member also recognized the recent passing of former board member Andrew Grissetta and his service to the industry. Committee members spoke in support of the council, emphasizing its educational value, local control of checkoff dollars, and benefits to ranchers, feeders, dairy producers, youth programs, and consumers. The vice chair moved to continue the Arizona Beef Council for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The motion passed on a roll call vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, with the recommendation to continue the council approved. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs are primarily financed by a $1 per head assessment on sales of domestic and foreign cattle sold

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So our assessment is that it does not require congressional approval, and so it's really modeling what

Bills: HB206 , HB1238 , HB2890 , HB2970

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, injection wells, environmental regulation, water quality, site inspection, geoscientist, satellite imagery, interstate compact, liquefied natural gas, energy resources, Gulf Coast, regulatory coordination, HB 2970, Gulf Coast Protection District, Special District Local Laws Code, governor appointment

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends the requirement that an HFC or local government attain an underwriting assessment, demonstrating

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PERSONAL INFORMATION OF POLICYHOLDERS, UNDERWRITING PERSONAL PAYROLL CONSUMER CLAIM INFORMATION, RISK ASSESSMENT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas, the condominium market continues to face challenges, including soaring costs related to assessment

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He also said the bill’s procedural requirements demand that a court order a risk assessment within 14
• She said the risk assessment requested in this bill cannot be covered by insurance because it is not
• She clarified that, in psychological terms, a risk assessment means something like a suicide risk assessment
• Representative Raymond said that the bill’s requested risk assessment cannot be covered by insurance
• She explained that, in psychological terms, a risk assessment means something like a suicide risk assessment

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 285, which would add language to the parental rights and responsibilities statute directing judges to consider known mental health or medical conditions that could affect parenting. Representative Ball, the bill’s sponsor, said the intent was not to require disclosure of private records, but to give judges a reminder to ask whether anything in a parent’s condition could interfere with parenting and to help ensure children’s safety and best interests, especially in high-conflict or pro se family court cases. He said the proposal was meant as a guardrail and not as a way to reduce parenting time or take children from parents. Committee members questioned whether the existing best-interest factors already cover parenting ability, whether the new language could invite stigma or weaponization in custody disputes, and whether judges already have authority to ask these questions. Ball responded that judges often do not ask, that family court can be difficult for unrepresented parties, and that the language would simply make the issue explicit. He also said he would be open to amendments, including language that more directly instructs judges to ask the question. One member raised concerns about whether the bill should say judges “shall” ask rather than “may,” and Ball said he was willing to work with the committee on wording. Sarah Horn, a NAMI New Hampshire board member and parent, testified in opposition. She described her own history with OCD, ADD, PTSD, hospitalization, and recovery, and said mental illness had not harmed her ability to parent; she warned the bill could increase stigma and discourage people from seeking treatment. In response, Ball said her testimony was part of why he had considered an amendment to include physical health as well, so the bill would not single out mental health. The hearing ended without a vote in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• and or appeal, then they can be assessed, if it's residential property, a class two misdemeanor.
• In this bill, if a non-residential property owner submits an affidavit, they would only be assessed a
• Right now, if somebody prepares an affidavit with regard to a property assessment and or appeal, then
• they can be assessed, if it's residential property, a class two misdemeanor.
• In this bill, if a non-residential property owner submits an affidavit, they would only be assessed a

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a bill in Ways and Means that um Washington County, we had a 40% increase in our assessments last
• I had a bill in Ways and Means that um Washington County, we had a 40% increase in our assessments last
• I had a bill in Ways and Means that um Washington County, we had a 40% increase in our assessments last
• I had a bill in Ways and Means that um Washington County, we had a 40% increase in our assessments last
• </c> in our assessments last cycle. 40%. in our assessments last cycle. 40%.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 3, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Police Academy, and right now we are waiting for the final report of the IACP that has conducted an assessment
• I think, candidly, in my initial assessment here, is that I'd like to see recruits, before they step
• said, there are some regulatory changes that will also assist the agency and better enable it to assess
• and move cases upon filing in a more rapid way. ...and better enable it to assess and move cases upon
• But they really help the survivor assess: is that the right process? For them?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s FY27 H-2 budget proposal, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard testimony from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who described the $1.72 billion budget as a 4% increase over FY26 and emphasized readiness, local partnerships, and support for core operations rather than expansion. She highlighted ongoing work on firearms-law implementation, State Police academy reforms, DOC’s new strategic plan, disaster response, hate-crime prevention, and planning for major 2026 events including the World Cup, Marathon, and America’s 250th anniversary. Members also raised concerns about State Police capacity, DNA backlog reporting, academy boxing/training reforms after a trooper’s death, ICE coordination, diversity in public safety leadership, the disaster relief fund, crime lab funding, reentry programming, and whether OEMS should move from DPH to EOPSS; Kwan said she would keep an open mind on some issues but was not ready to commit to an OEMS transfer. The committee then questioned EOPSS officials and the State Police colonel on several operational matters. The colonel said the academy boxing program remains suspended and likely will not return in its prior form, pending an IACP review, and that future training will likely emphasize jujitsu-style control techniques. He also said the State Police uses the civil service exam, with current advancement scores ranging from 83.72 to 98.78 for the most recent class, and acknowledged the need to improve recruitment, preparation, and diversity. On the DNA and sexual assault kit backlog, EOPSS said it supports extending the statute of limitations and is working with the courts and crime lab to identify and collect lawfully owed DNA. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, is currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, and should be designed to respond flexibly to different regional needs. They also said the crime lab increase is largely to cover core operations and a structural deficiency rather than expansion. Several members focused on public safety coordination and staffing. Questions from legislators from Bristol, Plymouth, Cape Cod, and elsewhere stressed the need for State Police to absorb additional forensic work if county resources shift, and to maintain strong communication with local chiefs and federal partners. Rep. Holmes pressed EOPSS on racial and gender diversity in the department and State Police; Kwan and Colonel Noble said diversity has improved but will take time to show up in senior leadership, and they pointed to internships and hiring practices as ways to broaden the pipeline. The hearing also included discussion of the World Cup security plan, with Kwan saying planning has been underway for about 18 months through 14 working groups and that current staffing and overtime resources appear sufficient for now. After EOPSS concluded, the committee recessed briefly and then began testimony from district attorneys, led by Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden, who said prosecutors are seeking a 10% budget increase to address staffing and salary pressures, especially the widening pay gap between assistant district attorneys and newly hired public defenders after recent CPCS funding increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this has been proven by doctors' assessments and things of generational kinds of things that's been
• ><00:30:01.600><c> uh</c> proven by doctors appoint uh uh uh proven by doctors appoint uh uh uh assessments
• > and</c><00:30:02.720><c> things</c><00:30:02.880><c> of</c><00:30:03.279><c> generational</c> assessments
• and things of generational assessments and things of generational kinds<00:30:04.320><c> of</c><00:30
• There have been some &gt;&gt; assessment?

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer by Pastor Jeremy Ward and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sophia Woods. A quorum was established with 27 senators present, and the Senate adopted routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The chamber also referred Executive Message 69, appointing Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, to the Committee on Confirmations. The Senate received several Judiciary Committee reports. House Bills 41 and 149 and Senate Bills 230, 87, 169, 238, and 233 were reported favorably, with amendments on Senate Bills 87, 169, and 233. Those measures received second reading and were placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 31, commending Mackenzie Grace Stigel, and Senate Joint Resolution 32, recognizing the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science for its national ranking; guests from the school were welcomed in the gallery. The Rules Committee report was then adopted by a 33-0 vote, setting a special order calendar that included Senate Bill 71 on administrative rules, along with several other bills on dredging, county subdivisions, legislative matters, public corruption, rural hospital investment, minority affairs, campaign finance, and natural resources. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 71, the “sound science” bill, which would limit state agencies from adopting environmental rules more stringent than federal law and require science-based standards where federal law is absent. Senator Coleman-Madison offered an amendment to preserve stronger scientific and causal standards, arguing the bill could weaken protections in heavily burdened communities; the amendment failed on a roll call vote of 25 nays to 1 yea. Senators then continued debating the bill’s effect on ADEM’s authority, emergency rulemaking, federal standards, and environmental enforcement in Alabama.

Transcript Highlights:

• students with cognitive disabilities have the opportunity to participate in an alternate state assessment
• <00:09:06.480><c> state</c> participate in an alternate state participate in an alternate state assessment
• called the Minnesota um test assessment called the Minnesota um test of<00:09:09.600><c> academic</c
• </c><00:10:29.360><c> If</c> alternate assessments in my district.
• If alternate assessments in my district.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about how using something like a fiscal multiplier number could help us to really assess what
• /c> multiplier number could help us to multiplier number could help us to really<00:35:41.280><c> assess
• what these 64.7 million in really assess what these 64.7 million in cuts<00:35:44.720><c> actually</
• </c><01:00:00.400><c> You</c><01:00:00.559><c> can</c> annualized income assessment.
• You can annualized income assessment.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• , VLAP, collecting water samples every year to be tested and assessed at state labs, keeping an eye on
• state sponsored volunteer<00:33:28.200><c> lake</c><00:33:29.200><c> lake</c><00:33:29.440><c> assessment
• </c><00:33:30.000><c> program</c> volunteer lake lake assessment program volunteer lake lake assessment
• ><00:33:34.960><c> tested</c><00:33:35.519><c> and</c><00:33:35.840><c> and</c><00:33:36.159><c> assessed
• </c><00:33:36.480><c> at</c> year to be tested and and assessed at year to be tested and and assessed

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is making sure the system captures those students, gets the data, and uses the right criteria to assess
• </c><00:59:07.520><c> which</c> right criteria on how to assess which right criteria on how to assess
• dollars on compensatory revenue and they are seeing X percentage of success on our standardized assessments
• </c><01:03:16.240><c> or</c><01:03:16.480><c> they</c><01:03:16.720><c> are</c> standardized assessments
• or they are standardized assessments or they are being<01:03:17.520><c> successful</c><01:03:18.160>

Bills: HF1048 , HF1049 , HF745 , HF2210

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: charter schools, education funding, revenue calculation, general education revenue, special education, school library aid, education finance, school districts, funding eligibility, compensatory revenue, task force, free meals, school funding, education equity, HF2210, school unemployment aid, Minnesota Department of Education, general fund appropriation, unemployment insurance, unemployment claims