Transcript Highlights:

• They're a part of that billion-ish dollars from the Climate Commitment Act.
• In part, that's a function of the provisions as the Climate Commitment Act was established.
• It could be part of your 2026 plan.
• Couldn't that be part of your project? And the way the statute is worded now, I don't know.
• And so commuting connections are one part of the planning.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on October 16, 2025, for a budget and revenue overview, a traffic safety presentation, and a discussion of potential transit and active transportation grant programs. Committee staff reviewed the adopted 2025-27 transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, the large share for WSDOT, and the mix of revenue sources including fuel tax, vehicle-related fees, federal funds, Climate Commitment Act revenue, and new 2025 revenues from SB 5801 and SB 5802. Staff said the 2025 session produced a balanced four-year plan, preserved major project schedules, maintained highway preservation funding, and added money for culverts, local preservation, and other priorities. They also described a September forecast showing lower motor fuel consumption than previously expected, but still enough revenue growth to keep the transportation plan balanced. For the 2026 supplemental, staff said agency requests were relatively modest overall, with most capital requests reflecting reappropriations and timing shifts rather than new projects, while WSDOT’s addendum identified much larger future needs for maintenance, preservation, paving, culverts, and safety work. Senators asked for more detail on how revenues are distributed by fund type and geography, how much of the maintenance and preservation request is actual maintenance versus equipment, whether paving needs could be supported through bonding, and how electric vehicle sales trends might affect forecasts. The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chikino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She said U.S. traffic fatalities have risen sharply over the past decade, with especially large increases for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and argued that the U.S. lags other high-income countries in roadway safety. Her presentation highlighted IIHS’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce fatalities 30% by 2030 through safer speeds, stronger impaired-driving countermeasures, better pedestrian protection, and safer commercial vehicles. She discussed research linking higher speed limits to higher fatality risk, the benefits of lower urban speed limits, speed safety cameras, traffic calming, lighting, pedestrian beacons, and safer intersection design. She also described ongoing work with Bellevue on smart signal technology and pedestrian safety pilots. Committee members thanked her for the presentation and said they would share the materials with others. In the final work session, the committee revisited transit and active transportation grant concepts that had been included in the Senate budget proposal but did not advance in 2025. Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division explained how grant programs need runway, staff capacity, applicant readiness, and clear criteria, and compared program design to getting a plane off the ground. She discussed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting that some projects could be structured as funding-first programs while others would work better as project-line or project-first models. She said regional trail projects are already eligible under existing programs but often score lower because current criteria emphasize safety and population served. Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association then reviewed transit grant programs and argued that transit safety and security needs remain underfunded, including operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health coordination, and non-uniformed security staff. He said many transit capital programs are oversubscribed, that operator barrier retrofits alone could cost $20 million to $30 million, and that agencies face uncertainty about how recent sales tax changes apply to security-related contracts. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent southern Clay County, Putnam County, and parts of St.
• If this is a two-part question, one of them, let me go here.
• If this is two-part question, one of them, let me go here.
• So glad to see you're a part of that solution.
• And part of that is two-plus-two student success dollars.

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of that is you factor in your growth.
• Because it is part of this bill based on the testimony.
• Yes, it is part of the process.
• However, the compensation is still a part of the process.
• I represent, and growth is such a huge part of what they're dealing with.

Bills: SB863, SB1190, SB1261, SB1413, SB1624, SB1662, SB1663, SB1855, SB1967, SB2124, SB2204, SB1623

Keywords: Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, water loss, municipally owned utilities, Texas Water Development Board, administrative penalties, water audit, water infrastructure, water supply, state water plan, water management strategies, water financing, municipal bonds, revenue bonds, public debt, obligations, TWDB

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of this committee's oversight responsibilities, we are going to examine important issues, including
• According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, which is part of the U.S.
• Part of the back-end analysis will be ensuring that healthcare worker wages are not compromised.
• We'll make any updates as part of this budget process.
• That finds parity compliance be made publicly available as part of this BCP. Thank you so much.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year we were at 91% of our retirees.
• I'm always excited with this part of our.
• So, everything you just mentioned is part of our due diligence process.
• Funds that's part of this program, but they're almost all U.S.-based.
• Explain that part.

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents deserve the opportunity to be part of the IEP team and to know the services their children need
• It would be so easy to get caught up in the politics of the modern day, but part of...
•   1094 WE KNOW PART OF THE CONCERN WE  ARE HEARING IS AROUND CHILDREN  1095 We know part
•   1251 Part of that, and it was a sincere amendment, part of that is, and my daughter is 29, so
• Part of that, and it was a sincere amendment, part of that is, and my daughter is 29, so I feel I am

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began by welcoming students and coaches participating in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Members then heard and voted on a series of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The first bill, HB 1081, created a Cybersecurity Internship Clearance Readiness Program in the Department of Commerce for NCACE-designated universities and Florida College System institutions; a friendly amendment expanded access to private schools, and the bill passed 19-0. HB 1201 updated Florida’s epilepsy/seizure plan law to clarify protections for charter school students, require acceptance of physician-submitted plans, extend training validity to five years, and expand training to regular bus drivers; epilepsy advocates supported it, and it passed 19-0. HB 851 required annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school-based administrators, and it also passed 19-0. HB 615, dealing with IEPs, required quicker parent notice when services are missed, faster access to service logs, individualized parent orientation, and standardized district service logs; parents and advocates testified strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 1503 added technology-related competencies to education courses and directed the Department of Education to develop computer science certification coverage; it passed 19-0. HB 371 required public schools to display portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in common areas and passed 19-0 after testimony both for and against. HB 731 revised extracurricular eligibility rules and allowed local policies for compensating coaches and activity sponsors; an amendment broadened manual requirements and clarified fee actions, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also took up HB 173, a parental rights bill that drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. The bill would require parental consent for many medical decisions for minors, give parents access to medical records, and expand parental review/opt-in rights for certain school surveys and biofeedback devices. Supporters argued it restores parental authority, improves safety, and prevents children from being cut out of important medical decisions; opponents warned it would remove confidential access to STI treatment, crisis mental health care, and other services for minors in unsafe or abusive homes. Members raised questions about abuse exceptions, emergency care, and how the bill would affect routine treatment and time-sensitive care. The bill was not voted on in the portion provided, and debate continued through multiple rounds of sponsor responses and member comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not from that part of the state.
• Basically I'm part of that rest of the story.
• I was a part of the Corpus Christi. I'm wrong.
• I was a part of that.
• And be a part of us, because they don't want to be in the urban areas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. fired missile as part of Operation Epic fired missile as part of Operation Epic Fury.<00:08
• Part of the and rewards inaction.
• Trump and 91% Trump and 91% of<00:52:44.800> tax<00:52:45.119> filers<00:52:45.920
• And a vote parts of our workforce.
• in parallel as part of that EIS.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been so fortunate to have Bronte and Lisa as part of the Senate team this session, supporting
• We have been so fortunate to have Bronte and Lisa as part of the Senate team this session, supporting
• Senator Lawson: I didn't hear the last part of that at all. Could you try that again, please? Mr.
• not taking part at that point in time.
• Part of why I said it's very vague, right? Every situation is different. I don't...

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature created this board in 2018 as part of the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
• As part of his diversion requirements, he was asked to interview three people about their addiction and
• Hampden—Springfield’s a big part, but there’s a lot that isn’t Springfield.
• And to me, key differences are under parts of our exclusion law, 37H and three quarters, for example,
• And to me, key differences are under parts of our exclusion law, 37H and three quarters, for example,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Juvenile and Emerging Adult Justice held an informational hearing focused on diversion programs and services for high-risk youth, with no bills before the committee and no votes taken. The chair and members emphasized that the session was intended to hear from invited testimony and discuss how to strengthen diversion, reduce court involvement, and improve outcomes for youth. The committee heard first from the Office of the Child Advocate and diversion providers, who described the Massachusetts Youth Diversion Program, its statewide expansion to 10 of 11 court counties, and its reported success rate of about 80% completion without reoffending. Testimony highlighted that diversion keeps youth out of court, connects them more quickly to community-based services, and can address needs such as mental health, education, and substance use. Witnesses also pointed to racial and ethnic disparities in arrests versus summonses, regional variation in diversion access, and the need for clearer statutory authority, more funding, and broader use of pre-arrest diversion. Committee members asked about the difference between arrest and summons, who can initiate diversion, why arrest rates have increased relative to summonses, and how diversion might prevent harmful downstream consequences such as detention or immigration enforcement involvement. Witnesses said police, clerk magistrates, district attorneys, and judges can refer youth to diversion, and argued that local policy, training, and legislative changes could expand use. They also discussed the impact of detention on youth, including stigma, lost school time, and the lack of credit for time served in the juvenile system. Testimony from Citizens for Juvenile Justice focused on prevention, school discipline, and the school-to-prison pipeline, arguing for more restorative practices, better data, and legislation to limit suspensions and expulsions, especially for younger students and nonviolent conduct. They also raised concerns about DCF-involved and foster youth, who are disproportionately represented in the juvenile system. The final panel, the Children's League of Massachusetts and transition-age youth providers, shifted to child welfare and young adult supports. They supported reducing court involvement in child requiring assistance cases, expanding family resource centers, and strengthening services for transition-age youth leaving DCF or DYS custody. Providers described housing instability, homelessness, and the need for education, employment, behavioral health, and supportive housing services for young adults ages 18 to 23. Across the hearing, witnesses consistently argued that early intervention, community-based supports, and diversion are more effective than court processing or detention for most youth, and that the legislature can help through funding, statutory clarity, expanded eligibility, and stronger data collection.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a part of that broader economic slowdown that I've been talking about.
• The most important part is it's got to be attractive.
• I mean, when we're talking about, you know, part of it is how much money we bring in.
• So we talk about corporations not doing their part.
• The next part is $2.841 million. This is phase two of a project that was half funded.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that it could, you know, honestly, that's, again, part of the reason why...
• These teachers, for the most part.
• No, I'm actually not disagreeing with you on parts of this, so I mean it.
• So I think part of the deal is looking into the future: how do we do automation?
• At that time, MISD was an A-rated district with a 91%.

Bills: HB1540, HB3837, HB5571, SB370, SB2425

Keywords: government review, Texas Sunset Act, regulatory oversight, agencies, sunset provisions, autonomous vehicles, regulation, safety, criminal offense, Autonomous Vehicle Commission, registration, regulations, Level 4 automation, Level 5 automation, self-driving technology, traffic laws, permit system, collision reporting, safety standards, Automated Vehicle Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, it's such a great bill I included parts of it in another bill. I filed 1668.
• There was a CDC report in July 2016 to 2017 that showed 91 overdose deaths.
• Many students, and those I am representing today, already work a part-time job.
• The quiet part being, Saying the quiet part out loud, the quiet part being that we're somehow going to
• For the record, we know that minors already are eligible to work part-time.

Summary: The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably. The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• The administration will revise these estimates as part of the May revision.
• , if necessary, student loans. education through part-time work and, if necessary, student loans.
• This is part of our UC debt-free program.
• I believe this can also help facilitate smoother implementation. not only on the part of the Student
• The Cal Grant equity framework and inclusion of part-time and nontraditional students, which comprise

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of um a person seeking uh as as part of um a person seeking uh as part<00:39:37.760> of<00:39
• <00:39:39.359> of part of a road skills test or as part of part of a road skills test or as
• as part of a driver's a excuse me as part of a driver's license<00:39:41.400> examination.
• Um, one piece is couple of parts.
• <01:03:02.000> of stakeholder consultation as part of stakeholder consultation as part of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will close the machine. 91 yeas. The bill finally passes.
• Members, this is part of the Attorney General's legislative package.
• Members, this is part of the Attorney General's legislative package.

Bills: HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, HR217, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR118, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR6, SCR18, HB79, HB165, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB603, HB646, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1099, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1245, HB1246, HB1247, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR19, SCR3, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HCR32, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB225, HB864, HB1166, HB1189, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: renewable energy, job creation, veteran employment, economic development, energy security, asthma, allergy, awareness, healthcare, public health, Louisiana, St. Bernard Parish, special recognition, parish day, state capitol, Louisiana resolution, ceremonial resolution, honorary resolution, community celebration, local heritage

Summary: The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations. The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• with oversight responsibility, those who had prosecutorial authority, those who had a job to be a part
• of not just the American way of doing business, but a part of what our democracy is turned a blind eye
• So in April of this year, federal authorities raided more than 20 locations in Minnesota as part of the
• As part of Brett's story, it hits close to me, for me, I started my own career in Indy at that age in
• I just like to volunteer and be a part of the... ...to volunteer and be a part of the community.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 11, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:17.840> of that's obviously a substantial part of that's obviously a substantial part
• part of our country from the beginning. part of our country from the beginning.
• every community along the southern part every community along the southern part of<01:03:31.920>
• Um, and I've got some problems with parts of it. I have got some problems with parts of it.
• part of our economic picture. part of our economic picture.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• so just for the total amounts for the housing finance agency for the Senate position, that's on line 91
• Uh, this results in total change items for the Housing Finance Agency on line 91 of $76.35 million in

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It was part of the hundreds of bills that went through in the final two days of the first part of the
• <00:23:58.799> of final two days of of the first part of final two days of of the first part
• for the position of the part-time for the position of the part-time administrative<00:50:26.720>
• So, part of it is services. So, part of it is communication.
• monthly um at least for part of it. monthly um at least for part of it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all