Transcript Highlights:

• and clarifies how our state's Clean Energy Transformation Act applies to consumer-owned utilities, port
• builds upon legislation we passed last year, could create, we believe, up to $14 billion in visitor visits
• industry, to make sure that everybody from across the country and across the internationally can come visit

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and clarifies how our state's Clean Energy Transformation Act applies to consumer-owned utilities, port
• builds upon legislation we passed last year, could create, we believe, up to $14 billion in visitor visits
• industry, to make sure that everybody from across the country and across the internationally can come visit

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial activities, approval of the previous day’s journal, and adoption of Senate Resolution 8689 recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Senators spoke in strong support of the resolution, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, self-advocacy, family caregivers, and the principle of “nothing about us without us.” The resolution was adopted, and all members’ names were added as sponsors. The chamber also welcomed student visitors and later recognized individuals with developmental disabilities and caregivers in the gallery. The Senate then confirmed several gubernatorial appointments. Charles G. Knutzen was confirmed to the Workforce Education, Investment, Accountability, and Oversight Board by a 48-0 vote. Noah Scartvet was confirmed to the Gambling Commission by a 43-5 vote, and Kelly K. Foucai was confirmed to the Spokane Colleges Board of Trustees by a 48-0 vote. The Senate also considered and confirmed additional appointments while excusing several members from attendance during parts of the day. The chamber spent much of the meeting concurring in House amendments and passing a series of bills. Among the measures approved were bills dealing with clean energy exemptions for certain backup fossil fuel use, police data and body camera/ALPR distinctions, housing and rental assistance flexibility, creation of a cabinet-level Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs with Senate confirmation, school district interfund transfers under financial oversight, civic engagement and voting services, wildfire-resistant home-hardening materials, and technical corrections to prior tax and revenue legislation. Most of these bills passed with clear majorities, though some drew recorded opposition, including Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035 and Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6113. The Senate also adopted a striking amendment and passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, creating a tourism self-supported assessment program. Supporters said the negotiated proposal would improve fiscal transparency and help fund statewide tourism promotion, while opponents raised concerns about the assessment structure. The bill passed after concurrence in the House amendments and final passage by a 43-5 vote. The Senate then returned to the fourth order of business and stood at ease for lunch and caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a lot of folks that come visit this state. It's like 46 other states.
• We have more people in one month that visit us than they have in their entire state.
• I'm the Port of the Police Benevolence Association chief negotiator.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining met to hear informational presentations on several state employee bargaining units at impasse. The Department of Management Services outlined the status of negotiations for FDLE special agents, correctional/security services, sworn law enforcement officers, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and Florida State Fire Service employees. In each case, most contract articles had been resolved, but key disputes remained over wages and several non-economic provisions such as hours of work, grievance language, safety, grooming, seniority, equipment, travel, and on-call pay. DMS emphasized that the state had offered competitive pay increases, special pay, recruitment/retention funds in some units, and that insurance costs would remain unchanged for employees. Representatives for the Florida State Fire Service Association argued that the state was requiring firefighters to perform work far outside their job descriptions, including major construction and renovation, and that wildland firefighters were being undercompensated for long hours, on-call duty, and callback work. They also pressed for higher wages, an incentive-based pay plan, additional compensation for firefighter-EMTs, more protective clothing, and stronger decontamination and cancer-prevention measures. The Police Benevolent Association’s Florida Highway Patrol unit sought a larger career development plan, veteran stipends, broader grooming/tattoo allowances, improved vehicle safety, and more pay, while the law enforcement unit raised concerns about vehicle safety, performance evaluation quotas, and a $7,000 across-the-board raise. The security services unit representing correctional officers, probation officers, and ISS officers focused on a substantial wage increase, retention pay, special pay for death row and close management assignments, and overtime treatment for lieutenants and captains. Committee members asked only a few clarifying questions, including whether correctional officers receive overtime, which DMS confirmed they do. No votes were taken and no formal action was scheduled; the meeting was expressly for information only. The committee thanked the presenters, noted that the materials and testimony would be taken under advisement, and adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• notice of who the licensor for the site would be and therefore when they would come for their first visit
• If you go out and visit an eCAP program, you will be truly impressed at the level of attention that they
• given day, mostly my grandparents, I would travel the state with my father while he worked on the ports

Bills: HB2099, HB2317, HB2318, HB2350

Keywords: military families, early childhood education, access, assistance program, education equity, HB2317, early learning, child care licensing, day care, preschool, Head Start, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Washington State, RCW 43.216, child care center, family home provider, family child care, outdoor nature-based child care, school-age child care

Transcript Highlights:

• is really moving forward in our recreation program and increasing opportunities for the public to visit
• similar to Ormond House, as well as protect, protecting and serving archaeological sites within State Ports
• Maze W Maser visited by more more than 1.4 million times during fiscal year 2024, this does provide an

Transcript Highlights:

• In the East Gallery, we have two young ladies visiting with us this morning.
• Eighty-two percent of ER visits by children take place in general hospitals.
• Committee Substitute for House Bill 4105, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Port St.
• Joe Port Authority, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty counties.
• Joe Port Authority, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty counties.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate measures before final passage. The first major bill, health care patient protection, required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, a pediatric emergency care coordinator, and readiness assessments; it passed 36-0. A public records bill protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim also passed after questions about access for victims of police misconduct, with a 33-4 vote. The Senate next approved a local government cybersecurity bill creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help counties and cities strengthen cyber defenses, with priority for rural and fiscally constrained governments; after amendments, it passed 37-0. A clerks of court bill allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and, through a House amendment, revising legal notice and traffic citation distribution provisions, passed 38-0 despite debate over impacts on municipalities and law enforcement. The chamber also passed a trademark modernization bill and a septic system permit bill intended to reduce delays for builders; the septic bill was amended to align the House and Senate versions and passed 38-0. The longest and most contested item was the elections bill, which updated citizenship verification procedures using REAL ID and state databases, changed candidate qualification rules, and altered election administration provisions. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to exempt certain seniors, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, allow attestations in place of documentary proof of citizenship, and require human review over automated systems. One amendment to delay implementation until July 1, 2027, was also debated. The transcript ends while debate is still underway on the elections measure, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• China builds high-speed rail, airports, and ports at warp speed while we tread water.
• port on the the Oregon coast that is perfect to establish more ability to move freight.
• Canada's adding port capacity.
• Yesterday, on the building out of the Port of Alaska, Port of Anchorage we call it, we're getting federal
• In the mega program, $283 million for the Port of Long Beach.

Keywords: surface transportation, infrastructure reauthorization, bipartisan collaboration, safety, federal programs, funding challenges, bureaucracy, transportation needs, critical projects, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Discussions centered around key principles aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the transportation network, reforming federal programs for efficiency, and addressing the diverse transportation needs across various states. Members emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and ensure timely funding for critical infrastructure projects. There were also notable conversations about specific projects and funding challenges, reflecting the urgency for action and commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, and it is also the port.
• The port itself also brings on a lot of the business litigation as well. Yep. Thank you. Thank you.
• possibly have been heard in federal court cases, such as maritime matters when the ships dock at the port
• Such as maritime matters when the ships dock at the Port of Orleans, and then they do have the option
• It means that proceedings affecting custody, visitation, safety, and fundamental parental rights are

Bills: HCR11, HB153, HB278, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB687, HB816, HB833, HB942, HB1053, HB1097, HB1147, HB1148, HB1190, SB75, SB85, SB197, SB200, SB217

Keywords: Camp Beauregard, Louisiana National Guard, Youth Challenge Program, military affairs, Pineville, National Guard training, emergency response, youth development, alternative education, high school equivalency, GED, at-risk youth, leadership training, job skills, citizenship, veterans, state military operations, mobilization, logistics staging area, public service

Summary: The committee first adopted a three-minute rule for the rest of the meeting by a 9-3 vote. It then took up SB 217, which would reorganize Orleans Parish courts by reducing judgeships in criminal, juvenile, traffic, and municipal courts and, through an adopted amendment, creating one civil district court with 13 judges and allowing hearing officers. Senator Morris argued the changes were based on caseload comparisons and population data; opponents from the Urban League and ACLU said the bill was driven by power rather than efficiency, relied on incomplete or inconsistent data, would strain the courts, and would reduce minority representation on the bench. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended by an 11-4 vote. The committee next considered SB 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal by two. Senator Morris again cited filings and caseload comparisons, while opponents argued the bill ignored the intensity and complexity of appellate work, could increase backlog and costs, and would disproportionately affect Black women judges. The bill was reported favorably by an 11-4 vote. The committee also adopted HCR 11, expressing support for the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard and the Youth Challenge Program, and reported favorably SB 85, creating an insurance fund for retired St. Charles Parish sheriff’s employees. Several other measures were advanced with little or no opposition. HB 833 created the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force and was amended to add representatives from the coroners’ association, a survivor appointed by STAR, and a licensed clinical social worker; it was reported favorably. HB 816, with a technical correction, prohibited foreign adversaries from acquiring property near military installations and was reported favorably. HB 1053, dealing with definitions for dealers and retail dealers and allowing certain businesses to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages under agreed-upon floor amendments, was reported favorably. HB 153, as amended, removed the Office of Debt Recovery from the bill and limited it to prohibiting reporting certain criminal fines and fees to credit bureaus; it was reported favorably. SB 75, on cybersecurity reimbursement and baseline standards for local governments after cyber incidents, was reported favorably after testimony from GOSEP and others. SB 200, allowing expropriation of land near military bases owned by foreign adversaries when a court finds a threat to public health and safety, was also reported favorably after extensive testimony and discussion. Finally, HB 454, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act on chain of custody for human remains and internal organs, was converted into a substitute bill, adopted, and then introduced for further discussion, with the sponsor describing it as a transparency and accountability measure for grieving families.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the first port of its kind in the country.
• parking as well as charging and maintenance hangar capabilities with the completion of both Craver ports
• Florida will with the completion of both Craver ports.
• port is very close, close resemblance to lead, but we need to account for so we look at land zoning,
• I think that will believe it when the approval of the commission includes a a top surface ver to port

Transcript Highlights:

• Start with visiting members and allow them to lay their bills out.
• If you did not get a chance to register and you're visiting today, you can see our committee staff to
• Finally, there's an over. flow hearing room for those visiting if we proceed through the hearing and
• Port SB 1396. Thank you, Senator Bob Hall, for this bill. Thank you senators for hearing me today.

Bills: SB207, SB611, SB920, SB1174, SB1207, SB1325, SB1396, SB1551, SB1619

Keywords: SB 207, Texas Education Code, public school attendance, excused absence, mental health appointment, mental health care, behavioral health, school district, student absenteeism, same-day return, health care professionals, physician certification, religious holy days, court appearance, DFPS, foster care, education policy, student wellness, school mental health, attendance policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Port And Senator Port votes yes. Senator Port votes<00:59:35.040><c> yes.
• Senator Port votes aye. And votes yes. Senator Port votes aye.
• Senator Port votes aye. Senator Port Senator Port votes aye.
• Senator Port Senator Port votes no. Senator Port votes<02:55:52.040><c> no.
• Senator Port votes no. Senator votes no. Senator Port votes no.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of this bill is to clarify that the port of this bill is to clarify that um<01:45:53.360><c> I</c><01
• Remain the critical today our ports Remain the critical Gateway<02:06:04.400><c> for</c><02:06:04.599
• </c> Harbors running do workers Port Harbors running do workers Port operators<02:06:16.280><c> ship<
• workers this designation today's Port workers this designation also<02:07:13.840><c> serves</c><02:07
• to experience and enjoy a future visit to experience and enjoy these<03:05:13.120><c> improvements</

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Port introduced herself as co-chair, Senator Lindsey Port, representing District 55, Burnsville
• Thank you, Chair Port.
• Thank you, Chair Port.
• </c> thank you uh thank you uh Senator Port thank you uh thank you uh Senator Port commissioner<01:25
• </c> November commissioner uh chair Port November commissioner uh chair Port Senator<01:38:28.880><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Port, why consideration.
• Um, I will uh behalf of Senator Port.
• </c><02:27:22.160><c> can</c> about this so that Senator Port can about this so that Senator Port can
• </c> over till we consult with Senator Port over till we consult with Senator Port or<02:31:51.120><c
• </c> it more with Senator Port? it more with Senator Port? &gt;&gt; Senator<02:33:52.240><c> Balden.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will allow for more proactive and unannounced site visits, in addition to the extensive work that
• One, we are expanding the electronic visit verification to the following services: arms, peer support
• 41.280><c> electronic</c> One, we are expanding the electronic One, we are expanding the electronic visit
• to</c><01:11:44.000><c> um</c><01:11:44.120><c> the</c><01:11:44.240><c> following</c> Electronic visit
• </c> by Senator Port. by Senator Port.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the East Gallery, we have two young ladies visiting with us this morning.
• to that emergency room, the emergency room is ready and able to take care of that child. 82% of ER visits
• Committee Substitute for House Bill 4105, a bill to be entitled, an act relating to Port St.
• Joe Port Authority, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty counties.
• Committee Substitute for House Bill 4105, a bill to be entitled, an act relating to Port St.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and featured a series of member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, a newly awarded PhD, and the day’s doctor. The chamber also adopted a Senate resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. After routine business, the Senate moved to special order bills. The first measures taken up were CS/SB 68 on health care patient protection, which required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, readiness assessments, and a designated pediatric coordinator; it passed 36-0. CS/SB 350 on public records, protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the names of law enforcement officers who are victims in the line of duty, passed 33-4 after questions about access for victims’ attorneys. CS/SB 576 on local government cybersecurity established a state-administered cybersecurity protection program for local governments, prioritized rural and fiscally constrained communities, and was amended before passing 37-0. CS/SB 532 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and incorporating related provisions on legal notices, traffic citation distributions, and municipal fee splits, passed 38-0. CS/SB 696 on trademark registration modernized the filing system and passed 38-0. CS/SB 698 on septic system permits, addressing permit delays and aligning House and Senate language on liability if construction begins early, also passed 38-0. The longest debate centered on CS/SB 1334 / CS/HB 991 on elections and election integrity. The bill would use REAL ID data to verify citizenship for voter registration and list maintenance, revise candidate-qualification rules, change acceptable voter IDs, add citizenship markers to driver licenses and ID cards by July 1, 2027, and make other election-administration changes. Multiple amendments were offered and defeated, including proposals to allow attestations in lieu of documentation, exempt seniors, require human review over automated systems, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, and delay implementation to July 1, 2027. One amendment was adopted to retain a stock-trading disclosure for candidates. The chamber then continued debate on the underlying bill, with supporters citing state reports of non-citizen registrations/voting and opponents warning of disenfranchisement for students, seniors, and others who may lack the required documents.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the East Gallery, we have two young ladies visiting with us this morning.
• Eighty-two percent of ER visits by children take place in general hospitals.
• Committee substitute for House Bill 4105, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the Port St.
• Joe Port Authority, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty counties.
• Joe Port Authority, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, and Liberty counties.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Owen to request the Louisiana State Law Institute to study the Supreme Court decision in Placom and Port
• To request the Louisiana State Law Institute to study the Supreme Court decision in Placom and Port Harbor
• House Bill 1081 by Representative Wright, relative to the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission
• So you're welcome to move around the chamber and visit with your friends for now.
• And visit with your friends for now. Speaker, approach him in the chair. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: HR192, HR193, HR194, HCR80, HCR81, HCR82, HCR83, HCR84, HCR85, HR188, HR189, HR190, HR191, SB134, SB140, SB281, SB331, SB384, SB389, SB415, SB451, SB458, SB479, SB504, SB523, HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, SCR19, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB646, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1186, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1222, HB1244, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, HB225, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HCR32, HB362, HB893, HB990, HB1007, HB1153, HB1243, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB745, HB749, HB752, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, SB162, SB349, SB350, SB382, SB383, SB127, SB244, SB256, HB911, HB306, HB366, HB1161, HB1230, HB59, HB481, HB772, HB897, HB1003, HB1008, HB1112, HB1180, HB1189, HB181, HB1118, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB525, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB864, HB996, HB1035, HB1058, HB1082, HB1113, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: ACOG, maternal health, healthcare professionals, patient-physician relationship, obstetrics, gynecology, condolences, military service, veteran, community, memorial, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, property rights, carbon dioxide sequestration, expropriation, Landowner Bill of Rights

Transcript Highlights:

• So just a reminder, golden mussel was first detected at the Port of Stockton in October of 2024.
• The Delta is a critical lifeline, not only for boating and ports and recreation, but also for agriculture
• The Delta is a critical lifeline, not only for boating and ports and recreation, but also for agriculture
• However, We have tens of millions of visitors that come to the Sierra Cascade every year to visit places
• people that live there, we're also looking at reducing wildfire risk to those folks that are coming to visit

Summary: The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request. Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals. Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression. The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.

Transcript Highlights:

• who live in other parishes that like to work in Orleans, or they like to come and eat and drink and visit
• And going back to Jones cases, those are traditionally in federal court, but because of the port in New
• And going back to Jones cases, those are traditionally in federal court, but because of the port, in
• the port of New Orleans and where the ships dock, some of those injured men and women choose to have
• There are supposed to be additional studies done for reductions like case analysis and site visits.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 911 by Rep. McMakin, which proposes a major restructuring of Orleans Parish courts into a single judicial district with one clerk of court and a consolidated system, while keeping current judges in place through the end of the year and allowing them to run in scheduled elections. The committee first adopted a three-minute debate rule, then later rejected a motion to suspend it. The bill was then amended with a large set of mostly technical changes, and the amendments were adopted without objection. Supporters argued the bill would modernize Orleans’ court structure, reduce duplication, and align Orleans with other judicial districts. They cited Supreme Court data, prior studies, declining population and caseloads, and the state’s direct funding of Orleans criminal court as reasons to consolidate and reduce judgeships. Opponents, including local legislators and attorneys, said Orleans is not comparable to other parishes because of complex litigation, multiple-defendant criminal cases, jury-trial volume, tourism-related cases, and the need for specialized dockets. They also criticized the process as rushed and said local judges, legislators, and practitioners were not adequately involved. Testimony from ACLU and defense-side witnesses emphasized that case counts are not uniform across parishes and that Orleans has a high number of jury trials and a large workload per judge. They warned that eliminating judgeships could increase delays and create transition costs, while supporters countered that other districts manage similar or heavier work with fewer judges. White-card witnesses from Orleans Civil District Court, including Judge Kernan Reese, Judge Sidney Cates, and Clerk Chelsea Richard Napoleon, testified that Orleans handles complex and time-sensitive matters, that the clerk’s office relies on self-generated funds, and that the bill’s funding and office references contain inaccuracies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.