Transcript Highlights:

• If you dig too deeply, the people with disabilities and the elderly could actually die.
• affecting something called disproportionate share, which is where assisted living, they take a lot of elderly
• ><00:09:03.920><c> of</c> assisted living, they take a lot of assisted living, they take a lot of elderly
• 00:09:05.839><c> We</c><00:09:06.000><c> give</c><00:09:06.160><c> them</c><00:09:06.240><c> a</c> elderly
• We give them a elderly waiver people in.

Transcript Highlights:

• We represented an elderly homeowner who was assessed a hefty sum for alleged damage she caused to her
• 00:05:21.039><c> We</c><00:05:21.280><c> represented</c><00:05:21.840><c> an</c><00:05:22.160><c> elderly
• We represented an elderly homeowner aid.
• We represented an elderly homeowner who<00:05:23.759><c> was</c><00:05:24.080><c> assessed</c><00:05:
• My name is Kenan Ravity, and I chair government affairs for the Minnesota Mortgage Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we have an elderly resident, mow a lawn, shovel snow, maybe come in the house and move something along
• Someone to mow along if we have an elderly resident mow along, shovel snow, maybe come in the house and
• We're not looking at people volunteer to take care of elderly folks or, respectfully, if someone in my
• Elderly community members were... ...or to do all of the above at our own discretion.
• state must act now to get ahead of this issue, as we all know home care services are growing, our elderly

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence held a hearing on several bills, led by Chair Tom Stanley and Senate Chair Patricia Jehlen. The committee first heard testimony on H. 765/S. 487, an act relative to councils on aging, which would update outdated statutory language and allow directors of councils on aging to make staffing decisions when a council is structured as an advisory body. Representative Donahue and Betsy Connell of the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging said the change reflects how most councils now operate and would resolve conflicts like the one that arose in Sherborn. Members asked about whether the bill would affect town managers, volunteer roles, and whether the language should more clearly exempt informal volunteer help; supporters said the bill is aimed at municipal staffing structures, not unpaid volunteer assistance. The committee then took extensive testimony on H. 789/S. 470, an act to improve Massachusetts home care, which would create a statewide licensure system for non-medical home care agencies and entities. Julie Watt, Jay Krillovich, Betsy Krimmins, Lisa Gargoni, Tim Foley, and several providers and advocates supported the bill, arguing that licensure would establish baseline standards for background checks, training, service plans, insurance, complaint procedures, and labor-law compliance, while helping consumers identify legitimate providers and reducing fraud and abuse. Several witnesses described problems with unlicensed or poorly supervised providers, and family members and dementia advocates emphasized the need for dementia-specific training and better oversight for vulnerable clients. Tim Foley also raised concerns about private equity’s growing role in home care and said stronger regulation is needed to protect consumers and workers. Committee members focused on practical questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach informal paid helpers, volunteers, or people doing occasional household tasks, and what agency would enforce the rules. Supporters said the bill is intended to cover entities advertising home care services, not unpaid volunteer help, though they acknowledged regulators would need to work out details. John Sneeth of Tribute Home Care offered a more cautious view, saying licensure should not unduly burden smaller providers or reduce competition, and that enforcement would be key. The hearing also included testimony from the Alzheimer’s Association and family caregivers, who strongly supported the bill’s dementia-training provisions and described how trained caregivers improved safety and quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. At the end of the hearing, the committee also heard support for H. 778/S. 473, regarding the Commission on LGBTQ Aging, with Lisa Krinsky urging funding for a full-time director and continued support for the commission’s strategic plan. After public testimony concluded, the committee adjourned the hearing by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee substitute for Senate Bill 474, a bill to be entitled an act relating to military affairs.
• Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of the Florida law relating to the Department of Military Affairs.
• Senate Bill 474 revises provisions of Florida law relating to the Department of Military Affairs.
• Committee substitute for Senate Bill 474, a bill to be entitled an act relating to military affairs.
• Committee substitute for Senate Bill 50, a bill to be entitled an act relating to Veterans Affairs.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no weekend conference. The chamber then took up a long special-order calendar of bills, generally moving each measure through third reading and final passage, often by substituting House companion bills. Early measures included trust law modernization (SB 786/HB 895), military affairs changes and Guard retirement corrections (SB 474), rounding rules for cash transactions as pennies phase out (SB 1074), podiatric medicine regulation and informed-consent requirements (SB 1092), veterans court expansion (SB 50/HB 199), RV park special assessment clarification (SB 118), concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile offenses on military installations (SB 502/HB 351), alcoholic beverage loss deductions (SB 678/HB 1137), and bail bond/pretrial release revisions (SB 600). Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously; SB 600 passed 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and an amendment aligning with the House version and prosecutors’ concerns. The Senate also considered bills on portable electronics and eyewear insurance (SB 772), the linking industry to nursing education fund and health science workforce programs (SB 1246), recovery residences and behavioral health licensing (SB 1030, with a technical amendment on background checks and probationary licenses), felony battery enhancements for repeat offenders and offenses against law enforcement (SB 436), and child welfare changes including foster-home visitor screening, a permanent statewide Step Into Success program, and a best-practices repository (SB 1718). These measures were explained by sponsors as efforts to streamline regulation, improve workforce and health-care training, strengthen public safety, and reduce administrative burdens while preserving safeguards. Votes on these bills were overwhelmingly favorable, with final tallies typically 36-0 or 37-0. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell tribute to Senator Lori Berman. Members from both parties praised her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, and family law. Berman delivered a lengthy farewell reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her caucus leadership, and the importance of dignity, respect, and public service. The Senate adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and then recessed before returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but you know, if an elderly person says, "Hey, you know what? I need some more help.
• You know, if my elderly mother falls at home and I can bring her to the hospital myself, which is 10
• Graves continued: An elderly person says, "Hey, you know what? I need some more help.
• </c><01:46:38.560><c> people</c> of income for people for elderly people of income for people for elderly
• I'm Jack Rutderman, legislative affairs advisor with New Hampshire Housing.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 23 will increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from
• This will bring the total for elderly and disabled homeowners to a whopping 200,000 exemption.
• Senate Bill 23 will provide elderly and disabled property owners with an additional $554 in savings,
• chapters and the nonprofits they partner with when we're doing those kinds of projects to assist the elderly

Bills: SB23 , SJR85 , SB 23

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• PACE is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.
• Morty Ryle, Director of Legislative Affairs, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
• I'm the Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Government Affairs for the Treasurer of State.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large slate of agency rules and reports. Early agenda items included filing reports from ALC subcommittees and approving quarterly administrative directives, with no new directives from Corrections or the Post-Prison Transfer Board. The committee also noted that RDOT utility accommodations rules and one solid waste district rule had been pulled at the agencies’ request. Most agency rules were reviewed and approved without objection, including rules from the Department of Transportation on oversized/overweight vehicle permits and automatic license plate readers, the Insurance Department on vision plan coverage, the Department of Education on course choice, restroom access for athletic personnel, and school district consolidation/detachment, and several Department of Health and DHS rules covering controlled substances, acupuncture, physician assistant delegation, personal care, Medicaid eligibility, continuous glucose monitors, maternal health services, PACE, EVV, substance use disorder treatment, and hospital reimbursement. The committee also approved rules from Labor and Licensing, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Shared Administrative Services, the 529 Plan Review Committee, and the Treasurer’s Office, and it voted to continue the Office of Early Childhood’s rules and to accept outstanding rulemaking responses from several agencies. Two items drew notable discussion. The committee held the DHS hospital reimbursement rule for further review after concerns were raised about whether acute hospitals, especially Children’s Hospital, could legally and economically provide the newly reimbursable lower level of care; the committee first voted to hold it, then expunged that vote and instead held the item until the next day’s full ALC meeting for further discussion. The committee also denied the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board rule after a motion that it did not match legislative intent, with concerns focused on proof of insurance and vague language about future financial responsibility. All other reviewed rules were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a patient who's elderly and has had four surgeries in two years on their hip and femur.
• My name is Lonnie Riley, Vice President of Industry Affairs at the American Telemedicine Association
• My name is Lonnie Riley, Vice President of Industry Affairs at the American Telemedicine Association

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the manager of Government Affairs at GoNetSpeed.
• living on a tight budget trying to access the resources they need to write their final paper, or the elderly
• I serve as Senior Director of Strategy, Policy, and Government Affairs.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs. Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We enjoy being out, not only teaching to our students, but not teaching to our elderly and to our constituency
• I’m the comms director at the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.
• Civic education is a huge thing that I’m the comms director at the Public Affairs Research Council of

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• We enjoy being out, not only teaching to our students, but not teaching to our elderly and to our constituency
• I'm the comms director at the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.
• Civic education is a huge thing that I'm the comms director at the Public Affairs Research Council of

Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with a quorum, approved the minutes from its prior meeting, and unanimously approved the 2026–27 membership slate for the Legislative Youth Advisory Council after hearing that more than 300 students applied. The commission also approved LIAC’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, which were updated to reflect the IRS rate increase. Members thanked the Legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years of sponsor-based support. The meeting featured several civic education presentations tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Brandon Burris of the Lieutenant Governor’s office described state parks, museums, library backpack programs, Keep Louisiana Beautiful, and Homework Louisiana as civic and educational resources. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national trends in civics education, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and a PBS Learning Media series on Bernardo de Gálvez and Spanish Louisiana, along with teacher training events. LIAC members John Parker and Brandon Routon reported on their work over the year, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment of minors, and school advisory councils. The Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported on Law Day and Constitution Day programming reaching thousands of students, its summer institute, student and teacher awards, and a proclamation marking the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Barry Irwin also reported that legislation to clean up the commission’s membership and quorum provisions had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education. The commission adjourned after thanking staff for managing the meeting during severe weather.

Transcript Highlights:

• But who hasn't knocked on a door and someone has come up in their nightgown, or an elderly man in his
• will read the first Tier 1 nomination: Sharon Shell Millington as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs
• consent to the nomination of Sharon Shell Millington of Edmond as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs

Bills: HB1168

Summary: The Senate first came to order after repeated quorum calls, then devoted a long portion of the meeting to farewell remarks for Senator Darcy Jech. Jech reflected on his 12 years in the chamber, his rural district, campaign experiences, major events during his tenure, and the importance of relationships, compromise, and service. Numerous senators followed with personal tributes, praising his steadiness, humility, faith, work on devotions and the Rural Caucus, and his reputation as a thoughtful, respectful colleague and family man. After the farewell segment, the Senate moved to executive nominations. The chamber unanimously confirmed Sharon Shell Millington as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, Clayton Bullard as Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health, and Clayton Bullard as administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The Senate then approved a slate of Tier 2 nominations, including appointments to the Home Inspector Examiners Committee, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology board, the State Fire Marshal Commission, the State Board of Health, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, the Forensic Review Board, the Oklahoma State Credit Union, the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, the Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Industry Committee, and the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. No debate or opposition was recorded on the nominations, and the votes were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor. After announcements, the Senate agreed to recess and then adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• recurring for personal care providers for the folks who go into homes and care for folks who are elderly
• Page 201, the Indian Affairs Department.
• Of the money from Indian Affairs to higher ed, and then there's also a special call out.

Bills: HB2 , SB152

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as power of attorney for a parent who is unable to live independently or manage their affairs
• Vanessa Cahina with KP Public Affairs, on behalf of CalPACE, the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the
• Elderly.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several non-appearing gubernatorial appointees and procedural items on unanimous 5-0 votes, including Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board, references of bills to committees, and floor acknowledgements. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access and equity, continuing CalAIM and behavioral health transformation, and drawing on personal experience with family members needing care. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, eligibility redeterminations, fraud oversight, provider reimbursement, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the impact of federal changes; Sadwith said the department is working on expedited payments, monitoring distressed hospitals, county technical assistance, and strategies to reduce disenrollments and improve program integrity. Public commenters from county, hospital, and care organizations supported his confirmation, and the committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate on a 5-0 vote. The committee next considered Chris Thayer, PhD, for Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, scientifically rigorous health assessments and supporting tools such as Prop 65, CalEnviroScreen, and risk communication. Senators pressed him on the use of models versus real-world data, fenceline monitoring, PFAS, wildfire health impacts, and whether OEHHA’s work adequately reflects lived experience and local conditions. Thayer responded that the office often must rely on the best available evidence, including animal, human, and alternative methods, while continuing to improve communication and community engagement; he also discussed EnviroScreen updates, Prop 65 warning reforms, and research gaps. Public testimony in support highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role and the importance of biomonitoring and PFAS work. The committee approved Thayer’s nomination to the full Senate on a 3-1 vote, with Senator Grove voting no and Senator Jones not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as power of attorney for a parent who is unable to live independently or manage their affairs
• Vanessa Cahina with KP Public Affairs, on behalf of CalPACE, the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the
• Elderly.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointees and routine committee actions. Members approved, by unanimous 5-0 votes, three not-required-to-appear appointments: Hampus Eitsiter to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Dean White to the State Mining and Geology Board. The committee also approved references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgements, each by 5-0 vote. The committee then heard testimony on Tyler Sadwith’s appointment as Chief Deputy Director of Healthcare Programs at the Department of Health Care Services. Sadwith emphasized protecting Medi-Cal access for 14 million Californians, navigating federal changes, and continuing CalAIM and behavioral health reforms. Senators focused heavily on hospital financial distress, rural access, Medi-Cal redeterminations, work requirements, provider reimbursement, fraud oversight, dental access, labor and delivery closures, and the effectiveness of CalAIM and community supports. Public commenters from county, hospital, and provider groups largely supported the nomination, citing his experience and collaborative approach. The committee voted 5-0 to send his appointment to the full Senate. The committee also considered Chris Thayer’s appointment as director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Thayer described OEHHA’s role as providing transparent, science-based health assessments, improving risk communication, and supporting tools such as CalEnviroScreen and Prop 65 guidance. Senators raised concerns about reliance on models versus real-world data, PFAS, environmental justice, wildfire and battery-fire impacts, and whether CalEnviroScreen and Prop 65 are working as intended. Public testimony from environmental and health organizations supported the nomination and highlighted OEHHA’s scientific role. The committee approved Thayer’s appointment 3-1, with one senator not voting, and forwarded it to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• What used to be long-term care for elderly individuals placed in a more institutionalized setting...
• Some could, but a lot of people, especially that they're elderly and they have...
• Some could, but a lot of people, especially if they're elderly and they have elderly spouses, aren't
• not necessarily the right type of person for that setting that exists where you typically see your elderly

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Marty Wright, CEO of the West Virginia Healthcare Association, on the state’s long-term care system. He described the continuum from home care to assisted living to skilled nursing facilities, emphasizing that these settings increasingly serve short-term rehab-to-home patients as well as older adults needing round-the-clock care. He also outlined the number of facilities in West Virginia, the predominance of Medicaid as the payer for long-term nursing home care, the private-pay nature of assisted living, and the role of OFAC/CMS in regulation. A major focus of the presentation was workforce shortages and turnover, especially for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, along with declining interest in nursing careers and the impact of regulatory burden and burnout. Wright said the system is also struggling to serve younger patients with substance use disorder, mental illness, or other behavioral needs, who are often not well suited for traditional nursing home placement but have limited alternatives. Senators raised concerns about where such patients are being housed, the long-term effects of opioid and behavioral health issues, and the gap between school-age special needs populations and adult care needs. Wright said Medicaid can cover long-term nursing home care for those who meet financial and medical eligibility requirements, but affordability and spend-down requirements remain major barriers. He also warned that Medicare Advantage can create confusion and shorter covered stays for rehab patients, and he urged early planning around long-term care insurance and estate planning. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that would be really helpful for our elderly population. Thank you, Chair.
• Um, that would be really helpful for our elderly population. Thank you, Chair.
• Um, that would be really helpful for our elderly population. Thank you, Chair.
• Um, that would be really helpful for our elderly population. Thank you, Chair.
• Um, that would be really helpful for our elderly population. Thank you, Chair.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on State Affairs will come to order. Will the clerk call the roll?
• I'm the Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and we are against
• Charlie Ginn, Vice President of TTLA Legislative Affairs.
• In a situation where, let's say, there is an elderly couple and one is incapacitated but the other is
• who keep us all running, and our excellent committee staff, in particular, the Committee on State Affairs

Bills: HB223

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this project will help our veterans in crisis by obtaining federal Veterans Affairs benefits
• National Association of Veterans has presented over 50,000 claims to the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs
• By Judiciary Committee, State Affairs Committee, Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Representative Oliver
• By Judiciary Committee, State Affairs Committee, Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Representative Oliver
• This bill also protects some of our most vulnerable citizens: our elderly, widows, veterans, people with

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum confirmed, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for retired fire captain Bill Guston and a welcome for guests in the galleries. The Speaker then outlined the House’s budget approach, saying the proposed General Appropriations Act would be lower than both the governor’s proposal and last year’s budget, and announced plans to seek a permanent 0.75% reduction in the state sales tax. The chamber also received the governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001 and began considering motions to restore several vetoed appropriations. Members unanimously reinstated funding for the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, the Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1 project, the automated staffing/time management system for the Department of Corrections, and the Baldwin sanitary sewer and water main replacement project. The House also adopted special order and GAA amendment-procedure reports. On the special order calendar, the chamber passed HB 289 on boating safety (“Lucy’s Law”), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process, all by wide margins. The most debated measure was HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “free kill” law limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-sought justice measure for families who lost adult children and were barred from suing, while opponents argued it was needed to provide accountability and fairness. The bill passed 104-6. The House then took up HB 759, which would lower the minimum age to purchase or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. An amendment to keep the age at 21 was defeated, and debate featured strong arguments on both sides about constitutional rights, public safety, Parkland, military service, and data on youth violence; the transcript ends during continued debate on the bill, before final passage is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the real cost drivers in Medicaid are for the elderly and people with disabilities.
• contingency language that programmatic operations would be transferred to the Department of Cultural Affairs
• Contingent upon enabling the legislation allowing that to be done, as the Department of Cultural Affairs
• that are needed for the actual programming would have the authority to transfer that to the Cultural Affairs
• You'd need legislation to authorize Cultural Affairs to do that kind of programming.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance