Transcript Highlights:

• So, sir, as executive branch officials, the public official standing doctrine prohibits us from challenging
• The executive branch officials, the public official standing doctrine, prohibits us from challenging
• officials, the legislators.
• Why vote if the elected officials in Tallahassee will just redistrict your county when the election gets
• You are their elected officials. They chose you to represent them. Please do not let them down.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and heard a Governor’s Office presentation on a proposed congressional reapportionment map. The governor’s counsel argued that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is legally permissible, that race should not be considered at all in drawing districts, and that the Florida Fair Districts provisions are inconsistent with federal equal protection law and should be treated as non-severable. The presentation also discussed the pending U.S. Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais and the Florida Supreme Court’s Black Voters Matter decision as part of the legal rationale for the map. Jason Parada, who said he drew the map alone, described the map as based on 2020 census block data, with county-level population estimates used only as a guide to identify faster-growing areas. He said the plan keeps 48 counties and 382 municipalities whole, has compactness scores similar to the current benchmark map, and uses traditional geographic and political boundaries such as roads, railways, county lines, and municipal lines. He walked through regional changes, emphasizing a race-neutral redesign that significantly altered South Florida, including changes to districts in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and the Everglades, while leaving several northern districts largely unchanged. Members questioned the witnesses extensively about the legal theory, the use of partisan data, the role of race, population growth, and the timing and review of the map. The witnesses said partisan data was considered along with other traditional redistricting criteria, but race was not used. They also said they could not speak to who else reviewed the map beyond EOG staff and counsel. Several senators raised concerns about the map’s compactness, county and city splits, the apparent partisan effects, and the fact that the map was released shortly before the special session. No vote or final action on the map was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you now is Second Substitute House Bill 2333 relating to protecting elected officials and candidates
• This bill would generally enable a candidate or elected official to be directly reimbursed from either
• official.
• Second, it would allow elected officials and persons residing with elected officials to apply to the
• Secretary of State's address confidentiality program based on their status as an elected official.

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• I have always wanted to do that, so we're starting on a good note for this Elections Committee meeting
• An act to amend the Election Law in relation to enacting the Democracy Preservation Act.
• in relation to mandatory training curriculum for election commissioners and key staff of boards of elections
• Thank you. ...of elections. Any questions or comments on the bill?
• Penal Law, and the Executive Law in relation to the New York Election Officer Protection.

Committee: Senate Elections

Summary: The Elections Committee met on January 12 at 3:48 p.m. with Chair Kristen Gonzalez presiding and a quorum present. Seven bills were on the agenda, and the committee moved through them quickly, generally with motions, seconds, and voice votes. Most bills were reported to the Rules Committee, with some members voting no or no recommendation on certain measures. The committee advanced S.324, the Democracy Preservation Act; S.568, establishing portable polling locations for early voting, which Senator Walczyk questioned because the Assembly has not advanced a companion bill; S.1035, requiring mandatory training for election commissioners and key staff, which Senator Borrello opposed as an unfunded mandate and staffing burden for counties; S.10306, allowing voter registration at any residence with which a voter maintains a continuous connection and intent to remain; and S.1085, prohibiting voter suppression, with Senator May noting it addressed conduct she said occurred in the 2006 elections and had been introduced years earlier by Senator Cousins. The committee also reported S.8604, moving the presidential primary to the first Tuesday in March, and S.8646A, a new bill sponsored by Chair Gonzalez on New York Election Officer Protection. Gonzalez said S.8646A had been developed recently with advocates, including the Brennan Center for Justice, and amended to align more closely with a model Peace Act. After the final bill was approved, the chair thanked members for a quick and productive meeting and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• local governments to submit updated lists of elected and appointed officials to the Secretary of State
• within 90 days after each general election.
• The California roster is the only statewide public directory of elected and appointed officials in city
• The California roster is the only statewide public directory of elected and appointed officials in city
• Those are the workers that have put us here today and that have encouraged our elected officials to act

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, observed a moment of silence for John Burton, and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural motions. Members approved a rule suspension to allow floor amendments on SB 271 and SB 67, and several committee notices and bill referrals were handled. The chamber then moved through a long third-reading file, with many bills passed and a number of items temporarily passed or retained on file. Among the major measures approved were bills on civil rights and public safety (SB 477, SB 19, SB 36, SB 571, SB 580), health care and coverage (SB 257 on pregnancy as a qualifying life event, SB 530 on Medi-Cal access standards, SB 660 on health data exchange, SB 754 on menstrual product contaminant disclosure), housing and disaster recovery (SB 610, SB 655), transportation and climate (SB 533 on EV charging payments, SB 30 on diesel locomotives, SB 71 on CEQA exemptions for transit, SB 263 on tariff impacts), and natural resources/energy (SB 283 on battery storage safety, SB 88 on biomass emissions, SB 427 extending the Habitat Conservation Fund). The Assembly also passed urgency measures including SB 864 on tribal gaming compacts, SB 663 on wildfire-related property tax relief, SB 471 expanding DDS ombudsman authority, and SB 497 on privacy protections for legally protected health services. Several bills drew notable debate. SB 41 on pharmacy benefit managers saw opposition over concerns about moving ahead before broader PBM data and licensing reforms take effect, but it still passed. AB 1340, a concurrence item on gig worker collective bargaining rights, prompted extended debate over labor rights, consumer costs, and union influence. Other concurrence items included AB 671 on restaurant permitting, which passed without opposition. The Assembly also took up SB 640 on direct admission to CSU, SB 702 on demographic reporting for appointees, SB 710 preserving a solar property tax exclusion, and SB 793 on counterfeit lighter safety, all of which passed. The session ended with the Assembly continuing through the file, including concurrence votes and additional bill actions, with most measures approved by substantial margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> equal representation in our elections. equal representation in our elections.
• </c> officials, and plotted attacks abroad. officials, and plotted attacks abroad.
• </c> astounding election victory yesterday. astounding election victory yesterday.
• officials and decision makers.
• Always guided by the belief that elected officials should answer first and foremost to those they represent

Transcript Highlights:

• Those bills take 75 votes, three-quarters of the elected officials in the General Assembly.
• And then I would also like to bring up the elected official side of this bill, where elected officials
• When you're describing elected officials, are you saying they have six months to come out to Arkansas
• official or somebody who is related to An elected official or somebody who is related to a second degree
• But if six months happens and the lottery company were to say this elected official or somebody like

Committee: All GIRLS STATE

Summary: The meeting was a Girl State House session in which members received a brief orientation on chamber rules, decorum, voting procedures, and how to use the floor, followed by prayer, the pledge, and attendance. The parliamentarian and House leaders emphasized respectful conduct, recognition procedures, live microphones/cameras, and how motions such as immediate consideration work. After the rules overview, the chamber began considering bills in order. House Bill 1001, which would have prohibited over-the-counter diet pills from being sold or transferred to anyone under 18, drew debate over eating disorders, teen health, and whether parents or sellers would be affected. Supporters argued it would protect minors from harmful diet culture, while opponents raised concerns about medical exceptions and whether the age limit should be 21 instead. The bill failed, 42-55 with two present. House Bill 1002, allowing lottery winners to remain confidential, was amended during discussion to cover a $100,000 threshold and special rules for elected officials; supporters said it would protect winners from scams and harassment, while opponents raised transparency concerns. It passed 79-17 with one present. House Bill 1003, requiring schools to provide resources and courses on child labor/workplace laws, was debated as a workforce-readiness measure, but members questioned whether it should be a required course, an online option, or limited to older students. The bill failed 22-73 with three present. House Bill 1004, creating the Arkansas Head Injury Act and requiring helmets and face protection for motorized cycle operators and passengers, received strong support based on safety and personal testimony about motorcycle deaths; it passed 94-4. House Bill 1005, the Adult Preparedness Act, would have required a year-long personal finance course before graduation; members debated whether the material was already covered in existing classes and whether schools had time and staffing to implement it. It failed 35-60 with four present. House Bill 1006, increasing the teacher classroom investment tax deduction from $500 to $1,000, was broadly supported as a way to help teachers pay for classroom supplies and student needs, and it passed 97-0 with one present. House Bill 1008, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial businesses by limiting national franchises in local economic zones, sparked debate over how to define zones, whether existing chains would be affected, and the impact on jobs and affordable shopping options; it failed 23-69 with six present. The session then moved to House Bill 1009, establishing a blue envelope program for people with intellectual disabilities during police interactions; the sponsor explained it would be optional and included in law-enforcement training, and supporters said it could reduce confusion and improve safety. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 875 by Senator Birdwell relates to prohibiting election activities. ...offenses.
• office during the primary or general elections and political conventions for all parties.
• day if these buildings are being used as an early voting or election day polling place.
• But it can be more than 48 hours if it's during the election period. Is that correct?
• But if it's during an election period, it can be more than 48 hours.

Bills: SB204 , SB570 , SB735 , SB784 , SB1207 , SB1396 , SB1447 , SB2392 , SB2540 , SB747 , SB875

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also allows an elected officer, except while serving as a legislator, the option to elect to
• Governor, what would happen if the duly elected Lieutenant Governor-elect were to pass on the same ballot
• for the 2026 election?
• But I think that when something is at a Cabinet level, a statewide elected official gets a lot more visibility
• But I think that when something is at a Cabinet level, a statewide elected official gets a lot more visibility

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service without debate. It then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded liability, and preserves the 3% employee contribution rate. Senator Fine said the bill would increase FRS Trust Fund revenue by about $310 million annually and also gives certain elected officers an option related to DROP accumulations. An amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1710, a bill by Senator DeSantis/DeSigley to prohibit state agencies, vendors, and grant recipients from using state funds for DEI-related policies, trainings, and programs, and to impose related restrictions on medical institutions of higher education. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s broad and vague language, its effect on health-related work, public-facing agency positions, private contractors, and medical school admissions. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stop DEI from influencing state agencies and that the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and minority communities; a few supporters said DEI is ideological and should be removed from government and public institutions. After debate, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with Senator Errington voting no. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, with a delete-all amendment. Senator Leak said the bill would expand Florida’s anti-BDS framework to cover nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, foreign government funds, academic boycotts, political subdivisions, and certain grants, while the amendment aligned the bill with existing law and clarified procurement and divestment provisions. Testimony included support from proponents who said Florida should not do business with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, and opposition from speakers who argued the bill would restrict academic freedom and conscience. Debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• keep our government of and for the people running, those who clean and care for this building, the elected
• officials, their staff, the families of each one, granting them peace and wisdom for the extraordinary
• Amen. for this building the elected officials for this building the elected officials their<00:03:46.799
• 31.440><c> and</c> second order of business executive and second order of business executive and official
• <00:05:32.199><c> Communications</c><00:05:33.199><c> the</c> official Communications the official Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:49.800><c> representative</c> opponent won the election representative opponent won the election
• be</c> uh certificate of election will be uh certificate of election will be issued<00:10:22.160><c>
• Both of those thresholds were met. 100% certainty is not what's required, but the election official testified
• </c><00:19:26.960><c> official</c><00:19:27.720><c> testified</c><00:19:28.720><c> that</c> but the election
• official testified that but the election official testified that she<00:19:29.080><c> had</c><00:19:

Transcript Highlights:

• either concedes the general election or the general election results are officially certified.
• until the officers-elect assume the office.
• And I am constantly bringing young people to the Capitol to meet with their elected officials, and I
• officials.
• officials, agencies.

Bills: S0500 , S0536 , S0762 , S1582 , S1632 , S1634 , S1742 , S1750 , S1792

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• officials, the legislators.
• Why vote if the elected officials in Tallahassee will just redistrict your county when the election gets
• You are their elected officials. They chose you to represent them.
• You are their elected officials. They chose you to represent them. Please do not.
• Are their elected officials. They chose you to represent them. Please do not let them down.

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• That confusion really did not come to light until this past election.
• House Bill 45 very simply bans foreign funding in Kentucky elections and ballot measures.
• We have elections; we have election ads.
• and ballot measures several elections and ballot measures several foreign<00:08:57.760><c> National<
• ads</c> have elections we have election ads have elections we have election ads every<00:09:48.320><

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up House Bill 30, which addresses pension spiking and retired state troopers returning to work. The sponsor and Kentucky Public Pensions Authority staff said the bill would codify court language clarifying that across-the-board raises from the General Assembly do not count as pension spiking, and the committee substitute would also give retired troopers rehired on a year-to-year basis the same vacation, sick leave, and bereavement benefits as new troopers. The committee adopted the substitute and a title amendment, and HB 30 passed 9-0. The committee then considered House Bill 27, which removes an arbitrary 2023 date from the Planned Communities Act that had created confusion over political signage rules in HOA and planned community phases. The sponsor said the change would preserve HOA authority to regulate sign size, duration, and placement while eliminating inconsistent treatment of neighboring properties. The bill passed 10-0. House Bill 45 followed, proposing to ban foreign funding in Kentucky elections and ballot measures and to require disclosure for express advocacy ads related to ballot measures. Supporters said the bill would put ballot measures on the same footing as candidate and PAC restrictions and prevent foreign nationals from influencing Kentucky elections; one senator raised concerns that the language could unintentionally chill participation by noncitizens, especially in one-on-one discussions, and the sponsor said he would work on that issue. The committee adopted the bill as amended, and it passed 8-1. The final major item was House Bill 211, which would create a narrow exemption allowing cigar bars under defined conditions, including a revenue threshold, age restrictions, ventilation requirements, and local permitting options. The sponsor said the bill would not roll back general smoke-free laws but would allow tightly regulated cigar bars and grandfather existing ones from some requirements. Public health witnesses, including a nurse, a physician, and a thoracic surgeon, opposed the bill, warning it would weaken strong smoke-free protections, harm workers and patrons, and reverse progress against tobacco-related disease. The transcript provided did not include a final vote on HB 211.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reason I say that is because elected reason I say that is because elected officials<01:18:55.199
• </c> frequency is much more with elected frequency is much more with elected official<01:19:08.800><c
• elected officials, they have you look at elected officials, they have an<01:19:58.159><c> agenda.
• </c><02:47:26.720><c> official</c><02:47:27.040><c> in</c> duties as the chief election official in duties
• </c><03:24:08.160><c> officials</c><03:24:08.640><c> with</c> committee of elected officials with committee

Committee: Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:

• or appointed official.
• and somebody was killed during an assassination attempt because the elected official was on official
• But if that same elected official then went a couple miles down the road and did a campaign event and
• If that same elected official then went a couple miles down the road and did a campaign event and was
• official acting in their official capacity?

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical. The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions. Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is certified by the local election officials is the results of the ballots that are counted, and
• He said they are requiring locally elected officials to certify an election and put people in a place
• We are requiring our locally elected officials to certify an election and put these people in a place
• We are requiring our locally elected officials to certify an election and put these people in a place
• We are requiring our locally elected officials to certify an election and put these people in a place

Committee: House Ethics

Transcript Highlights:

• First reading of bills: HB 2000 — Elections already voting.
• HB 2022 — Election observers. Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections.
• Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections. Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections.
• Military Affairs and Elections.
• Military Affairs and Elections.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day proceedings with prayers in English and Spanish, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances, then recorded attendance and welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jameson. The Speaker introduced numerous guests and dignitaries, including statewide officials, university presidents, former lawmakers, and family members, and delivered remarks about Arizona’s history, the importance of civility, and the role of state government in protecting residents from federal overreach. Coaches Kenny Dillingham and Tommy Lloyd also addressed the chamber, speaking about leadership, talent development, and the ways sports can unite and inspire Arizona communities. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted proposed changes to Rule 9 and then adopted the amended rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session. The chamber also agreed to read bills by number and short title only, declared an emergency for that purpose, and announced the creation of two new standing committees: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to inform the Governor that the Legislature was ready to receive her message. The remainder of the session was largely devoted to points of personal privilege, with members introducing family, constituents, local officials, educators, veterans, business leaders, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues they intend to work on this session, including affordability, water security, deed fraud, education, health care, rural development, and veterans’ issues. The House later recessed to accommodate the joint organizational proceedings with the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our elected officials, our school board members, are the ones that are elected, and I think that's where
• Our elected officials, our school board members, are the ones that are elected, and I think that's where
• They're elected officials, right? It's their prerogative. It should be their prerogative to see...
• The second reason is it would put— it takes elected officials that are then fining elected officials,
• officials overseeing elected officials like that, so that, you know, it takes some umbrage to that.

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• They're elected officials just like we are.
• officials.
• So I have faith that our elected officials can make the decisions that are best for their community.
• So I have faith that our elected officials can make the decisions that are best for their community.
• I think we need to leave them to our local elected officials, so I'd ask for a no vote.

Summary: The committee began with a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 1592, which would change how state public defense funds are distributed and, in the substitute version, keep current law on state funding responsibility while revising the allocation formula. Staff explained the bill would shift county and city distributions to a pro rata, caseload-based model, allow very low-density counties to request OPD to provide some or all public defense services, require additional data collection and reporting, and direct OPD to study caseload reductions and retention. Representative Peterson said the bill is meant to create a better structure for future state support of indigent defense without the very large cost of the original proposal. Testimony from counties, cities, OPD, defenders, and local officials was strongly supportive, emphasizing a statewide public defense crisis, rising local costs, staffing shortages, and the need for a fairer funding model. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 1742 on environmentally sustainable urban design and Substitute House Bill 1906 on water system regulation and water rates. HB 1742 would create a center in Ecology to promote sustainable urban design, fund design competitions and grants, and establish an advisory council; the sponsor said the bill reflects a desire to support a pilot project through alternative funding, and there was no public testimony. HB 1906 would require more planning and notice for Group A water systems, add customer notice and right-of-first-refusal provisions for some ownership changes, and direct the UTC to consider external funding sources, capital planning, and rate smoothing when setting water rates. Water utility and PUD witnesses supported the goal of improving transparency and consolidation of failing small systems, while noting the substitute reduced some fiscal concerns. The committee also heard HB 2248 on Secretary of State corporate and charity filings, HB 2438 creating the SEED scholarship for early childhood education students, and HB 2515 addressing emerging large energy use facilities such as data centers. HB 2248 would redirect part of annual filing fees to the Secretary of State revolving fund, require initial reports from nonprofits and LLPs, and change trademark certificate procedures; the fiscal note showed modest revenue losses, and the division supported restoring the fee split for operational funding. HB 2438 would transfer $10 million annually from the GET account to fund scholarships and wraparound services for early childhood education degree seekers, with testimony from early learning advocates and a student describing workforce shortages and personal financial barriers. HB 2515 drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it would protect ratepayers, water resources, and grid reliability by requiring tariffs, reporting, clean-energy requirements, and a fee on large energy users; opponents argued it singled out data centers, could hurt investment and jobs, and included unrelated labor and procurement provisions. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive-session briefing on several bills and amendments, including HB 1903 on statewide low-income energy assistance, HB 1909 on a court unification task force, HB 1982 on vacating certain convictions tied to treaty Indian rights, HB 2034 on LEOFF Plan 1 retirement changes, HB 2105 on employer notice of federal I-9 audits, HB 2210 on ranked-choice voting, HB 2215 on Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier obligations, and HB 2271 on post-consumer recycled content requirements. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments, with several changes aimed at reducing or shifting fiscal impacts, narrowing agency duties, or striking provisions entirely.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are elected officials. We need to be safe.
• We are elected officials just like any other elected official.
• We are elected officials just mindful.
• c> elected</c><00:34:47.520><c> official.
• You go like any other elected official.

Committee: House Mobile County Legislation