Transcript Highlights:

• Evidence shows no difference between doctoral-level psychologists and master's-level providers regarding ethical
• Evidence shows no difference between the doctoral level psychologists and master's level regarding ethical

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and discussed several vacant membership slots, including positions tied to the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian appointments. Members said they would try to fill the vacancies and, if not, include the issue in the legislative report and consider statutory changes in the next General Assembly. The task force then heard from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association and Civitan Services about DDPA’s role in supporting 80 provider organizations serving more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 75 counties. They described services such as early intervention day programs, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services, and said autism falls within the populations they serve. They also shared survey information on services used by older adults with IDD and offered contact information for providers. Members also heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to add licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while noting that Arkansas Medicaid already pays for some of these evaluations. Task force members and Dr. Scott discussed the roles of psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and the possibility of using training or board oversight to ensure evaluators are properly qualified, with some noting that speech pathologists’ inclusion has historical and clinical roots. The task force also said it still needs a future discussion on fraud, plans to invite the Attorney General’s office, and wants to identify priorities for the 2027 session before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 458 provides for local ethics entities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• So basically it says any tax levied and imposed by local government subdivision for a local ethics entity

Summary: The House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee heard and advanced a series of local and statewide measures. SB 430 would renew, every 12 years by voter approval, the Shreveport-Bossier hotel occupancy tax that supports tourism and sports-related entities; SB 286 updates the New Orleans Downtown Development District statute by clarifying its status as a political subdivision, streamlining tax collection, removing staggered board terms, and clarifying bond-election boundaries; SB 198 requires government projects in historic districts to follow local historic district guidelines for new construction; and SB 172 expands a planning-commission provision so smaller municipalities can waive certain subdivision formalities and costly studies in limited family land-split situations. Each of these bills was described as largely technical or permissive, with supporters emphasizing efficiency, local control, or reduced costs. The committee also advanced SB 439 to add pre-screening for esophageal/Barrett’s esophageal cancer for firefighters and fire service employees, with firefighters’ representatives explaining the test can detect pre-cancerous cells and prevent later, more serious cancer. SB 458 would allow a local tax for a proposed St. Tammany Parish Inspector General/ethics entity to be allocated and, if excess remains, transferred to the district attorney’s office; members discussed the parish-wide referendum process and the connection to state-required funding obligations. SB 447 changes Bossier City Police Department promotional seniority and civil service classification from competitive seniority to promotional seniority, and SB 281 expands the Baker Economic Development District boundary to include additional commercial areas near the airport and support blight removal and growth. Additional measures moved favorably included SB 385, which changes appointments to the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association board and allows City Park to opt out of certain state insurance coverage because it carries private insurance; HR 84, which urges Shreveport to create an interest-free loan program for TSA agents at the regional airport during federal shutdowns; and SB 417, which adds two members to the St. Mary Parish Consolidated Gravity Drainage District No. 2A board. In each case, the committee heard brief testimony from sponsors and local officials or advocates, asked clarifying questions, and then approved the bills without objection. One member, Representative Murray, recused himself from the City Park bill because of his board membership. The committee then took a short recess, noting a few remaining bills would be deferred if sponsors did not appear.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm saying they're different: different ethics, different education, different functions.
• I'm saying they're different: different ethics, different education, different functions.

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency met and approved the January 21, 2020 minutes. It heard Senate Bill 1137, which would require excavators to white-line proposed dig areas before submitting 811 notices, create coordination requirements for large projects, establish an interactive positive response system, and direct the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt rules. Supporters from the construction industry said the bill would reduce delays and improve communication on complex projects, while the League of Arizona Cities and Towns raised concerns about the bill’s scope, staffing burdens, meeting requirements, and liability issues. The bill sponsor said the measure was a consensus effort to improve efficiency, and SB 1137 received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote, with several members noting they wanted continued work with stakeholders before floor action. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1145, which would shift final authority over behavior analyst licensing and regulation from the Board of Psychologists to the Committee of Behavior Analysts, reduce the board size, and remove the requirement for two behavior analysts on the board. Testimony from the Arizona Association for Behavioral Analysis and an individual speaker supported the bill, saying the current structure creates delays and that the change would allow each group to focus on its own profession. SB 1145 was approved unanimously, 7-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1128, which creates a temporary study committee on scrap metal theft to review current laws, industry compliance costs, penalties, and crime deterrence, and to report recommendations by December 1, 2026. The scrap recyclers’ representative supported the study as a way to evaluate whether further changes are needed, while some members questioned the committee’s partisan appointment structure and whether a study committee was necessary; the bill still passed 7-0. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1238, adopting the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact to allow licensed physician assistants to obtain compact privileges in participating states and to support interstate practice, military families, telehealth, and rural access to care. The Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants testified in support, and members asked about physician supervision, federal rural health funding implications, and which states have joined the compact. SB 1238 also received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The sponsor of SB 1235 requested that bill be held, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• devoted mother, friend, seamstress, and community leader, Miss Hatcher was known for her unfailing work ethic
• devoted mother, friend, seamstress, and community leader, Miss Hatcher was known for her unfailing work ethic

Summary: The Senate convened and quickly adopted several organizational resolutions: Senate Resolution 1 notifying the House that the Senate was in session, Senate Joint Resolution 2 appointing a committee to notify the Governor, and Senate Joint Resolution 3 appointing a committee to escort the Governor to the joint session. The chamber also recognized Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day and later adopted a resolution honoring the life of Dorothy Lee “Dot” Hatcher, mother of Senator Kirk Hatcher, after it was read at length. Senators offered personal remarks of condolence and support to Senator Hatcher and his family. The Senate then agreed, without objection, to allow bill introductions throughout the day until 4:00 p.m. It adopted Senate Joint Resolution 5 by Senators Jones and Sessions, which recognizes Pineywoods cattle as an official heritage cattle breed of Alabama. The resolution was taken up immediately and passed by voice vote. Additional floor remarks welcomed new Senator Matt Woods, thanked family members in attendance, and recognized Trip Gudger and the new chief of staff, Connie Row. The chamber also noted that the journal would remain open until 4:00 p.m. for first readings and then recess until the next day, with the session adjourned by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• its people from the dangers of wildland fire and manage the forest resources through a stewardship ethic
• its people from the dangers of wildland fire and manage the forest resources through a stewardship ethic

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture received a presentation from Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan on the agency’s wildfire response, forest management, and emergency support roles. He described the service’s four regions and 14 districts, its year-round wildfire response, use of bulldozers, helicopters, and drones, and the current high fire danger due to drought conditions. Dolan also highlighted prescribed burning, fuels mitigation, state forest management, the pine seedling nursery, and the agency’s role in hurricane response and incident management. Members asked about equipment loans and whether more prescribed burning could reduce wildfire impacts; Dolan said Florida already leads the nation in prescribed fire and emphasized public education and fuels reduction. The committee then considered and unanimously reported favorably Senate Bill 386, which creates a farm-equipment consumer protection process similar to a lemon law, allowing purchasers to seek repair or replacement of defective major farm equipment at no cost. The committee also took up Senate Bill 290, the Agriculture and Consumer Services omnibus bill. The bill would modernize fair association rules, preempt local bans on gas- and diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment, allow surplus of certain state-owned lands for bona fide agricultural use while excluding parks, forests, and wildlife lands, create a veterinary loan repayment program, make Farmers Feeding Florida permanent, expand Forest Service training opportunities, criminalize signal-jamming devices, increase penalties for CDL and English-proficiency exam cheating, restrict certain door-to-door solicitation, protect food safety inspectors, clarify biosolids rules, and add criminal and vendor-list penalties for contractors who fail to pay subcontractors. The committee adopted three amendments to align dates and technical language and to authorize native seed research and marketing through the Florida Wildlife Foundation. Testimony on SB 290 included support from several industry groups, concerns from the Home Builders Association about the new contractor-payment criminal penalties, and opposition from a citizen worried about the new surplus-land process for conservation lands. Despite concerns, CS/SB 290 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of the appointees listed on tabs 4 and 5, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his reliability and strong work ethic.
• He gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his reliability and strong work ethic.

Bills: HB2 , HB6 , HB18 , HB43 , HB138 , HB180 , HB300 , HB581 , HB647 , HB748 , HB762 , HB 1240 , HB1393 , HB1397 , HB1584 , HB1734 , HB2011 , HB2254 , HB2286 , HB2434 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2495 , HB2516 , HB2518 , HB2529 , HB2564 , HB2712 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3146 , HB3161 , HB3348 , HB3800 , HB4044 , HB4341 , HB4370 , HB4384 , HB4386 , HB4396 , HB4490 , HB4809 , HB5057 , HB5323 , HB5534 , HB5668 , SB203 , SB317 , SB719 , SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1071 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2082 , SB2363 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2717 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2919 , SB3038 , SJR5 , SB4 , SB9 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB34 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB458 , SB482 , SB493 , SB647 , SB648 , SB840 , SB841 , SB843 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1253 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1559 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB1951 , SB2037 , SB2143 , SB2155 , SB2544 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2308 , HB2525 , HJR133 , HB1393 , HB26 , HB388 , HB2712 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB 1240 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB1397 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB581 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB1734 , HB5180 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB5652 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB2495 , HB18 , HB2516 , HB2713 , HB24 , HB519 , HB609 , HB1592 , HB3348 , HB 120 , HB6 , HB1533 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB2011 , HB5057 , HB5084 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB3424 , HB2715 , HB2564 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3800 , HB4396 , HB4341 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB180 , HB5323 , HB2 , HB149 , HB4945 , HB2434 , HB2529 , HB3161 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB4996 , HB2697 , HB2492 , HB2355 , HB2282 , HB2001 , HB1902 , HB1866 , HB1445 , HB1443 , HB 1306 , HB 1024 , HB908 , HB305 , HB285 , HB449 , HB171 , HB47 , HB3464 , HB2637 , HB4263 , HB5436 , HB4429 , HB3986 , HB3966 , HB3510 , HB2560 , HB2026 , HB2688 , HB4076 , HB5246 , HB3487 , HB3486 , HB4226 , HB216 , HB742 , HB2402 , HB143 , HB5033 , HB4413 , HB4042 , HB2440 , HB4426 , HB49 , HB4112 , HB3233 , HB2310 , HB5515 , HB3627 , HB2674 , HB322 , HB1481 , HB 126 , HB3062 , HB3421 , HB3180 , HB2530 , HB2524 , HB1916 , HB3153 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB3120 , HB1629 , HB 103 , HB3234 , HB3680 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB5693 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB3732 , HB2508 , HB2293 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB5331 , HB5247 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4668 , HB4464 , HB4395 , HB4063 , HB3833 , HB3623 , HB3214 , HB3512 , HB3250 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB3824 , HB2067 , HB1732 , HB1562 , HB700 , HB1545 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB1851 , HB3619 , HB3071 , HB3556 , HB851 , HB4230 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR40 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB823 , SB3062 , SB3074 , SB1380 , HB6 , HB581 , HB1393 , HB1734 , HB2286 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2495 , HB2529 , HB2564 , HB2765 , HB2898 , HB3146 , HB3348 , HB3800 , HB4341 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB5057 , HB5323 , HB5534 , HB5668 , HB2 , HB2715 , SR530 , SR552 , SB482 , SB493 , SB841 , SB912 , SB1241 , SB1350 , SB1388 , SB1559 , SB1951 , SB2143 , SB2155 , HB205 , HB220 , HB561 , HB2078 , HB2300 , HB2652 , HB3335 , HB3441 , HB4212 , HB4879 , HB5228 , HB5616 , HB205 , HB220 , HB561 , HB2078 , HB2300 , HB2652 , HB3335 , HB3441 , HB4212 , HB4879 , HB5228 , HB5616

Transcript Highlights:

• The Southern Baptist Church opposes IVF for the epi- ethical implications of embryos that are irresponsibly
• Third, this bill not only promotes the insurance and benefit of IVF without addressing or requiring ethical

Bills: HB201 , HB272 , HB618 , HB 1094 , HB 1142 , HB201 , HB272

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, HB 618, Texas insurance code, IVF, in vitro fertilization, fertility treatment, infertility coverage, government employee health benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• She's an extensive writer of opinions and has written many law review articles on ethics.
• Her dedication, work ethic, and passion for public service. are evident in everything she does and we

Bills: SB26 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28 , SR109 , SR122 , SR126 , SR130 , SR136 , SR137 , SR141 , SR142 , SCR20

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The meeting was marked by significant resolutions recognizing various contributions to Texas and celebrating community initiatives. Key discussions included the adoption of resolutions commemorating Texas Hispanic Judges Day and highlighting the 100th anniversary of Memorial Park. Senators expressed appreciation for the judges' dedication and legacy, with notable mentions of individual judges and their impact on the community and legal landscape in Texas. The Senate also honored students and organizations contributing positively to their communities, showcasing the interconnectedness of public service and the legislative process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Coroners are asking for a bill to provide an unbiased and ethical obligation to provide the coroner with
• Constitution,</c><00:26:40.400><c> and</c> Coroners are asking for a bill to provide an unbiased and ethical
• provide<00:27:04.799><c> an</c><00:27:05.039><c> unbiased</c><00:27:06.000><c> and</c><00:27:06.159><c> ethical
• </c> provide an unbiased and ethical provide an unbiased and ethical obligation<00:27:07.360><c> to</

Committee: Joint Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Our nurses, our counselors, our therapists are all bound by their professional ethics regarding confidentiality
• uncomfortable with it, and because you're saying there's contractual protections already there—professional ethics
• And the point I'm trying to make is the nurses have professional ethics of confidentiality.
• The therapists have professional ethics of confidentiality.
• The counselors have professional ethics of confidentiality, and they're bound not to break them.

Bills: SB237

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as Chair of Ethics and Elections, I have filed the bill that you have just heard explained, so that
• My only influence was when, as chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Elections, I was asked if I would
• to do this because you're just an absolute gentleman and have an incredible, impeccable moral and ethical
• So, And have an incredible, impeccable moral and ethical code.
• So it fell to me, as chairman of Ethics and Elections, to bring the bill to you, and I bring the bill

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:

• So as Chair of Ethics and Elections, I have filed the bill that you have just heard explained, so that
• My only influence—the only influence on me—was when, as chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Elections
• to do this because you're just an absolute gentleman and have an incredible, impeccable moral and ethical
• So, And have an incredible, impeccable moral and ethical code.
• So it fell to me, as chairman of Ethics and Elections, to bring the bill to you, and I bring the bill

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and took up a presentation from the Governor’s office on proposed congressional reapportionment. Executive Office of the Governor counsel Mo Jazeel argued that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is legally permissible, that race should not be used in drawing districts, and that the Florida Fair Districts provisions are inconsistent with federal equal protection principles and, in the executive branch’s view, are inseverable. Jason Parada then presented the proposed map, explaining that it was drawn using 2020 census block data, with county growth estimates used only as a guide, and that the plan was designed to be race-neutral while also considering compactness, county and municipal boundaries, and other traditional redistricting criteria. He said the map keeps 48 counties and 382 municipalities whole, has compactness scores comparable to the current map, and makes the largest changes in South Florida, with some districts remaining unchanged and others reconfigured around population shifts and geographic boundaries. Members questioned both presenters extensively about the legal basis for disregarding the Fair Districts Amendment, the use of partisan data, the absence of racial analysis, and whether the map truly reflects population growth. Jazeel said the executive branch’s position is that race-based provisions in the state constitution cannot be used if they conflict with the U.S. Constitution, and that the forthcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Calais could further clarify the law. Parada said he did not use race in drawing the map, did use partisan information as one of several traditional criteria, and relied on 2020 census data for population equality. Senators also pressed him on who reviewed the map, why the public and legislators had limited time to review it, and whether the plan was intended to favor Republicans; Parada denied partisan intent and said he was the only person who moved lines on the map, though he consulted with other Executive Office of the Governor staff and counsel. Several senators raised concerns that the map did not clearly reflect Florida’s recent population growth, that some districts remained highly irregular, and that the plan appeared to be based on a legal theory contingent on future court rulings. The presenters responded that congressional districts must be equal to the person, that growth estimates can only guide orientation rather than replace census data, and that the map was designed to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible while making the largest adjustments in South Florida. No vote or final action on the map was taken during the excerpted portion of the meeting, and the committee continued with questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as Chair of Ethics and Elections, I have filed the bill that you have just heard explained, so that
• The only influence on me was when, as chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Elections, I was asked
• to do this because you're just an absolute gentleman and have an incredible, impeccable moral and ethical
• So, ...and have an incredible, impeccable moral and ethical code.
• So it fell to me as chairman of Ethics and Elections to bring the bill to you, and I bring the bill to

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• The counselor's ethical client is the injured worker, but the counselor's paycheck comes from the insurer
• The counselor's ethical client is the injured worker, but the counselor's paycheck comes from the insurer
• This is a direct conflict with the oath of vocational counselors and the ethical standard under which
• very quickly to reiterate what they said, vocational rehabilitation counselors owe their primary ethical
• Ethical tensions may arise when counselors must report to insurers on a worker's compliance with rehabilitation

Bills: HB282 , HB293 , HB390 , HB456 , HB460 , HB561 , HB819 , HB1023 , HB1047 , HB1101

Committee: House Labor & Industrial

Keywords: employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition

Transcript Highlights:

• provides relative to prior acts of the Legislature relative to ratification, final decisions, Board of Ethics
• Board of Ethics, adjudicatory board. Representative Brett Geymann. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• provides relative to the use of artificial intelligence and regulation of communications by the Board of Ethics
• Members, this bill relates to the Ethics and Campaign Finance Disclosure Act.
• We worked with the Board of Ethics trying to get some clarity on what entities are subject to disclosure

Bills: HR133 , HR134 , HR135 , HR136 , HR137 , HR138 , HR139 , HR140 , HR141 , HR142 , HR143 , HR144 , HR145 , HR146 , HR147 , HR148 , HR149 , HR150 , HR151 , HR152 , HR119 , HR120 , HR121 , HR122 , HR123 , HR125 , HR126 , HR127 , HR128 , HR129 , HR130 , HR131 , HR132 , HCR53 , HCR54 , HCR55 , HCR56 , SCR3 , SCR22 , SB4 , SB18 , SB66 , SB106 , SB201 , SB256 , SB274 , SB292 , SB326 , SB386 , SB406 , SB422 , SB423 , SB456 , SB475 , HCR3 , HB1 , HB3 , HB27 , HB71 , HB214 , HB225 , HB241 , HB244 , HB306 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB345 , HB366 , HB383 , HB446 , HB473 , HB511 , HB514 , HB655 , HB730 , HB743 , HB836 , HB983 , HB1027 , HB1037 , HB1043 , HB1082 , HB1091 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1126 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175 , HB1230 , HB1237 , HB1238 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , HB76 , HB132 , HB181 , HB210 , HB250 , HB265 , HB275 , HB291 , HB322 , HB342 , HB475 , HB486 , HB616 , HB635 , HB639 , HB690 , HB740 , HB757 , HB761 , HB774 , HB808 , HB855 , HB872 , HB883 , HB886 , HB903 , HB949 , HB962 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1036 , HB1054 , HB1071 , HB1076 , HB1078 , HB1113 , HB1132 , HB1146 , HB1232 , HB1233 , HB21 , HB24 , HB29 , HB31 , HB39 , HB45 , HB77 , HB136 , HB150 , HB263 , HB273 , HB299 , HB315 , HB376 , HB377 , HB431 , HB444 , HB450 , HB519 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB663 , HB664 , HB715 , HB717 , HB805 , HB822 , HB823 , HB834 , HB864 , HB867 , HB1017 , HB1018 , HB1068 , HB1134 , HB1137 , HB1234 , HB1235 , HB1236 , HB961 , HB399 , HB868 , HB905 , HB180 , HB192 , HB284 , HB476 , HB915 , HB952 , HB1006 , HB401 , HB51 , HB58 , HB140 , HB982 , HB1010 , HB750 , HB911 , HB977 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB9 , HB151 , HB193 , HB310 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB615 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773

Summary: The House met with a quorum and spent much of the day on personal privileges, recognizing visiting groups and designating several commemorative days, including Sigma Gamma Rho Day, Alpha Kappa Alpha Day, Italian Festival royalty, Acadiana’s Red and White Day, and Louisiana Automobile Dealer Day. Members also welcomed students, civic leaders, former legislators, a state pageant titleholder, and a visiting African law enforcement delegation focused on combating human trafficking. The chamber received Senate bills and committee reports, and several resolutions were adopted without objection, including condolences resolutions and commendations for schools, festivals, and public service organizations. The House then took up a long series of bills, with many passing on final passage after brief debate or technical amendments. Measures addressed topics such as notification of inmate releases from parish jails and DOC facilities (HB 76), ethics and financial disclosure, video voyeurism involving deceased persons (HB 265, renamed the Jacob Carter Dignity and Death Act), health insurance claim practices (HB 291), victim access to parole testimony without fees (HB 32), special education due process burden of proof (HB 342), AI disclosure in medical settings (HB 475), the psychology interjurisdictional compact (HB 486), homelessness provider oversight (HB 616), AI disclosure in campaign calls (HB 639), Medicaid managed care claim review (HB 740), menhaden fishing restrictions (HB 757 and HB 855), HIV exposure law modernization (HB 808), and rare cancer treatment advisory board changes (HB 761). Most of these bills passed with strong support; HB 342 passed 98-3, HB 639 passed 86-9, HB 808 passed 99-0, and HB 855 drew the most extended debate, with supporters citing science-based conservation and opponents warning about harm to the menhaden industry and coastal jobs. The House also adopted committee amendments and set several major fiscal measures as special orders for April 16, including HB 1, HB 2, HB 3, HB 313, HB 383, HB 983, and HB 1126. Additional bills were advanced to third reading from committee reports, and the chamber returned some measures to the calendar for later consideration. Overall, the meeting was marked by ceremonial recognitions, a heavy legislative agenda, and multiple substantive policy votes across education, health, criminal justice, transportation, ethics, and natural resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• requires, beginning in the 2027 to 2028 school year, each school district to offer instruction on ethical
• and educational uses of artificial intelligence, including the basic techniques for AI prompts and ethical
• Secondarily, the bill wants to have the school districts look at the moral and ethical... ...implications
• They need to understand these tools and how to use them ethically and responsibly.
• Starting in 2027, as noted, every district would have... ...to teach the ethical, moral, and educational

Bills: HB2093 , HB2370 , HB2376 , HB2380 , HB2381 , HB2383 , HB2423 , HB2481 , HB2621 , HB2895 , HB4005 , HB4043 , HB4109

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Keywords: mental health, school curriculum, education policy, instruction requirements, statute repeal, charter schools, education, weapons detection, public safety, school administration, school districts, real estate transactions, school property, bond issuance, land use approval, capital improvements, school governance, board meetings, education funding, parental notification

Transcript Highlights:

• And this actually covers the ability to make additional income, the ability to ethically provide AI in
• :02.000><c> to</c> make additional income, the ability to make additional income, the ability to ethically
• <00:27:05.039><c> a</c><00:27:05.520><c> uh</c><00:27:05.760><c> in</c><00:27:06.000><c> the</c> ethically
• provide AI in a uh in the ethically provide AI in a uh in the right<00:27:06.720><c> fashion</c><00:
• :34.880><c> the</c><00:32:35.039><c> best</c><00:32:35.600><c> uh</c> That it is done to the best ethical

Summary: A presenter from Fast Health Corporation described a proposed Kentucky Health Command System tied to Senate Bill 175, which would create a state-sanctioned AI platform for rural hospitals and telehealth. The company said the system would help rural residents get health information remotely, triage minor issues, and escalate more serious cases to Kentucky providers, with use cases including blood pressure, diabetes, maternity care, smoking cessation, and other preventive-care topics. The presenter argued the system would help rural hospitals compete with out-of-state telehealth companies and keep patients connected to local care. The presentation also emphasized a commercial model the sponsor said would generate new revenue through ads and branded interactions, with the bill reportedly directing 80% of that revenue to rural hospitals and 20% to the state to maintain the system. The presenter said the technology would augment, not replace, doctors and nurses, and claimed it could improve access and convenience in underserved areas. Committee members raised concerns about liability, whether the AI could provide medical advice, and whether there was evidence it had reduced emergency room visits; the presenter said the system could not give medical advice and acknowledged the technology is still very new. The sponsor of the bill said the goal was to help transform rural health care, reduce unnecessary ER use, and capture revenue that would otherwise go to commercial search engines and out-of-state companies. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the discussion ended with questions about branding, loyalty, and the legal limits of the AI system.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill implements the Commission on Ethics recommendation by clearly mandating that reporting individuals
• file Form 10 with the Commission on Ethics rather than electronically with their Form 1 or Form 6.
• Carrie Stillman, Florida Commission on Ethics, would like to speak. Thank you. Waves in support.
• data, recognize the benefits, potential risks, and limitations of AI, and, more importantly, apply ethical
• data, recognize the benefits, potential risks, and limitations of AI, and, more importantly, apply ethical

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• client's request for what they want to see happen in the case, and I have to weigh that against my ethical
• As an attorney, I have an ethical duty to the court that is actually higher than my ethical duty to my
• I have an ethical duty to the court that is actually higher than my ethical duty to my client.

Committees: House Government , House House Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we focus on ethics and training for the court-appointed counsel.
• additionally</c><00:30:35.760><c> we</c><00:30:35.960><c> focus</c><00:30:36.240><c> on</c><00:30:36.440><c> ethics
• </c><00:30:36.760><c> and</c> and additionally we focus on ethics and and additionally we focus on ethics
• I don't disagree with anything that the judges said about the current state of DPA, both ethically and

Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss the guardian ad litem system, including appointment qualifications, training, payment, and whether any changes are needed. Roll was called, the February 25, 2025 minutes were approved, and the chair emphasized that the meeting was informational only and no vote would be taken. Representatives from the Court of Justice, including Chief Justice Deborah Henry Lambert and several family and district judges, testified about how the system has evolved since concerns raised in 2019 about overappointment and fees. Court witnesses said the judiciary responded to earlier concerns by requiring open appointment lists of trained and qualified attorneys, improving training, and increasing oversight of fee orders. They reported that statewide GAL fees have fallen from a little over $14 million in 2019 to about $12 million, even as caseloads have grown, and said the average payment works out to about $650 per case, with the statutory cap for trial-level GAL fees still set at $500 since 1986. They argued that the current local appointment model works well, especially in rural areas, and warned that moving to a DPA-style regional model would create serious scheduling and conflict problems because of overlapping dockets and related criminal cases. Judges from rural districts described shortages of available attorneys, high burnout, travel burdens, and the difficulty of finding enough counsel in smaller counties. They also said the Court of Justice cannot seek certain federal Title IV-E reimbursements, but urged the legislature to encourage the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to pursue that funding through an MOU. One judge noted that some appointed attorneys are effectively underpaid relative to private rates and that better compensation would help attract and retain lawyers. The discussion also covered training standards adopted after the 2019 audit. Witnesses said Rule 37 now requires initial training and four hours of multidisciplinary continuing training every two years, with topics including child development, trauma-informed care, substance use, child welfare, forensics, ethics, and communication with clients. They said the Court of Justice has offered in-person regional trainings and remote options, and that the goal is to keep qualified attorneys on the appointment lists while improving representation for children and parents in dependency, neglect, abuse, and termination-of-parental-rights cases.