Transcript Highlights:

• At least as long as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has been in that position, I've been in this position
• That put TCEQ in a difficult position of implementing our programs with limited time and resources.
• before this committee that would have the most positive impact on your respective agencies and is there
• Texas is positioned to continue to lead in that space. There are issues around the globe.
• Position of bad policy that lays costs on these guys is another matter altogether, because just these

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And although pilot groups have been kept intentionally small again, we see initial positive findings.
• This is a positive impact on recruitment efforts.
• Retention strategies include the creation of re regional retention specialist these positions.
• >> So we have approximately 1500 CPI, frontline positions.
• This diagnosed with positional defiance disorder disorder and ADHD.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you get the cut in there, of course, you'll get that actually positive hit on the cut.
• In there, of course, you'll get that actually positive hit on the cut.
• My honor and privilege to serve in that position for eight years.
• So I think that puts us in a position...
• So I think that puts us in a position where we interact very well with the Highway Patrol.

Summary: The committee heard a series of domestic security and law enforcement presentations from the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Highway Patrol, and FDLE. Sheriff Rob Hardwick outlined the sheriffs’ legislative priorities, focusing on adding xylazine to Florida’s trafficking statute and increasing penalties for luring or enticing a child under 12 from a misdemeanor to a felony. He also discussed domestic security coordination, fusion center intelligence sharing, and jail-based reentry efforts. Members asked about xylazine prevalence in Broward County and whether canine units can detect it; Hardwick said he would follow up with data and noted that dogs are not specifically trained for xylazine, though fentanyl-certified dogs may alert on mixtures. Chief Charlie Vasquez of the Florida Police Chiefs Association presented three priorities: stronger protections for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, and their families when threatened because of their jobs; faster and more consistent access to blood-borne pathogen testing results after exposure incidents; and mandatory life without release for anyone convicted of murdering a police or correctional officer, reviving a version of the Jason Raynor Act. Senators asked about delays in blood testing after exposure, and Vasquez said officers can be forced to take prophylactic medication while waiting for results and that the process should be streamlined. Florida Highway Patrol Director Dave Kerner described FHP’s domestic security role, including criminal interdiction, canine units, traffic homicide investigations, aviation, drones, border operations, and responses to threats such as human smuggling and the October 7-related security posture at synagogues and campuses. He said staffing remains constrained by vacancies and pay disparities, so he was not seeking more authorized troopers at this time. FDLE Deputy Commissioner David Binder then reviewed the state’s domestic security structure, fusion centers, critical infrastructure assessments, and grant funding, warning that federal homeland security dollars have declined sharply while threats remain high. He highlighted work on drone mitigation, radiological detection, vehicle barriers, and school security assessments, and emphasized the need for continued interagency coordination. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• nourished further through your positive nourished further through your positive decision. decision
• position for the record. position for the record.
• SNAP positions are half funded by the feds already, so they invest in the positions, the feds match it
• SNAP positions are half funded by the feds already, so they invest in the positions, the feds match it
• SNAP positions are half funded by the feds already, so they invest in the positions, the feds match it

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a lack of attractive full-time positions a lack of attractive full-time positions many<01:03:34.119
• many of the school counseling positions many of the school counseling positions in<01:03:35.520>
• <01:03:51.000> in fulltime uh enough fulltime positions in fulltime uh enough fulltime positions
• a position that we need to protect, foster, and support.
• <01:09:52.839> of to split this up into um positions of to split this up into um positions

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:34.079> that measured so much by the position that measured so much by the position
• they had at least one unfilled position; and they report specifically on unfilled positions in shortage
• The vacancies and unfilled positions.
• > areas on unfilled positions in lensure areas on unfilled positions in lensure areas that<01:49:
• <01:49:33.119> not districts indicating a position not districts indicating a position not

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to address that when we look at the people who are in a position here, the supervisors are
• Please state your name, organization, and your position.
• Please state your name, organization, and your position.
• Please come to the mic, state your name, organization, and your position, please. Thank you.
• Anybody else in the room who wants to just add on with their name, organization, and position?

Summary: The committee met on June 17, 2026, beginning without a quorum and initially proceeding as a subcommittee. Members heard several Senate bills, with testimony focused mainly on redistricting, Bay Area transit funding, and military/overseas voting access. The chair also announced committee membership changes and that SB 1369 had been pulled by the author. Written testimony was accepted through the committee portal, and public testimony was limited by the chair’s rules. SB 1414 by Senator Reyes would create an independent redistricting commission for San Bernardino County. Supporters, including Inland Empire United, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters, argued the bill would improve transparency and reduce political influence in map drawing. Opponents, including San Bernardino County and several local government/election groups, said the county’s existing advisory commission already provided substantial public input and raised concerns about cost. The bill was moved do pass as amended and re-referred to Local Government, with one no vote from Assembly Member Lackey; it was later taken off call and passed 6-1. SB 830 by Senator Wiener made technical changes to the administration of the Bay Area regional transit sales tax measure authorized by SB 63, including uniform ballot naming and county-specific ballot arguments. Support came from labor, transit, business, and advocacy groups, who said the bill would help voters understand the measure and protect transit funding. Members emphasized the Bay Area’s transit funding crisis and the need for local action. The bill passed do pass as amended, 5-1, and was later recorded as out 6-0 on call. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing six bills. SB 970 by Senator Cervantes addressed military and overseas voting after the federal discontinuation of the Department of Defense fax service used for ballot return. Supporters, including county election officials and local government organizations, said California needed a secure replacement to avoid disenfranchising service members and overseas voters. The Secretary of State’s office and Verified Voting raised security concerns and suggested a task force or more detailed standards, but the author and supporters argued the bill was urgent and should direct the Secretary of State to develop secure regulations. The bill passed do pass and was re-referred to Military and Veteran Affairs, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a pretty significant position. It's not NFL, but it's college football, college basketball.
• It's a pretty significant position. It's not NFL, but it's college football, college basketball.
• Currently, we have our chief investigator position that is vacant.
• Currently, we have our chief investigator position that is vacant.
• So we're looking to fill that position right now.

Summary: The House State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held a field hearing on the Puyallup Reservation, where members first received an overview of sports betting in Washington. Tribal casino representatives and the Washington State Gambling Commission explained that sports betting became legal in 2020 under HB 2638 and is currently limited to tribal casinos through sportsbook, kiosk, and on-premise mobile wagering. Testimony covered how odds are set, compliance with federal anti-money-laundering rules, and the role of third-party vendors. Tribal representatives said sports betting supports tribal economic development and asked to expand betting to include Washington college teams, while warning that prediction markets and other unregulated products pose a threat. Committee members asked about geo-fencing, betting limits, in-state college betting restrictions, and regulatory oversight. No votes were taken. The committee then heard from Vicki Lowe of the American Indian Health Commission on tribal data sovereignty and health data. She described tribal sovereignty and the federal trust responsibility, and said tribes should have equitable access to their own health data and control over how it is used. She explained that during COVID, tribes often lacked direct access to state health data, which complicated case tracing and other public health work. Lowe said the Department of Health stopped collecting tribal affiliation in some contexts because of Public Records Act concerns, and she argued that this is inconsistent with tribal data-sharing principles adopted through the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council. Members asked for clarification about what counts as tribal data and how public records concerns affected data collection. No formal action was taken. Finally, Lucy Smartlut gave an update on the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force. She reported on the task force’s structure, its extension through 2027, and progress on recommendations including a fully funded cold case investigation unit in the Attorney General’s office, an updated missing persons resource, and forensic genetic genealogy work on unidentified remains. She said the cold case unit has active investigations, has helped locate missing Indigenous people, and made its first homicide arrest. She also presented data showing Native people are disproportionately represented among homicide and missing persons cases, and noted survey findings that many law enforcement agencies rely on officer observation for race data and have limited consultation with tribes. Committee members asked about funding, interagency coordination, and whether the task force is shifting toward prevention. The presenter said sustainability, continued awareness, and stronger collaboration remain priorities, and no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name, organization, and position. I would have done that.
• But just a reminder to everyone else: name, organization, and position.
• I'm testifying today in an opposed and less amended position on Assembly Bill 826.
• Please say your name, organization, and position. Thank you.
• I also don't believe that's the position of the CSU Board of Trustees.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs met as a subcommittee because a quorum was initially lacking, and heard six bills. AB 81 by Assemblymember Ta would require CalVet to study the mental health needs of women veterans; supporters from county veterans service officers, veterans organizations, and behavioral health groups said women veterans face higher rates of military sexual trauma, PTSD, depression, and suicide, while no opposition appeared. The bill was later passed 7-0 and re-referred to Appropriations. AB 826 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would prohibit unaccredited individuals or businesses from charging veterans fees to file or assist with VA benefits claims, impose a civil penalty, and direct penalty revenue to veterans services and district attorneys. Supporters argued the bill would curb predatory “claim sharks” and protect veterans from exploitation, while opponents from private claims consulting firms and several veterans said the measure could restrict access to legitimate help and should be narrowed to target bad actors instead of banning paid assistance broadly. After extensive testimony and discussion about federal law, accreditation, and possible amendments, the committee passed the bill 8-0 and re-referred it to Judiciary. AB 556 by Assemblymember Patterson would clarify that campus-level mandatory fees are covered under the CalVet fee waiver for dependents of certain veterans and Medal of Honor recipients. Supporters said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to veterans’ families, while concerns were raised about fiscal impacts on CSU campuses and the need for more precise cost estimates. The bill was passed 6-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted its rules 7-0 and approved the consent calendar, which included AB 264, AB 1508, and AB 1509, all re-referred to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you'll state your name here with position on the bill. Thank you committee.
• If you could state your name, who you're with, position on the bill. Thank you, sir.
• Keep your name, who you're with position on the bill. Yes, sir.
• Uh, David, you said your name, who you're with position on the bill.
• You can, state your name here with position on the bill. Senator, thank you.

Bills: SB 32, SB 464, SB 996, SB 1163, SB 1173, SB 1277, SB 1452, SB 1453, SB 1548, SB 1882, SB 1883, SB 2016

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, do you think it will be a net positive, you know, a net negative at the moment for Minnesota
• Uh, it is absolutely going to be a very positive thing, but there are very serious and real dangers and
• Uh, it is absolutely going to be a very positive thing, but there are very serious and real dangers and
• Uh, it is absolutely going to be a very positive thing, but there are very serious and real dangers and
• thing but there are very very positive thing but there are very serious<00:10:43.399> and<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our island music culture is just one example of the power of Bob Marley's positive influence on the world
• Our island music culture is just one example of the power of Bob Marley's positive influence on the world
• Our island music culture is just one example of the power of Bob Marley's positive influence on the world
• Our island music culture is just one example of the power of Bob Marley's positive influence on the world
• Our island music culture is just one example of the power of Bob Marley's positive influence on the world

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and opened with a moment of contemplation honoring Bob Marley. Several senators spoke about Marley’s life, music, and activism, emphasizing his messages of peace, justice, unity, and resistance. One senator highlighted Marley’s 1979 visit to Hawaii and his influence on Hawaiian and “Jawaiian” music, while another introduced members of the Marley family and recognized their continuing musical work and cultural legacy. The Senate also recognized staff members from one senator’s office during the introductions. After the contemplative remarks and guest introductions, the presiding officer asked for a few minutes for photographs. The chamber then processed Governor’s Message No. 665, withdrawing a nomination to the Campaign Spending Commission, and Governor’s Messages Nos. 666 to 668, transmitting nominations to various boards and commissions. Those messages were referred according to the Order of the Day, and Standing Committee Reports Nos. 480 to 674 were adopted by motion without objection. In announcements, the presiding officer thanked the SMA team and legislative staff for efficient work on a record number of bills during the first lateral, noted the upcoming three-day weekend, and extended birthday wishes to Clerk Carol Taniguchi. The Senate then adjourned by motion until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th.

Transcript Highlights:

• and part of that—not only in creating a culture that promotes learning, but also in making it a positive
• Also, that makes it a positive learning environment for both staff and students. Mr.
• I think the support, we have Stan Rounds here, has generally been very supportive and positive.
• We have maintained this position. This position has been maintained for many years.
• And I know that it's going to impact some people very positively, and for others it may not.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:21.079> which<00:34:22.040> because protector Pro um position which because
• that they've held um we have positions that they've held um we have our<01:26:15.400> current
• So from a fiscal standpoint, the elimination of one position for which to budget for travel costs allows
• <01:31:31.880> and vacancy among those three positions and vacancy among those three positions
• for which to budget for travel position for which to budget for travel costs<01:32:10.600> allows

Bills: HF747, HF360

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, trusts, Uniform Trust Code, probate, estate planning, trust protector, directed trust, investment trust advisor, distribution trust advisor, excluded fiduciary, decanting, power of appointment, revocable trust, irrevocable trust, uneconomic trust, rule against perpetuities

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a positive.
• So that's a positive.
• So that's a positive.
• So I respect your position.
• :22:37.840> might what that position is as you might what that position is as you might imagine

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:54.720> There<00:06:54.880> are psychiatrist for any position.
• There are psychiatrist for any position.
• <00:07:39.840> goes client needs, this position goes client needs, this position goes unfunded
• Yeah, I think again this just allows teams to have flexibility to add in positions that they need based
• Grateful to work with Representative Fischer as well on this, and look forward to more positive things

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3520, as amended by an A1 technical amendment from DHS, was heard in committee. The bill was described as a policy-only measure aimed at modernizing mental health statutes to reduce confusion, ease staffing burdens, and improve recruitment and retention in a workforce facing shortages. The author said the bill was developed with mental health stakeholders over several years, shared with DHS, and intended to have no cost unless provisions are later flagged for fiscal impact. Chris Westgard of Touchstone Mental Health testified in support and walked through the bill’s main provisions. Section 1 would exclude weekends and holidays from the 10-day deadline for completing diagnostic assessments after admission to intensive residential treatment services, which he said would reduce weekend and holiday work for limited staff. Section 2 would clarify statutory language governing the behavioral health fund’s coverage of intensive residential treatment and residential crisis stabilization services. Section 3 would update Youth ACT rules by allowing board-certified psychiatrists with relevant clinical experience to serve as prescribers, making registered nurses optional team members, and allowing teams with demonstrated experience to serve children and youth ages 8 to 20. Members raised questions about statutory wording, including the use of “notwithstanding” and the term “qualified provider.” Nonpartisan staff said the bill could be tightened with a cross-reference if it advances. There was no public testimony against the bill. The committee laid House File 3520, as amended, over for possible inclusion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the state positions view.
• The user can drill into position data and view positions by title.
• had they chosen, I think the third one down, somebody had chosen it, and then it breaks down the positions
• This is the state position. in the GAA. This is the state positions view.
• The user can drill into position data and view positions by title.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive updates on Transparency Florida and related transparency tools. The Governor’s Office and the Department of Financial Services described the Transparency Florida website, the state payment and contract systems, and the local-government financial reporting system (Logger X/XBRL), emphasizing public access, searchable payment and contract data, downloadable reports, and ongoing upgrades. Members asked whether school districts and the Department of Corrections are included in these systems; staff explained that state agencies like Corrections are covered through Transparency Florida, FACTS, and the state financial reports, while Logger X is for local governments. Committee staff reported that the Transparency Florida Act’s requirements have been met and noted that any new recommendations would need legislative action; members were invited to submit recommendations by October 30. The committee then reviewed repeated audit findings for local governments and educational entities. Staff explained the statutory process for “three-peat” findings: first requesting an updated written corrective-action status, then possibly requiring an appearance before the committee, and finally taking further action if findings remain uncorrected. Most entities were recommended for written updates, while the City of Daytona Beach was singled out for an in-person appearance because of a repeated finding involving unexpended building permit balances. Members also raised questions about specific entities, including McIntosh, White Springs, Pahokee, and the Fred R. Wilson Memorial Law Library special district, with staff explaining the nature of the findings and noting that some entities may warrant further review. The committee adopted a motion to accept staff’s recommendations and to send letters to entities with uncorrected audit findings in late-filed 2023-24 audit reports. It also approved a motion directing the Auditor General and OPPAGA to conduct the required audit of the Department of the Lottery for fiscal year 2025-26, with the Auditor General handling financial, internal control, and compliance work and OPPAGA preparing operational recommendations. The meeting concluded with notice that the next meeting was tentatively scheduled for November 3 at 3:30 p.m., followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It certainly position on the bill.
• Senate position on this issue. Senate position on this issue.
• position was clear. We gave them a bill. position was clear.
• , and what the Senate rules say is that if the Senate position is positive, then it can be amended to
• , and what the Senate rules say is that if the Senate position is positive, then it can be amended to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to go with the House position on this one.
• One, it'll be the House position.
• We're going to go with the<00:17:57.200> House<00:17:57.520> position<00:17:57.919>
• <00:17:59.039> And<00:17:59.280> then the House position on this one.
• And then the House position on this one.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're in the business of embracing those rules honestly and positively.
• way, and the campus vibe is positive around those topics.
• way and the campus five is positive around those types done in a thoughtful and positive way.
• And the campus five is positive around those topics.
• Other people came out in positions of love and support and contradiction to that.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.