Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we have two members of Today, we have two members of the Senate that had birthdays today: Senator
• Uh, one other birthday to pay attention to today is mine and Senator DeBar's assistant, Christie Simmons
• If y'all see her, wish her a happy birthday today. Thank you.

Bills: SB3408 , HB4171 , SB3403 , SB3404 , SB2210

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it your birthday today? Thank you for the question. Yes, it is Representative May's birthday.
• Would you like to sing a happy birthday to her? Mr. Chairman, may I request a solo, please?

Bills: HB2993 , HB3850 , HB3595 , HB3763 , HB3760

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And it appears that there's a custom to recognize birthdays.
• So, with pleasure, I'd like to extend a happy birthday to the Senator from Essex.
• </c> custom to recognize uh birthdays. custom to recognize uh birthdays.
• extend a happy birthday to the senator<01:05:54.280><c> from</c><01:05:54.480><c> Essex.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Happy<01:05:59.920><c> birthday.</c> Are there any further announcements?

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is the birthday for my legislative aide.
• I just want to wish her a happy birthday, Devinique Taylor. Happy birthday. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. Anybody else?
• The Senate is now adjourned for the day. birthday, Devinique Taylor. Happy birthday.
• Happy birthday. Anybody else? Madam Rules Chair, you are recognized.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, students, advocates, and a resolution honoring the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Senators also observed moments of silence for victims of recent campus violence and for former FSU President John Thrasher. The chamber then moved to special order bills, with several members explaining measures and, in some cases, substituting House companions before final passage. Among the bills passed were measures updating child care and early learning provider regulation; strengthening penalties and cost recovery for false reporting and swatting; extending protections against extraordinary medical debt collection; expanding hazardous walking condition criteria for schoolchildren; creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students; and requiring private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose which accommodations they will provide. The Senate also passed a bill adjusting interest rules for trust accounts funding legal aid, after extended debate over the impact on legal aid funding and banking practices, and a transportation package that was heavily amended to address issues such as school bus camera hearings, beach vehicle use for equipment removal, flooded-street wake restrictions, expectant mother parking permits, micromobility regulation, and traffic signal modernization. The chamber also approved public-records exemptions for Agency for Health Care Administration investigators, Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, and appellate court clerks; a municipal water and sewer rate bill affecting Miami-Dade residents near a plant; motor vehicle offenses involving impersonating law enforcement and obscured license plates; trespass penalties at law-enforcement-controlled locations and large ticketed venues; refund requirements for patient overpayments; stem cell therapy authorization with source and consent limits; and insulin administration authority for direct support professionals and relatives in group homes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, and motor vehicle manufacturer/franchise dealer legislation. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though the trust fund interest bill drew notable opposition and passed 28-10, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill passed 37-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason why Black History Month was selected in February is because Frederick Douglass's birthday
• was February 14th and Abraham Lincoln's birthday was February 12th.
• Those two birthdays culminated in the history and the recognition of African Americans, which is why
• I sent him birthday wishes, and we joked about how epic December birthdays are, the lights, the music

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the corrected journals, and then took up gubernatorial appointments. The chamber confirmed four reappointments to the Seismic Safety Commission: Deborah Garns, David Rabbit, Cindy Silva, and Vincent Wells. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove, supported by colleagues, and approved by roll call votes; the first three were confirmed 37-0 after calls were lifted, and Wells was also confirmed 37-0. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 69, designating February as Montessori Month. Senator Niello described Montessori education’s history, California ties, and current teacher shortage and credentialing issues, while several members spoke in support. The resolution passed unanimously, 37-0, and the gallery included Montessori educators and students from the California Montessori Project. The major floor action was Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 honoring Black History Month and the centennial of Black history observances. Senator Weber Pearson and many colleagues from both parties spoke about Black history as American history, the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and the need to protect truthful education and civil rights. After extensive remarks and a presentation of Black History Month “Unsung Hero” honorees in the gallery, the resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate also adjourned in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward and Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson. Multiple senators offered tributes to Ward’s service, leadership, and family, and to Jackson’s civil rights legacy, coalition-building, and influence on voting rights, economic justice, and public service. The body announced its next session for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 9 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason why Black History Month was selected in February is because Frederick Douglass's birthday
• was February 14th and Abraham Lincoln's birthday was February 12th.
• Those two birthdays culminated the history and the recognition of African Americans, which is why February
• I sent him birthday wishes, and we joked about how epic December birthdays are, the lights, the music

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of corrected journals, and a brief recognition of guests. The body then considered four gubernatorial appointments to the Seismic Safety Commission: Deborah Garns, David Rabbit, Cindy Silva, and Vincent Wells. Senators spoke in support of the appointees, especially highlighting Garns’ leadership during the Rio Dell earthquake response and the commission experience of the others. All four confirmations were approved unanimously, with 37 ayes and 0 noes each. The Senate next adopted SR 69 designating February as Montessori Month. Senator Niello described Montessori education’s history, California ties, and current teacher shortages, while a group of Montessori educators and students from the California Montessori Project was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then took up SCR 122 honoring Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week. Senator Weber Pearson and many others from both parties spoke about Black history as American history, the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, ongoing civil rights and education issues, and the importance of recognizing Black contributions in public life, culture, and policy. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The remainder of the session focused on Black History Month observances, including the California Legislative Black Caucus’s “Unsung Heroes” honorees, who were introduced and recognized for community service, arts, public safety, health care, and youth support. The Senate also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward, who died after a battle with cancer, and for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, with members recalling his advocacy, charisma, and personal impact. The Senate adjourned after announcing its next meeting for February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because Frederick Douglass's birthday was February 14th and Abraham Lincoln's birthday was February 12th
• , those two birthdays culminated in the history and the recognition of African Americans, which is why
• I sent him birthday wishes, and we joked about how epic December birthdays are—the lights, the music,

Transcript Highlights:

• they work to earn a special edition patch from the Grand Canyon Council celebrating America's 250th birthday
• Council celebrating America's 250th birthday.
• be down here voting on things that will make their lives better, not trying to rob a child of a birthday
• be down here voting on things that will make their lives better, not trying to rob a child of a birthday
• cake because their parent happens to be on food stamps. ...rob a child of a birthday cake because their

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to wish my assistant, Brandon Manali, a very happy birthday.
• Through this day, happy birthday, Brandon. Happy birthday, Brandon. Representative Cruz. Okay.
• Members, today we honor the birthday of Dr.
• It's my honor to serve with you all, and happy birthday, MLK. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, recognized the Doctor of the Day, and welcomed several guest groups, including JAG students and students from Heila Ben High School. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2153, the annual tax conformity bill, which was described by supporters as aligning Arizona tax law with recent federal changes and providing relief through no tax on tips and overtime, a larger child tax credit, a new child care expense deduction, and a deduction for certain retirement income. Opponents argued the measure would primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations, reduce state revenue, and leave some seniors out because the retirement-income deduction is tied to retirement accounts. Members also discussed the Department of Revenue’s already-issued tax forms and the need for certainty for filers. After extended debate, the Committee of the Whole gave HB 2153 a do pass recommendation by a vote of 31-26, and the House adopted the report and sent the bill to engrossing. The House then took up the Senate mirror bill, SB 1106, substituted for HB 2153, and after floor explanations of vote, passed it 31-27 with 2 not voting. Supporters said the bill would help working families, seniors, and small businesses and prevent filing confusion, while opponents repeated concerns about cost, fairness, and impacts on public services. The bill was transmitted to the Senate. Following the tax vote, members made several announcements, including birthday wishes and a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and committee chairs announced upcoming cancellations. The House then recessed and reconvened for first reading and referral of a long list of new bills covering topics such as elections, health care, education, transportation, public safety, taxation, housing, and appropriations. The session ended with a motion to adjourn until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted to wish my assistant, Brandon Manali, a very happy birthday.
• Through this day, happy birthday, Brandon. Happy birthday, Brandon. Representative Cruz. Okay.
• Members, today we honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Happy birthday, MLK. Thank you. Thank you. Members, a quick announcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our halls are places where people gather for birthday parties, celebrations of life, weddings, and, in
• Our halls are places where people gather for birthday parties, celebrations of life, weddings, and, in
• Halls are places where people<00:08:22.520><c> gather</c><00:08:23.520><c> for</c><00:08:23.960><c> birthday
• </c><00:08:24.720><c> parties</c> people gather for birthday parties people gather for birthday parties

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a birthday today.
• About eight years ago, I introduced and wished this gentleman a happy birthday, and when I did it, I
• Happy birthday to the gentleman from St. Louis. Further introduction of special guests.
• There's not much more I can say that the birthday boy didn't make clear.
• Birthday present. Not even $5.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a birthday today.
• About eight years ago, I introduced and wished this gentleman a happy birthday, and when I did it, I
• Happy birthday to the gentleman from St. Louis. Further introduction of special guests.
• There's not much more I can say that the birthday boy didn't make clear.
• Birthday present. Not even $5.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the House Journal by roll call vote (117-5), and a long series of special guest introductions, including YouthBuild students, school groups, family members, former legislators, and a Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Day recognition. The chamber then moved to third-reading business and reconsideration motions on House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306. Members explained the bills needed to be sent back to Legislative Review to address possible conflicts with current case law and to tighten the language, especially around arbitration and municipal/court jurisdiction issues. The reconsideration motions and the motion to commit the bills to Legislative Review all passed by roll call votes in the 98-43 range. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, which would revise Missouri’s sex offender registry system. The sponsor said the bill responds to concerns from an advocacy group and registry administrators, converting Missouri from a hybrid offense-based system to a true tier-based system aligned with federal SORNA standards, clarifying who must register, reducing litigation exposure, and adding related language on civil commitment housing, name changes, and carnival employees. Members asked about whether offenders could eventually petition off the registry; the sponsor said the bill would streamline removal where allowed under the tier system. House Amendment 1, correcting a typo, was adopted, the committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was third read and passed 141-4. The House also debated House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, a proposal to amend the constitution to phase out the state income tax and shift more of the tax burden toward sales and use taxes over time. Supporters argued the current income tax hurts the middle class, discourages growth, and places Missouri at a disadvantage compared with no-income-tax states like Tennessee; they said the measure would let voters decide and could improve economic development, population growth, and fairness by making taxes more visible and consumption-based. Opponents argued the plan would raise taxes on most Missourians, especially low- and middle-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and people who spend more of their income on necessities, and that it would shift costs onto consumers while weakening funding for schools, health care, and other services. The debate was extensive and included questions about constitutional tax limits, revenue neutrality, and comparisons to Tennessee and Washington, but no final vote on the resolutions was shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a member that is celebrating birthday here today. from the member from Barre City be from the
• We have a member that is celebrating a birthday here today.
• Please help me wish the member a happy birthday from Waterford.
• Happy birthday, member. today. today.
• </c><00:19:06.320><c> Happy</c> Happy birthday, member. Are there any further announcements?

Transcript Highlights:

• Jeff, it's his birthday today, and he's only 45, so everyone please wish him happy birthday.
• Jeff, it's his birthday today, and he's only 45, so everyone please wish him happy birthday.
• Jeff, it's his birthday today, and he's only 45, so everyone please wish him happy birthday.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the annual Cade's Day celebration held each April in honor of Cade's birthday, along with
• Hey to you, happy birthday, he's so shy. To you. Thank you. He's so shy to you.
• Happy birthday, dear Rivero, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Thank you.
• Who also shares a birthday with Rep. Rivero.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including a proclamation designating March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from schools, cities, and medical and advocacy groups, and the clerk announced committee assignments and bill referrals. The chamber then moved through committee-of-the-whole action on several bills. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do pass recommendations. In a later committee-of-the-whole, HB 2083, HB 2308, HB 2388, and HB 2389 were considered; HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 received do pass recommendations as amended, while HB 2389 drew debate over environmental review for power plants, with supporters arguing it would lower energy costs and opponents saying it weakened oversight. The House also retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar. The House then took up third-reading votes on a long list of measures. Bills that passed included HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 and HB 2620 on financial institutions and veterans services, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related psychotherapy treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on cameras in long-term care rooms, HB 2968 on evidence in child custody proceedings, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of U.S. Route 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment failed, and HB 2123 failed on reconsideration after a close vote. Several votes featured debate over housing, energy, veterans’ services, pharmacy scope, family-court evidence rules, and the balance between local control and state oversight. The session ended with committee announcements for the following week, personal privilege remarks, and a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I approached my 18th birthday, I was overwhelmed by an exit planning process that was confusing and
• I was adopted at 15, and on my 18th birthday, I became an unaccompanied homeless youth.
• As aforementioned, I found myself homeless on my 18th birthday.
• I was adopted at 15, and on my 18th birthday, I became an unaccompanied homeless youth.
• As aforementioned, I found myself homeless on my 18th birthday.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a wide range of bills, including early learning and special needs funding (SB 1102), Israel bond investment authority (SB 1674), Parkinson’s disease research at USF (SB 1800), mental health and substance use disorder reforms (SB 1620), veterans nursing home beds (SB 788), securities regulation updates (SB 988), labor pool regulation (SB 1672), Alzheimer’s awareness (SB 398), educator preparation (SB 1590), student mental health reporting (SB 1310), specialty license plates (SB 824), financial institutions and IOTA-related issues (SB 1612), transportation facility designations (SB 1408), utility worker protections (SB 1386), DNA testing grants (SB 1072), the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (SB 364), housing support for former foster youth and homeless students (SB 584), sex offender registration changes (SB 1654), migrant vessel disposal (SB 830), commuter rail indemnification (SB 916), juvenile justice revisions (SB 1344), aggravating factors in capital cases (SB 984), and a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program (SB 1140). Most bills were explained by sponsors, often with supportive testimony from affected agencies, advocacy groups, or industry representatives, and several were amended before final action. The committee adopted amendments on many measures, including clarifications and effective-date changes for SB 1102; technical changes to SB 1620 implementing mental health commission recommendations; a delete-all amendment for SB 1620; an amendment to SB 988; a consumer-disclosure amendment on SB 1612; and multiple amendments to SB 1408, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, and SB 1344. SB 1672 on the Labor Pool Act drew extensive public testimony in opposition from worker advocates, who argued repeal would weaken protections for temp workers and formerly incarcerated workers, and the bill was temporarily postponed to a later meeting without a vote. Several bills received notable testimony in support, including SB 584, where former foster youth described housing instability and the importance of campus housing and federal voucher coordination; SB 1386, which was backed by utility and industry groups seeking stronger penalties for assaults on utility workers; and SB 984, which drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops over expansion of death penalty aggravators. The committee also heard support and opposition on SB 1612 regarding IOTA interest rates and legal aid funding, with bankers and civil legal aid representatives disputing the proper rate structure and whether the bill conflicted with Florida Bar rules. At the end of the meeting, the committee reported all voted-on bills favorably, including SB 1102, SB 1674, SB 1800, SB 1620, SB 788, SB 988, SB 398, SB 1590, SB 1310, SB 824, SB 1612, SB 1408, SB 1386, SB 1072, SB 364, SB 584, SB 1654, SB 830, SB 916, SB 1344, SB 984, and SB 1140. Members also requested to be recorded on various bills, and the committee adjourned after noting one remaining meeting would be lengthy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Morgan, birthday boy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Thank you Chairman Dean and members, happy birthday.
• Happy birthday. Yeah, thank you, sir. Is there anyone else who wish to testify on, for, or against?

Bills: HB138 , HB335 , HB388 , HB138

Committee: House Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• So join me. in wishing Nathan a happy birthday. Happy birthday! Happy birthday, Senator Johnson!

Bills: SJR2 , SB4 , SJR36 , SJR2 , SB4 , SR42 , SR74 , SR76 , HCR5 , SB710 , SB710

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my birthday Uh St. Patrick's Day?
• Happy birthday. so Oh is it? Happy birthday. Yes. Yes. Yes.
• Happy birthday. birthday. birthday. &gt;&gt; Thank<01:11:50.520><c> you.
• County, whose birthday is today, this is County, whose birthday is today, this is in<01:28:41.880><c>
• Is it your birthday today, too? Sorry. Is it your birthday today, too?