Transcript Highlights:

• and somebody training and experience and somebody training and experience and somebody could walk into
• enforcement on the road the judicial enforcement on the road the judicial system has a lot of discretion
• system to would be more on each judicial system to would be more on each judicial system to incorporate
• with some of this all right experience with some of this all right experience with some of this all
• anyone's to deny anyone's experience anyone's to deny anyone's experience anyone's existence their rights

Bills: SB82, SB78, SB4, SB6, SB62, SB66, SB77, SB63, SB79, SB53, SB55, HB14

Keywords: SB82, warrant recall, outstanding warrants, stale warrants, misdemeanor warrants, Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, municipal magistrate, circuit court clerk, criminal procedure, court administration, docket cleanup, warrant audit, law enforcement notification, domestic violence, sex offense, weapons offense, deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, felony-related charges

Transcript Highlights:

• Michael Golio Jr. ...between an administrative warrant, a judicial warrant, and have the proper support
• ,<00:46:10.560> fear<00:46:11.200> becomes experiences, fear becomes experiences, fear
• Colorado's experience with comprehensive AI<01:42:32.960> legislation.
• <01:56:38.639> review<01:56:39.280> or<01:56:39.599> other seeking judicial
• review or other seeking judicial review or other equitable<01:56:40.880> relief<01:56:41.280><

Bills: HB1838, HB1870, HB2445, HB2540, HB1886, HB1839, HB2269, HB1939, HB2037, HB1635, HB1941, HB1576, HB2568, HB2267, HB2590, HB2266, HB2597, HB2499, HB2500, HB2502, HB2607, HB2137, HB2357, HB1782

Keywords: HB1838, Hawaii, Act 142, U visa, T visa, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, immigration certification, visa certification, Form I-918 Supplement B, Form I-914 Supplement B, noncitizen victims, crime victim, human trafficking, victim helpfulness, law enforcement certification, prosecutor certification, judicial review, circuit court, confidentiality

Summary: The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments. The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The laws we have now already allow someone to seek justice when they experience the loss of a pregnancy
• This bill ensures the safety and integrity of the judicial system by protecting court officials from
• For those interfering with judicial processes and providing for clear criminal penalties for violations
• I just want to quickly thank my state attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit, Amira Fox, and her team
• Now this inmate has to navigate the judicial process of equitable estoppel in order to try to defeat

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition. The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1. Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they complied with that sanction, then they wouldn't penetrate the judicial system anymore.
• Through the years, the program was implemented in each of the judicial circuits.
• Then in 2019, Through the years, the program was implemented in each of the judicial circuits.
• We have 20 employment specialists throughout the state, one for each judicial circuit.
• We have 20 employment specials throughout the state, one for each judicial circuit.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Muslim and Jewish students are most likely to experience religious discrimination, as reported by the
• I have a little bit of personal experience in this area.
• Elijah O'Neill, on behalf of the American Journey Experience, testifying for the bill.
• Finally, the American journey experience has been new Please wrap up your testimony.
• And so what we're doing here is part of this collective experience. I'm glad to be here with you.

Bills: HB4, HB54, SB 10, SB 24, HB4, HB54, HB775, HB850, HB 1122, HB 1249, HB1405, HB2336, HB2757, HB3372, HB3622, HB4442, HB4687, HB4893, HB5089, HB5515, HB5606, SB10, SB24, HB1573, HB3369

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, citizenship, U.S. citizen, non-citizen, public office, advisory board, task force, state government, local government, political subdivision, commission board, appointment eligibility, officeholder qualifications, public service, naturalization, Texas Government Code

Transcript Highlights:

• So back to the intent then, I do appreciate the intent because you're speaking from experience with what
• The bill would exempt all records, files, and other documents relating to the West Virginia Judicial
• officer, prosecutor, public defender, elected official. ...appointed or served as a judicial officer
• That's why I'm hoping somebody here can, you know, with some maybe experience in the office, can speak
• So the original bill was to protect retired judicial officials...

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the previous meeting’s minutes, then took up House Bill 4198, which would require all employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization. Counsel explained that the bill would add enforcement by the Division of Labor, create tiered penalties including warnings, fines, debarment from state contracts, and possible business license revocation, while also removing criminal penalties tied to hiring unauthorized workers in light of federal law. Members raised extensive concerns about drafting problems, including circular and conflicting language, unclear references to existing verification and recordkeeping provisions, the meaning of terms like “seeks to employ,” and whether the bill could unintentionally apply to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements. Questions also focused on whether the bill would apply to public versus private employers, how compliance would be shown, and how penalties would work for small businesses or employers who never actually hire the person in question. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a straightforward extension of the federally required I-9 process, saying E-Verify is a quick, free online check that helps employers verify work authorization and protects them from liability for unknowingly hiring unauthorized workers. He said the bill was intended to be mandatory, not permissive, and argued that it would help law-abiding employers compete fairly. After the questioning, the committee rejected a motion to table the bill and instead sent House Bill 4198 to a seven-member subcommittee to clean up the drafting, resolve inconsistencies, and review the penalties and scope of the measure. The subcommittee was directed to meet the next morning and report back quickly. The committee then moved to House Bill 4710, with an amendment that would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the bill is aimed at preventing candidates from switching parties after losing a primary and then running as independents in the general election. Members discussed how the 210-day requirement would interact with both primary and general election filing deadlines, and the Secretary of State’s office clarified that the measure would affect candidates who change affiliation shortly before filing. The discussion continued with testimony from the Secretary of State’s general counsel about how the bill would operate in practice, but no final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• District 1A; agency 121, Judicial District 1B; agency 122, Judicial District 2A; agency 123, Judicial
• District 2B; agency 124, Judicial District 3B; agency 125, Judicial District 3A; agency 126, Judicial
• District 4A; agency 127, Judicial District 5A; agency 128, Judicial District 5B; agency 129, Judicial
• District 6A; agency 130, Judicial District 7A; agency 131, Judicial District 7B; agency 132, Judicial
• District 9A; agency 133, Judicial District 8A; agency 134, Judicial District 9B; agency 135, Judicial

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, it's an opportunity for students to experiment and fail.
• Through hands-on activities and real-world experiences, students build confidence, develop persistence
• So I have firsthand experience and knowledge of the impact that the OST program...
• Sometimes I'll tell you, just from personal experience, Chair and Senator Triselle, I think my son, so
• Do you agree with that statement, that decision that was handed down by the First Judicial District?

Bills: SB83, SB106, SB107, SB123, SJR1

Keywords: ecological monitoring, sustainability, tribal engagement, education, research funding, graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, out-of-school programming, education funding, youth programs, affordability, nonprofit organizations, defibrillators, public schools, health and safety, emergency response, school elections

Transcript Highlights:

• bishops continue the Red Mass tradition by inviting those who serve in the executive, legislative, and judicial
• branches of government and members of the legal profession to join them in prayer. ...and judicial branches
• At line 167, it indicates the department shall identify two judicial circuits within which the pilot
• placement data, and that's what the department has available to them in order to identify... ...the judicial
• Should we use that word, or should we just facilitate transfer experience for hours?

Summary: The Senate opened with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing FSU Day at the Capitol, the Red Mass, visiting students, school board members, veterans, and other guests. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with several measures temporarily postponed before and during the day’s proceedings. Committee and executive reports were largely absent, and the Senate proceeded directly to floor action on the listed bills. The Senate passed a number of mostly unanimous bills, including SB 36, SB 38, SB 40, and SB 42 on Florida Statutes revision; CS/SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, amended to strengthen the Florida Flood Hub and related research; CS/SB 116 on veterans, expanding benefits coordination, mental health training, adult day health care, and other veterans services; SB 126 on mailing prescription hearing aids to adults; SB 150 on abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters, amended to conform to the House; SB 294 limiting collaborative pharmacy practice for certain serious cardiac conditions; SB 322 creating a nonjudicial process for removing unauthorized persons from commercial property; SB 348 on ethics, including false military rank claims and collection of delinquent ethics fines; and CS/SB 7012 on child welfare workforce recruitment, treatment foster care pilots, and data collection for commercially sexually exploited children. Senate Memorial 314 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure was also adopted by voice vote. Two bills drew more extended debate. SB 118 on presidential libraries passed 36-3 after questions about local zoning, traffic, and whether the bill’s express preemption would limit county and municipal authority; supporters argued it would prevent local obstruction and help Florida attract a presidential library, while one senator said she would vote no because of concerns about local safety and planning issues. CS/SB 160 on public accountancy passed 39-0 after an amendment clarifying contracted services; supporters said it would broaden pathways into the CPA profession and address workforce shortages. CS/SB 108 on administrative procedures and CS/SB 110 on rural communities were temporarily postponed, then later taken up and passed after extensive debate, with SB 110 amended to prioritize certain rural transportation projects, expand housing, health care, broadband, and economic development support, and draw strong bipartisan praise for its focus on rural Florida. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, observed a moment of silence for former Surfside Chief John Healy, and made several closing announcements and recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• He experiences the dignity of honest work, and he has hope for a better future.
• In my experience, hopeful people are far less likely to commit crimes.
• In my experience, hopeful people are far less likely to commit crimes.
• In my experience, hopeful people are far less likely to commit crimes.
• entering what's what's really a judicial entering what's what's really a judicial order.<00:49:39.200

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met for its sixth regular-session meeting and first took up House Bill 5, as substituted by committee amendment, which would authorize KCTCS to partner with the Department of Corrections to create a vocational training campus at North Point Training Center. The sponsor and witnesses described the bill as a prison education and re-entry initiative aimed at reducing recidivism, saving taxpayer money, and meeting workforce needs, citing Michigan’s vocational village model as evidence that prison-based training can lower reoffending. Testimony emphasized that the program would include high-demand vocational fields, credentials, eligibility and security safeguards, data collection, annual reporting, and re-entry documentation such as certificates of employability and employment protections. Several members voiced support, including comments that the bill builds on existing second-chance and employability efforts. One member asked whether post-release employment outcomes could also be tracked, and the sponsor said that would be encouraged and discussed as a possible friendly amendment. After discussion, the committee voted 19-1 to adopt the committee substitute and pass House Bill 5. The committee then began consideration of House Bill 468, which would update the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to conform the state definition of disability to the 2008 federal ADA amendments and clarify the meaning of “qualified individual with a disability.” The bill sponsor said it would remove the Kentucky Human Rights Commission’s adjudicative authority over employment and public accommodations cases, while leaving investigative powers intact and preserving housing-related adjudication, with the goal of placing those disputes in court and preserving jury-trial rights. In response to questions, the sponsor said a local mandate analysis found the court impact would be minimal to moderate, and cited commission data showing relatively few hearings. The transcript cuts off during continued discussion of HB 468.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the judicial branch certainly doesn't have a concern in any way on this bill.
• > certainly<01:40:29.520> doesn't So the judicial branch certainly doesn't So the judicial
• I I don't My experience is, and I have seen criminals utilize statutes like this.
• Motion carries and experience to >> 76.
• In other words, someone similarly situated with specific experiences and specific training.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The experience with assisted living is important.
• The experience with assisted living is important.
• Uh and and to to to not experience.
• So, you know, seek the judicial system.
• <00:53:58.000> have this area and what their experience have this area and what their experience

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amending the Professional Psychologist Act, adding certain prescribing psychologists with independent experience
• crisis, providing eligibility requirements for pre-prosecution diversion programs, providing for a judicial
• for crime mapping to utilize crime data to interpret or deter violence, providing for continuing judicial
• Amending the Landscape Architects Act, lowering the required minimum years of experience for a licensed
• Authorizing the Board of Landscape Architects to increase the required number of years of experience

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:31.840> If<00:17:32.000> the nothing with judicial discretion.
• If the nothing with judicial discretion.
• So when that happens, does the court, because my experience is the court says duly noted, but do you
• is the court says duly noted, experience is the court says duly noted, but<00:32:29.039> do<00
• I don't think the intention is not to place any additional burden on the judicial system. society, the

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 122, which would allow certain defendants who are caretakers of dependent children to ask a sentencing court to consider parenting classes and family counseling as part of an alternative sentence, alongside existing options like probation and treatment programs. Representative Nick Wilson, the House sponsor, said the bill was aimed at helping families affected by the opioid crisis, especially in Appalachia, and described it as a way to support parents who want to get clean and rebuild family stability. He emphasized that the bill would apply only on a defendant’s motion, would not be automatic, and would exclude violent offenders, domestic violence-related cases, child-victim cases, and cases where probation or similar relief is otherwise prohibited. Committee members raised concerns that the bill could create a two-tiered system of justice or add unnecessary procedure because judges already consider family circumstances through presentence investigations and sentencing discretion. One senator said he would support the bill but worried it privileged defendants with children over those without. Another member argued the bill was unnecessary because judges and prosecutors already have these options available and because it could add another hearing to an already overloaded court system. Supporters responded that the family unit should be given greater weight and that the bill would simply make that consideration more explicit. Judge Julie Ward, joined by Judge Jeremy Maddox, testified against the bill as written. She said judges already receive presentence reports, hear offender statements, and consider caregiving responsibilities, and that family court already addresses children’s needs when custody issues arise. Her main objections were that parenting services are not available in all communities, may cost money, and that the bill would require evidentiary hearings and potentially create equal protection problems by giving preferential treatment to caretakers. She urged the sponsors to work on revised language instead of passing the bill in its current form. Senator Wheeler said he would vote for the bill and noted that a floor amendment would be offered to address access to confidential juvenile “J cases” in presentence reports, since probation and parole do not have that access. He said the amendment was intended to make sure sentencing judges have the information they need. The discussion ended without a final committee vote in the transcript, but the bill remained under consideration with possible amendment and further revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• He lost in Texas, and the status of the law right now is that his clever device to circumvent judicial
• We've got judicial liability.
• You're going to hear a testimony from a mom who lived through this experience, who called one of these
• That is real life experience of moms victimized by Big Pharma and using these poison abortion pills.
• The drugs were taken in the doctor's office, so that moms didn't experience what we just read alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• either party of a civil action to request a change in venue if either party is an employee of the judicial
• It protects due process, promotes judicial efficiency, and strengthens our trust in the legal system.
• It protects due process, promotes judicial efficiency, and strengthens our trust in the legal system.
• I can tell you from personal experience that victims in Arizona learn very early that their participation
• I can tell you from personal experience that victims in Arizona learn very early that their participation

Bills: HB2043, HB2045, HB2046, HB2048, HB2064, HB2074, HB2126, HB2133, HB2144

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard a series of bills dealing largely with sexual exploitation, homicide, reproductive issues, child support, venue changes, domestic violence service of process, probation notice, and traffic offenses. HB 2133 would require websites distributing sexual material to verify age and consent for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images; it drew opposition from Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice over added complexity, and support from survivors and trafficking advocates, and passed 7-1. HB 2043 would expand felony murder to include the death of an unborn child; reproductive rights groups and defense attorneys raised personhood and abortion-related concerns, while prosecutors and victims’ advocates supported it, and it passed 6-2. HB 2144 would allow child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limit pregnancy-related orders to medical and related expenses; supporters framed it as responsibility and support for pregnant women, while opponents warned about fetal personhood and abortion-related implications, and it passed 6-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm not going to bore you with everything from judicial redistricting last year.
• are that are there under the judicial are that are there under the judicial operations<00:40:36.000
• areas from the judicial redistricting. areas from the judicial redistricting.
• <00:42:11.599> redistricting everything from judicial redistricting everything from judicial
• :32.720> what<00:48:33.040> we judicial redistricting, that's what we judicial redistricting

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2893, a municipalities bill on zoning notice requirements. The committee substitute would require notice of proposed zoning changes to be posted on Facebook, Instagram, and X 30 and 15 days before the hearing, while also continuing newspaper publication, posting on a local website if available, making the proposal available at a government office or library, and extending the appeal period for landowners from 10 to 20 days. Members raised concerns about relying on social media for accurate notice and whether local governments would need accounts on those platforms, but the sponsor said the bill was meant to supplement, not replace, newspaper notice. The bill was described as supported by municipal interests, and the committee adopted a motion for a title sufficient, due pass committee substitute. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2027, which creates a rebuttable presumption that joint physical custody is in the best interest of a child. The sponsor and other senators said the bill is intended to add a tool to existing custody law, not replace the Albright factors or other custody standards, and would apply even where the parents were never married. Questions focused on paternity, how the presumption could be rebutted, and whether distance between parents would defeat equal time; the sponsors said paternity rules would remain unchanged and courts could deviate when joint custody is not feasible, such as when parents live far apart. Senators also asked about chancellors’ reactions, and the sponsor said he had discussed the measure with many of them and had revised the bill in response to prior concerns. The committee then passed the bill on a motion for title sufficient, due pass. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 2747, a consumer legal funding bill. The sponsor and a representative of the industry described the measure as regulating consumer legal funding, which provides small advances to injured plaintiffs for household expenses while litigation is pending, and distinguishing it from litigation financing, which pays litigation costs. They said the bill would impose consumer protections, require attorney review, prohibit quid pro quo arrangements between funders and law firms, bar law firms from operating side funding businesses, and block foreign money from entering the market. The discussion was informational at this stage, with the witness explaining that the bill is intended to regulate an existing practice and protect consumers and the legal system.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, we added prosecutor, Supreme Court justices, district court judges, and judicial referees.
• And then in 2025, we added United States... ...court judges and judicial referees.
• In my experience over the years... Let me see. I can pull up when we enacted that.
• But it's a learning experience, but we're about six months away, and Emily's got a proposal here, and
• But I'm sure that there are legislators that didn't have that experience.

Summary: The Legislative Procedures and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The committee first considered and adopted a Joint Rule 211 change clarifying the deadline and statutory references for bill drafts involving health insurance mandates, after discussion that the process is still somewhat cumbersome but improved by the clarification. The committee then reviewed a revised draft addressing confidentiality protections for certain legislators and candidates, but members expressed concerns about the breadth, enforceability, and transparency implications of the proposal, and the committee chose not to advance it at this time. The committee received an informational update on the new NCSL Legislator Security Fund. Staff explained that North Dakota is applying for the grant, which could provide about $200 per legislator for home security or related safety expenses, subject to Emergency Commission approval and reimbursement procedures. Members asked about eligible expenses, administrative burden, and whether new legislators would be covered; staff said guidance would be provided if funding is approved. The committee also approved the 2027 timing for the State of the Judiciary, tribal-state relationship message, and State of the State address on January 5, and set the Commerce Department and agricultural commodity reports for January 13 and 14, respectively, as required by statute. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislative staffing and organizational planning. The committee approved a recommendation for 36 Senate staff positions and 41 House staff positions, along with a 3% compensation increase for session staff. Discussion centered on replacing some procedural clerk duties with permanent policy analyst staff, retaining quality assurance roles for now, and adding or repurposing positions in IT, program evaluation, legal, and administration. Members also discussed expanding program evaluation capacity and the need for clearer oversight of new programs, with staff noting upcoming training and model-sharing with other states. Finally, the committee reviewed a proposed new legislator orientation day on November 30 and broader organizational session training changes, including mock committee and floor sessions, security training, and more robust budget/appropriations instruction, but took no final action on the agenda items and adjourned after completing the budget-related recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill ensures the safety and integrity of the judicial system by protecting court officials from
• officers, including judicial assistants and jurors.
• It also supports law enforcement and the judicial system. And that, sir, is the bill. Thank you.
• My family has taken advantage of that, and it's a great experience.
• It ensures due process, protects the integrity of judicial appointments, and balances parental rights

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 839 would provide an expedited judicial review process for a limited number of qualifying SAF projects
• SAF projects to the list of infrastructure projects eligible for expedited judicial review under CEQA
• AB 839 would provide an expedited judicial review process for a limited number of qualifying SAF projects
• These projects require careful judicial scrutiny to ensure they are properly analyzed and mitigated.
• Independent judicial review of these projects is not useless red tape.

Keywords: 987, senate, all