Video & Transcript Research : 'debates'
Page 61 of 329
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Any debate on the amendment? Thank you. Any debate on the amendment?
- Is there any debate? Senator Jones, you are recognized.
- I appreciate the opportunity to debate this, and thank you, Madam Chair. Any other debate?
- Any other debate? Madam Chair, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Is there further debate on the bill?
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis.
The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote.
The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors.
- All debate having ceased. will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote.
- All debate having ceased, Assemblymember Lee, would you like to close?
- Abortion is healthcare plain and simple, it's not political, it's not up for debate.
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, the clerk will open the roll.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We can certainly debate. Senator Berman, would you like to lead us in debate? Certainly. Thank you.
- We can certainly debate. Senator Berman, would you like to lead us in debate? Certainly. Thank you.
- Any other members in debate?
- Is there any debate on the bill? Senator Harrell, you're recognized in debate.
- Is there debate on the bill?
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary held confirmation hearings for two State University System Board of Governors appointees, M. Carson Good and Speaker Paul Renner. Good described his background in Florida real estate, airport governance, and fundraising, and said he would focus on improving university performance, collaboration among institutions, and growing endowments while keeping in-state tuition stable. Renner emphasized his legislative experience with higher education, and said his priorities on the Board would be transparency, compliance with legislative direction, and reducing administrative bloat. Both nominees were recommended for confirmation on a single vote, with Senator Berman noting concern about the low number of women on the board.
The committee then heard and passed SB 1726, a higher education transparency bill by Senator Calatayud. The bill would require Board of Governors members to comply with constitutional financial disclosure requirements, set term limits for State Board of Education and university board members, change rules for presidential searches and public records, and require more detailed textbook and syllabus information for students. A student advocate from Florida Student Power Network supported the bill as increasing student involvement and democratic accountability in higher education. Senator Harrell raised a concern about residency requirements for Board of Governors members, and the sponsor said that issue could be revisited later. The bill was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship funding. A delete-all amendment was adopted that required clearer funding splits between local education agencies and program providers, annual reporting, a standard DOE contract template, and a cap on administrative fees in certain cases. Supporters from industry groups said the changes would improve transparency and accountability without requesting additional funding. The committee then reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 584 on young adult housing support. An amendment removed a requirement that state agencies act as co-signers or guarantors on leases while preserving coordination for the federal Foster Youth to Independence program. Several former foster youth and advocates testified in support, describing housing instability and its impact on education, and urging broader access to campus housing and vouchers. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes housing and work-study for homeless and former foster youth, supports the FYI program, and directs a statewide study of housing barriers. The committee reported the bill favorably and then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 12, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, members, we are in debate on the bill as amended.
- I wanted to, I normally don't debate, but I wanted to because of one of the comments.
- And Representative, having closed debate, you're welcome to close your bill.
- Members, we are in debate. Seeing no debate, you're recognized to close on your amendment.
- Members, we're in debate on this good bill.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered five bills. The first, PCS for HB 987, was an honorary transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and an overpass for fallen officers, a military service member, and first responders. An amendment added the Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway designation in Lake County. Members offered supportive remarks, and the bill passed 17-0.
The committee then heard HB 703, which would require authorities such as FDOT or local governments to pay the costs when they require telecom providers to relocate infrastructure from public rights-of-way. Support came from Charter Communications, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida Internet and Television, with discussion focused on the communication services tax and the cost burden of relocations. The bill passed unanimously 18-0. HB 1523 followed, addressing municipal utilities serving customers outside their boundaries by requiring public meetings, annual reporting, limits on transfers to general revenue, and reduced or eliminated surcharges for outside-boundary customers. Municipal utility representatives opposed parts of the bill, citing rural impacts, debt obligations, and the need for a glide path, while supporters argued for transparency and fairness to ratepayers outside municipal boundaries. An amendment changed a reporting date to January 31, 2026, and the bill passed 14-4.
HB 867 established a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor, including insurance and indemnification arrangements for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties using the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. An amendment clarified that Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline are not state entities and do not have sovereign immunity unless expressly provided by law. The bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1137 clarified a prior energy preemption law by adding boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities of counties and municipal corporations to the entities covered, aimed at preventing discriminatory energy-source practices by an appointed board. Public testimony included support from the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Home Builders Association and opposition from Florida Student Power. Members noted the bill was a cleanup measure, and it passed favorably.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Rules REVISED: Links Added May 6th, 2026
Administrative Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- Discussion or debate? Seeing no debate. Staff, please open the queue.
- In discussion or debate? Seeing no debate? Do we have a motion? Is there a motion?
- See any discussion or debate? Seeing no debate? Please open. Seeing any discussion or debate?
- Seeing no debate? Please open the vote. Any member wishing to change their vote? Close the vote.
Keywords:
Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs, provider regulations, benefits administration, rule approval
Summary:
The Administrative Rules Committee met to consider three joint resolutions approving major rules. Chairman Kendricks presented SJR 50 and SJR 52, both related to Oklahoma Health Care Authority rules, and SJR 53, which was clarified to concern the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Members asked why the Health Care Authority rules were split into two separate resolutions, and were told they could have been combined but were being handled separately.
Each resolution was moved for adoption, there was little to no debate, and the committee voted to approve them. SJR 50 passed 10-0, SJR 52 passed 11-0, and SJR 53 also passed unanimously. After the votes, members exchanged brief remarks thanking one another for their work during the year and noting the committee’s efforts to reduce bureaucracy.
A member asked whether suggestions should be raised at that time, and was told that was not the appropriate time. With no further business, the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:06 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank many of my colleagues who, in the course of this vigorous budget debate, have talked
- Health insurance, we've talked about that during this debate.
- I know much has been said on this subject during this debate, much of it's been said by me, so I'll be
- And of course, we cannot conclude this budget debate without thanking the people.
- We cannot conclude this budget debate without thanking the people that work for us tirelessly.
Summary:
The Senate took up a long series of FY26 budget amendments during debate on the Ways and Means budget bill. Early on, an amendment on debt service and the Debt Affordability Committee was rejected. A major education amendment offered by Senator Lewis and supported by Senator Comerford was then adopted; it directs DESE to begin a public process, with $200,000 in funding, to review and recommend updates to the Chapter 70 municipal contribution formula and related school funding structures as the Student Opportunity Act nears full implementation. Senators argued that school districts across the Commonwealth are under severe fiscal strain, citing rising special education, transportation, health insurance, and Proposition 2 1/2 pressures, and that the current formulas are increasingly out of alignment with local needs.
The chamber also considered and voted on many other amendments, with several adopted and several rejected. Adopted amendments included measures on public payroll transparency, regional EMS, a small business group purchasing cooperative pilot, simplifying Medicaid eligibility determinations, and early education background checks. Rejected amendments included proposals on first-time homebuyer savings accounts, population change studies, competitiveness studies, emergency contract reform, natural gas cost containment, a $200 per pupil aid increase, regional school reimbursement increases, a Foundation Budget Review Commission-related study, special education service studies, welfare benefit audits, short-term capital gains, and an MBTA sustainability plan. Senator Durant also spoke in support of Amendment 766, which would create a crumbling concrete assistance fund for homeowners affected by pyrrhotite, with tax-exempt aid, federal funding applications, audits, and a stakeholder working group.
Near the end of debate, Senator D. DiDomenico praised the Shannon Grant program for gang violence prevention, and the Senate adopted a final corrective amendment containing technical fixes and local earmarks. The bill was then ordered to a third reading and, after a roll call on engrossment, passed to be engrossed by a vote of 38-2. The Senate also approved a motion to adjourn to the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. and recessed in memory of Yaron Lashinsky, Sarah Lynn Milgram, and Leslie A. Feeney.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the censorship industrial complex. Mar 25th, 2025 at 01:00 pm
Constitution Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- And we can have a big debate about whether their judgments are right or they're wrong.
- They direct big tech companies to censor American speech and debate.
- Attacking free speech and debate has become a massive industry.
- , helps to keep us free and allows that debate to continue. in the public square.
- Free and open debate and he worked very hard to keep that from happening.
Keywords:
censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any debate on the proposed bill?
- And is there any debate on the amendment?
- Any debate on the bill? Volusia Sheriff's office, waiving in support. Any debate on the bill?
- Any other debate? Senator Osgood. governor's desks. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Any other debate?
- Any other debate? Senator Leake, you recognize the close.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and first approved SPB 7014, which terminates the state court system’s mediation and arbitration trust fund; staff noted the fund has no current balance and that filing fees were already redirected in 2011. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill without objection.
The committee then took up CS/SB 48 on alternative judicial procedures for foreclosure sales. Senator Garcia described it as a response to reported abuses in Miami-Dade County, adding longer sale timeframes, stronger notice requirements, rules for alternative sale methods, online auction authorization, and consumer protections for surplus funds. After adopting a technical amendment, members raised concerns about whether the bill was codifying a process they believed should remain with clerks of court and about the new online auction provisions; Senator Garcia ultimately moved to temporarily postpone the bill.
Members also approved CS/SB 322, creating a nonjudicial process for sheriffs to remove unauthorized persons from commercial property, and CS/SB 138, which revises DUI-related language from “intoxicating” to “impairing” and allows judicial circuits to create DUI diversion programs. CS/SB 138 drew opposition from some members and testimony from cannabis advocates and defense lawyers who argued the catch-all language was too broad and could sweep in lawful medications or create testing and expungement issues, but it still passed. The committee further reported favorably SB 130 on wrongful incarceration compensation, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars to compensation, and SB 234, which strengthens penalties for violent resistance against law enforcement officers and clarifies that such resistance can lead to life imprisonment if it results in an officer’s death. Both bills received supportive testimony, though SB 234 also drew concerns from defense lawyers about removing language tied to lawful duty and good faith; the sponsor said the bill preserves defenses while focusing on violent resistance. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in debate. Seeing none, we're in public testimony on the amendment. We are in debate.
- Debate on the amendment. Debate on the amendment. All right, we're back on the bill.
- Representative Steele, you're recognized in debate. Thank you, Chair.
- Representative Tendrich, you're recognized in debate. Thank you, Chair.
- Members, anyone else in debate?
Summary:
The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to discuss Florida’s current “sports choice” rules and high school NIL policy, then heard and passed HB 151. FHSAA officials and Sarasota County Schools staff explained eligibility rules for student-athletes, including GPA, age, semester limits, physicals, insurance, and the different participation options for traditional public, charter, home education, Florida Virtual, and private school students. Members focused on how controlled open enrollment works, whether private school students can play at public schools and vice versa, transfer timing and capacity limits, recruiting restrictions, and the role of local district policies. Sarasota officials said about 400 students in their county participate through non-traditional athletic arrangements, and FHSAA said statewide there are 5,460 non-traditional student-athlete forms on file out of roughly 280,000 student-athletes.
The committee then reviewed Florida’s high school NIL framework. FHSAA said students in grades 9-12 may enter NIL deals, with no income cap, but they are barred from agreements involving adult entertainment, alcohol, tobacco/vaping, cannabis, controlled substances, gambling, weapons, political or social activism, and NIL collectives. Students must have a written contract and cannot use school logos or uniforms without permission. FHSAA said about 25 students statewide had NIL deals so far, and Sarasota was first to file. Members raised concerns about recruiting, taxes, financial literacy, mental health, and whether students should be treated as employees, while district staff said they provide education and financial literacy resources but do not review contracts.
After the discussion, the committee took up HB 151 by Rep. Abbott. The bill allows students at FHSAA-member private schools to participate in sports at another member school when their own school does not offer that sport, and it removes the current 200-student enrollment limit. An amendment clarifying the private-school language was adopted without objection. A public witness from a small private school supported the bill, saying it would let the school join FHSAA without losing local athletic access for its students. Despite some members raising fairness and funding concerns, the bill passed on a 15-0 vote and was reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Mar 18th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators, any debate? Any debate on the amendment.
- Any debate? Senators, any debate on the bill?
- Senators, any debate on the bill? Any debate on the bill?
- Senators, any debate on the bill? Any debate on the bill? Seeing no debate, Senator, fine.
- Any debate on the proposed bill? Any debate? Senators, I'm going to need a motion.
Summary:
The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill.
The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions.
After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 4, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- No questions, no amendments, public testimony, no testimony, debate members, any debate?
- Debate members, any debate? Representative Weinberger, you are recognized to close on your PCB.
- Any debate, members? Rep. Greco, you did a great job. No questions, no debate.
- We are in debate, members. Debussy. All right, Rep. Greco, you did a good job.
- Review the bills so you're ready for discussion and questions and debate. That's our job.
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider five proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, which requires certain public record and public meeting exemptions to be reenacted before automatic repeal. Each bill was briefly explained by its sponsor or a member presenting on behalf of the sponsor, with no amendments or public testimony offered on any of the measures.
The subcommittee favorably reported PCB GOS 26-01, preserving the Florida Gaming Control Commission exemption; PCB GOS 26-03, preserving the public emergency shelter address and phone number exemption; PCB GOS 26-04, preserving exemptions for financial information used in small business loan administration; PCB GOS 26-02, preserving the conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information exemption; and PCB GOS 26-05, preserving a Public Service Commission meeting exemption for portions involving proprietary confidential information. During discussion on the Public Service Commission bill, members asked about transparency and utility rate increases, and the sponsor responded that the exemption is narrow, has never been used, does not affect public discussion of rate increases, and does not limit lawsuits or discovery.
All five PCBs were reported favorably by roll call vote. The chair then thanked members for their participation, noted that more bills were being referred to the committee, and adjourned the meeting without objection.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 24th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Any debate? Senators, any debate on the amendment?
- Senators, any debate on the bill? Any debate? I'll debate.
- Senators, any debate on the bill? Senator Collins, you are recognized to close.
- Senators, any debate? Senator Davis, you are recognized to close on your bill. Waive close.
- Is there any debate on the bill? Thank you. Are there any appearance forms? No.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard four bills. SB 810, as amended, addressed stormwater management and flooding prevention after recent hurricanes by requiring annual inspections of certain municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and identifying infrastructure vulnerable to blockage, deterioration, failure, or flooding. Senator Burgess said the amendment narrowed the bill, removed a notice requirement to DEM, and was still being refined with stakeholders and counties; Senator Smith asked about prioritizing high-risk systems and DEP’s role. The committee adopted the amendment, heard one opposition appearance from the Florida Stormwater Association, and reported the bill favorably as C.S. for SB 810.
SB 994 by Senator Collins revised driver education requirements. It would require applicants age 18 and older to complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course unless they had previously been licensed or completed a Department of Education driver’s ed course, and it would require learner’s permit applicants to complete a DHSMV-approved classroom driver education course. The bill had one supportive appearance from A BET Florida and was reported favorably without debate.
The committee also approved two transportation facility designation bills. SB 662 designated a portion of West Beaver Street in Duval County as Harry Frisch Street in honor of the Jacksonville businessman and philanthropist, and SB 706 designated a portion of U.S. 92/Gandy Boulevard as the Senator James A. Sebesta Memorial Highway, recognizing Sebesta’s public service and work on transportation issues. Both bills had no opposition or debate and were reported favorably. The committee then adjourned and noted it would meet again Wednesday to take up additional bills and begin budget rollout.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, is there any debate? I assume nobody was going to debate, but I better back up.
- Is there debate on the bill? Now you can close. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Is there debate? Seeing no debate, you're recognized to close on this amendment.
- Senators, we're in debate. Is there a debate? Senators, we're in debate. Is there a debate?
- Any other committee members wishing to debate?
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted.
During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, any debate on the bill? Senator Rybrich is you recognized to close. Debate on the bill.
- Any debate on the bill as amended? All right. Wave closed.
- Members, any debate on the bill?
- Further debate. Senator Mayfield. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
- Further debate. that goes from now on, but today I'll be up on your bill. Further debate.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills, all of which were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated “glitch bill” to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to lawsuits aimed at banning fuel sources; it was supported by the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and passed without debate. SB 364 on public accountancy was described as a modernization and licensure-efficiency bill to increase the supply of CPAs; an amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. A public comment on the bill was briefly redirected after it appeared to address a different subject.
The committee then took up SB 200 on utilities, which addresses solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. Chair Bradley said the bill would authorize counties to require decommissioning plans for utility-scale solar facilities at the end of their useful life, direct DEP to develop best management practices, and require the Public Service Commission to consider whether storm protection plan costs are reasonable relative to expected customer benefits. County and consumer groups spoke in support, and the Small County Coalition said the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development; the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, which was presented as a reform and “glitch” bill and amended to add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order explanations, tighten intervention requirements, cap returns on equity at the national average for comparable utilities, set periodic ROE review schedules, and require affordability to be considered in rate-related proceedings. The PSC staff deputy executive director answered extensive questions about storm hardening, cost recovery, risk, and affordability. Several members and public speakers supported the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the affordability standard, the ROE cap, and comparisons to other states; others said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 126 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there any debate on the amendment? This is easy. Thank you.
- We have debate. Is there any debate on the bill? Representative Mayfield, you're recognized.
- Debate. Do we have any debate, members? Representative Skidmore, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr.
- Do we have debate on the amendment? Do we have any debate?
- Representatives, we are now in debate. Do we have debate? Representative Rayner, you're recognized.
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met for its first meeting of session and heard four bills. HB 209, the State Parks Preservation Act, would limit development in state parks and require stronger public notice and participation for land management plan changes. Members discussed protections for cabins and existing lodging, and an amendment aligned the bill with the Senate and clarified conservation-based recreational uses. Support came from Audubon Florida, Nature Conservancy, and others, and the bill was reported favorably with committee substitute after a unanimous roll call.
HB 143 would create a Florida Resilient Buildings Tax Credit for new construction and retrofits that meet LEED-based resiliency standards, with a new advisory committee under DBPR to help administer the program. An amendment moved the process under DBPR, added UCF and FIU to the advisory council, and made technical conforming changes. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Boca Raton city council member and was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one no vote.
HB 295 would direct DEP to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan based on its 2020 recycling report, including education, market development, and recommendations for statutory changes. Testimony emphasized that the plan would be voluntary and would not impose costs or mandates on homeowners or businesses. The bill passed without amendments and was reported favorably. HB 585 would let owners of former phosphate mining lands record notice and obtain a Department of Health radiation survey to support a narrow defense against strict liability claims; an amendment clarified the notice content and limited the definition to mined lands, not gyp stacks. The bill drew extensive questions about notice, radiation thresholds, disclosure to buyers, and liability scope, but supporters from Mosaic, the Florida Chamber, and a health physicist argued it would improve transparency and help redevelop lands. It was reported favorably with committee substitute, with one soft yes and one no vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 7th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This motion is not debatable. It requires 41 votes. Clerk will open the roll.
- Member McKenna, all debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll.
- Okay, all debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors.
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Calderon, would you like to close?
- Okay, all debate having ceased on this bill, the clerk will open the roll.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 12, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, we'll move into debate. Are there any members who wish to debate on the bill?
- Any further debate?
- Any more, any further questions, any further debate on this bill?
- Any more, any further questions, any further debate on this bill?
- Any further debate?
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. HB 91, by Reps. Rayner and Jacques, would align probation rules for certain misdemeanor reckless driving cases involving controlled substances with existing DUI law, allowing up to 12 months of probation in those cases. The bill was described as a technical “glitch” fix and as supporting both accountability and treatment; it drew one supportive public appearance and passed 17-0, reported favorably.
HB 113, by Rep. Chamberlin, sought to increase penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. Members raised concerns about unmarked vehicles, jurisdictional markings, and whether the bill could apply to drivers who slow down or stop for safety reasons when unsure a vehicle is police. Chamberlin said he was open to clarifying language and other amendments. A strike-all amendment was adopted that increased the penalty for fleeing in a patrol vehicle with lights and sirens from a third-degree to a second-degree felony, revised offense severity rankings, and added a 1.5 sentencing multiplier for second or subsequent offenses. The amended bill received supportive public testimony and passed 16-1, with Rep. Hart voting no, and was reported favorably as amended.
HB 195, by Rep. Chambliss, would require the Department of Corrections to coordinate with professional boards under DBPR so inmates completing classes tied to licensure can receive credit toward those licenses after release. Supporters said the bill would help rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and give returning citizens a better path to employment. The bill had no amendments, received supportive public testimony, and passed unanimously 17-0, reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 19, 2026 - 03:15 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, any debate? On Rep. Maney's good bill, any debate? Seeing no debate, Rep.
- Any debate on this bill?
- Seeing no debate, Representative Lopez you are recognized to close on your bill. Rep.
- Chair Garrison: As required, the rules negotiated time for questions and debates on all bills.
- Any debate? Chair Garrison: Seeing no debate.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 29, 2026 - 11:45 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Any debate on PCB 2601? Seeing no debate, you are recognized to close.
- Any debate on 2602? This is a riveting one, but I don't see much debate.
- Chair Garrison: Seeing no debate, Vice Chair, you are recognized to close on 2602.
- Any debate on 2603? Vice Chair, you are recognized to close. Vice Chair Borrero: Waive close.
- Debate on the Special Order letter? All in favor say yay. Anyone opposed say no.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Wicks, do you wish to close?
- This motion is not debatable. It takes a majority of those present and voting.
- We've had to debate a lot of things that none of us have wanted to do.
- Assembly Member Gabriel, debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll.
- Debate having ceased, Clerk will open the roll. The Clerk will open the roll.