Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no debate, Senator Leek, you're recognized to close on your bill. I'll waive close.
• Wave closed, Madam Chair. Wave closed. Tameran, please call the roll on Senate Bill 1442.
• Seeing no debate, Senator Wright, you're recognized to close. Waive close.
• I think it's best to say waive close, and you can waive close, and Senator Wright waives close.
• Senator Wright waives close.

Bills: S7020 , S0308 , S0692 , S0474 , S0572 , S1106 , S1650 , S0350 , S1442 , S7032

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: open government, sunset review, aquaculture, public records, exemption, Florida Museum of Black History, cultural heritage, education, Board of Directors, local governance, cybersecurity, data breach, data privacy, information security, local government, county, municipality, vendor contracts, third-party service provider, liability shield

Summary: The committee heard and voted on several measures. SB 308 on the Florida Museum of Black History was explained as implementing a prior task force recommendation by designating St. Johns County as the museum site, creating a board, and coordinating with a supporting nonprofit; it passed favorably. SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability was amended to bar local governments from imposing cybersecurity requirements on vendors beyond generally accepted best practices, and after testimony both for and against, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 572 updated ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; after a technical amendment and support from the Ethics Commission, it passed unanimously. SB 1442 revised the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; it also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 1106, as amended by a strike-all, to require state agencies and certain educational materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” despite opposition arguing it would impose political language and conflict with federal and international terminology. SB 7020 reenacted a public records exemption for certain aquaculture and shellfish production records and passed with support from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. SB 474 expanded military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, including members of the Coast Guard and Florida State Guard, and added three amendments before being reported favorably. SB 350, dealing with public records protections for crime victims and certain law enforcement victims, was heavily amended to add time-limited confidentiality for an officer’s name in some cases and then passed favorably after discussion about balancing transparency and safety. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibilities from DMS to individual agencies, while still requiring data reporting to DMS for legislative oversight. SB 1650 by Senator Gates was temporarily postponed. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gates, you're recognized to close the bill. I waive close, sir. Thank you.
• And with that, members, I close. And with that, members, I close. Thank you.
• Seeing none, Senator Martin, you're recognized to close. I'll waive close.
• Seeing none, Senator Martin, you're recognized to close. I'll waive close.
• Seeing none, Senator Martin, you're recognized to close. I'll waive close.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and approved several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646 would allow drug-testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect adulterants in drugs; it passed unanimously after testimony from the sponsor and supporters describing overdose deaths and the value of early warning. SB 442 would extend the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, with prosecutors and law enforcement supporting the change because of encryption, device backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence; it also passed unanimously. SB 418 would require autism-related law enforcement training and create a Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it passed unanimously after supportive testimony from law enforcement and disability advocates. SB 132 would create a statewide database and instructions to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights; it passed unanimously, with discussion about simplifying access to records and eligibility information. SB 748 would require sentencing score sheets to include notice about voting-rights restoration and ensure defendants receive a copy; it passed unanimously. SB 1734 would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extend related training, certification, and benefits; it passed unanimously. SB 1660 would designate June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month; it passed unanimously. SB 1742, as amended by a delete-all amendment, would replace an older offense with a new crime of indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor; the amendment and bill passed unanimously. SB 1750 would expand and tighten career offender registration requirements, and SB 1332, a similar career-offender registration bill later corrected on the agenda, also passed unanimously after a question about empirical evidence for registry effectiveness. Both bills were supported by FDLE and sheriffs' groups. The most extensive debate centered on SB 1326, which would eliminate Florida’s traditional insanity defense and replace it with a defense based on lack of culpable mental state caused by mental disease or defect, while also changing competency and sentencing provisions. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the public from violent offenders with serious mental illness and to close gaps that can leave dangerous people under-supervised. Opponents, including criminal defense advocates and some senators, warned that the bill could leave acquitted defendants without treatment, reduce judicial discretion, raise reliability and cost concerns over malingering assessments, and potentially worsen public safety by pushing more mentally ill people into prison without adequate care. Despite those objections, the bill passed on a divided vote. Near the end of the meeting, the chair also corrected an earlier mix-up and moved SB 1750 to the next committee hearing after a motion to reconsider, while SB 1332 was taken up and reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to reserve your right to close.
• Closed on HCR58. I ask for your favorable consideration, please, and I close.
• If not, the Chair recognizes Representative Hayes to close on HCR86. HCR86 closed.
• It's important to close on HCR80. Thank you. I'll close and let the product speak for itself.
• If there are no questions, I close.

Bills: HB1397 , HB1886 , HB3088 , HB4187 , HB4229 , HB4230 , HB5032 , HCR6 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR80 , HCR86 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR6

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will close the machine. Bayham, yes. The machine was already closed.
• The clerk closed the machine. 15 coauthors. The clerk closed the machine. 15 coauthors. Next bill.
• You have a right to close. Move final passage.
• Bagley, you have a right to close. I close. He closes. All right, Rep.
• You have a right to close. We are right to close. Would ask for your favorable passage.

Bills: HR112 , HR113 , HR114 , HCR51 , HCR52 , HR94 , HR95 , HR96 , HR97 , HR98 , HR99 , HR100 , HR103 , HR104 , HR105 , HR106 , HR107 , HR108 , HR109 , HR110 , HR111 , HCR46 , HCR47 , HCR48 , HCR49 , HCR50 , SCR25 , SB17 , SB300 , HCR35 , HB51 , HB82 , HB143 , HB145 , HB160 , HB180 , HB192 , HB393 , HB430 , HB445 , HB506 , HB515 , HB521 , HB565 , HB590 , HB614 , HB638 , HB647 , HB670 , HB672 , HB685 , HB692 , HB752 , HB773 , HB781 , HB799 , HB839 , HB860 , HB873 , HB874 , HB887 , HB917 , HB937 , HB956 , HB965 , HB972 , HB977 , HB982 , HB1006 , HB1010 , HB1044 , HB1072 , HB1088 , HB1157 , HB1179 , HB1200 , HR15 , HR20 , HCR14 , HCR6 , HCR19 , HCR10 , HR74 , HCR26 , HCR45 , HB54 , HB67 , HB73 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB195 , HB245 , HB280 , HB283 , HB296 , HB319 , HB339 , HB399 , HB407 , HB448 , HB550 , HB591 , HB826 , HB995 , HB1085 , HB1086 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB288 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB380 , HB392 , HB403 , HB420 , HB459 , HB476 , HB540 , HB615 , HB631 , HB637 , HB648 , HB665 , HB682 , HB789 , HB813 , HB815 , HB835 , HB870 , HB905 , HB915 , HB933 , HB938 , HB987 , HB1040 , HB827 , HB953 , HB796 , HB352 , HB463 , HB735 , HB780 , HB882 , HB81 , HB400 , HB140 , HB750 , HB911 , HB961 , HB401 , HB901 , HB9 , HB52 , HB58 , HB154 , HB193 , HB284 , HB410 , HB570 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB733 , HB868 , HB952

Keywords: commendation, community service, religious leadership, New Orleans, anniversary, Martha's Vineyard, African-American Film Festival, Black excellence, cinema, cultural celebration, Black voices, film industry, Hannuh Ray, Louisiana, youth development, pageant, leadership, community, recognition, compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Calatayud you're recognized to close wave close. Thank you. On her.
• You're recognized to close on the waive close on the amendment.
• You're recognized to close a waive close. Thank you.
• You're recognized to close wave close on her.
• You're recognized to close on the amendment close all in favor.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the debate is closed.
• Debate is closed. Thank you. Debate is closed.
• Debate is closed.
• Debate is closed.
• And with that, debate is closed. Debate is closed.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator DeSigley, you're recognized to close on the bill. I'll waive close.
• Senator McClain, you're recognized to close on the amendment. I'll waive close.
• Senator Claudio, you are recognized to close on the amendment. We've closed.
• Seeing none, Senator Martin, you are recognized to close. Oh, we've closed.
• Senator Simon, you're recognized to close on the bill. We have closed.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in your closing, I have a question.
• The clerk will close the roll. The clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 54, noes 0.
• Assembly Member Gonzalez, would you like to close? I'd love to close. Thank you.
• The clerk will close the roll.
• The clerk will close the roll.

Summary: The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a large procedural and floor agenda. Members suspended rules for adjournments in memory, guest introductions, and expedited committee action, rereferred AB 1199 to Health and AB 2728 to Local Government, and removed several items from calendars or returned bills to the Senate at authors’ requests. The chamber then moved through concurrence and third-reading files, with many measures passing on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, including AB 230 on Pierce’s disease control, AB 1636 on a Cerritos College seamless enrollment pilot, AB 1982 on alcoholic beverages, AB 2120 on school district employees, AB 2413 on political reform and billboard use, AB 2437 and AB 2453 on vehicles, AB 2596 on housing, AB 1760 and AB 1873 on technical clarifications, AB 2312 on tidelands, AB 2390 on housing cleanup, AB 2685 and AB 2778 on agriculture, and ACR 194 on Women’s Equality Day. The Assembly also adopted several resolutions and Senate measures. HR 112 designating Black Music Month drew extensive remarks about Black artists’ influence and was adopted with 62 coauthors. HR 132 declaring September Young Women’s Reproductive Health Awareness Month was adopted with 50 coauthors. SJR 8 urging federal immigration reform passed 45-2, with supporters emphasizing immigrant contributions and the need to modernize the registry system. SCR 7 on permanent standard time was debated at length, with supporters citing health benefits and opponents warning about darker mornings and voter intent; the resolution ultimately passed 41-3 after a roll call. Other Senate bills passed included SB 105 on penny rounding for local agencies, SB 928 on AI guardrails in CSU classrooms, SB 1038 on CalPERS audit notices, SB 308 on community college reporting, SB 1172 on tax-sharing consultant fees, SB 1159 on AI-generated public participation, SB 1055 on flood project procurement, SB 1285 on juvenile dismissals, SB 1274 on industrial cities and transportation funding, SB 965 easing library card access for 16- and 17-year-olds, SB 1375 creating a narrow CEQA exemption for certain transit projects, SB 952 on clean energy accounting for water agencies, and SB 917 expanding farmers market wine sales eligibility. Several measures drew notable opposition or discussion. On SB 965, one member objected that the bill should preserve parental decision-making, while supporters argued it would remove an unnecessary barrier to library access. On SB 952, one member criticized state energy policy and the bill’s project labor agreement, but the measure still passed 64-1. On SB 1375, supporters framed the bill as reducing duplicative environmental review for major transit projects like Diridon Station while preserving other protections. The chamber also added coauthors to consent-calendar resolutions and adopted the second-day consent calendar items without objection. The meeting concluded with multiple adjournments in memory, including tributes to Eric L. Washington Jr., Ivan Garza, Darryl Preston Jackson, Richard “Dick” Oliphant, and former Madera Mayor Santos Garcia. Members described Washington as a community leader and peacemaker, Garza as a young athlete whose life was cut short, Jackson as a mentor and founder of the 1020 Club, Oliphant as a civic leader who helped shape the Coachella Valley, and Garcia as a labor advocate and public servant who fought for working families and helped reopen Madera Community Hospital. The Assembly observed moments of silence in their honor before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the clerk closed the machine and asked for the results.
• So the clerk closed machine and asked team results.
• If the clerk will close the machine and ascertain the results: On this question, 33 yeas, zero nays,
• If the clerk will close the machine and ascertain the results: On this question, 33 yeas, zero nays,
• So, clerk closed the machine. I have seen results on this question. 34. Yay, zero, nay, zero.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and spent much of the day recognizing pages, guests, school groups, and civic organizations visiting the chamber. Several communications from the House and committee reports were received, and a petition on support for new electric transmission lines was referred to the Committee on Energy, Industry, and Mining. Senate Resolution 61, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Obergefell, was referred to the Committee on Rules, while other resolutions and bills were held over or referred as required. The chamber then acted on a large number of measures, including concurrence in House amendments to Senate Bill 137 on parole eligibility for second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter, and a conference committee was appointed on House Bill 4026 regarding integrated resource plans. Numerous House bills were advanced or passed after committee reports, covering topics such as industrial access roads, local airport hangar financing, college campus safety, youth and handicapped hunting, missing persons records, driver’s licenses, adjudicatory alternative dispositions, chronic absenteeism, party-switching deadlines for candidates, teacher/school personnel/state police pay raises, election official trainees, political committee filing notices, security personnel for the State Treasurer, post-secondary financial aid, legal practice rules, overseas voting, public officials’ residential information, homestead exemption, military juvenile jurisdiction, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, statewide prevention planning, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment taxation, microgrid and data center certification, transcript acceptance for students, emeritus medical licenses, higher education rule authorizations, board and commission reforms, managed care organization taxes, and deputy sheriff vacation carryover. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, and several received title amendments. The Senate also passed a series of supplemental appropriations, many with immediate-effect motions adopted by the required two-thirds vote. These included funding for the Department of Commerce, Workforce West Virginia, Homeland Security divisions, Health Facilities, Administration, Human Services, the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund, the Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Senior Services. Votes were overwhelmingly in favor, with only a few measures drawing one or more dissenting votes. One bill on tourism appropriations was referred to the Committee on Rules, and several second-reading bills were advanced, including measures on the West Virginia Collaboratory, business-ready sites, volunteer fire companies, religious organization eminent domain restrictions, electric load forecasting, and funeral service licensure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mayfield, you are recognized to close. Wait, close.
• Senator Mayfield, you are recognized to close. Wait, close.
• Senator Bradley, you are recognized to close? Wave close.
• Close.
• Senator Grall, you’re recognized to close. Wave close.

Bills: S0092 , S0110 , S0192 , S0212 , S0260 , S0350 , S0394 , S0422 , S0434 , S0442 , S0484 , S0546 , S0556 , S0684 , S0696 , S0706 , S0748 , S0786 , S0820 , S0824 , S0838 , S0840 , S0848 , S0856 , S0962 , S1000 , S1014 , S1036 , S1050 , S1054 , S1080 , S1118 , S1134 , S1338 , S1480 , S1500 , S1506 , S1622 , S1724

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: employee protections, whistleblower, retaliation, public trust, ethics complaint, Commission on Ethics, Public Employees Relations Commission, public employee, local government attorney, public officer, adverse personnel action, protected disclosure, whistleblower retaliation, state agency, independent contractor, public employment, civil service, reinstatement, back pay, front pay

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of bills, many of them retained from the prior week. The most debated measure was CS for SB 706, which would preempt naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designate Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport, subject to FAA approval and a trademark agreement. Amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to prevent private financial benefit from the naming. Several senators spoke in opposition, citing concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and the trademark/licensing arrangement; supporters argued there was no cost to the airport and that the bill simply set a state naming policy. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements, CS for CS for SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, CS for SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, SB 962 on excluding farms from certain zoning definitions, and CS for SB 820 on problem-solving court reporting requirements. The committee then approved several bills from Senator DiCeglie and Senator Arrington. SB 840, addressing land-use regulations for local governments affected by natural disasters, was supported by local-government and environmental advocates who said it would restore local control after SB 180’s hurricane-related restrictions; the sponsor said it was intended to correct unintended consequences of last year’s law. CS for SB 856, requiring online listing platforms to show estimated ad valorem taxes on residential listings, was amended to exclude social media platforms and broaden liability protections; the sponsor and a county property appraiser described it as a consumer-transparency measure. CS for SB 110, clarifying homestead exemption treatment for long-term leases that end at death, was also reported favorably. The committee took up a controversial strike-all amendment to SB 212, which focused on public swimming pools and added residency and related restrictions for certain sex offenders and offenders on community control or probation. The amendment drew strong opposition from advocates and affected families, who argued it would worsen homelessness, impose broad geographic restrictions, and lack evidence of improving child safety; supporters said it was a targeted public-safety measure. Despite the objections, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, SB 434 on property tax assessment treatment for wind-hardening improvements, CS for CS for SBs 658 and 608 on water-safety requirements for rental properties with pools or nearby water, SB 748 on adding voting-rights restoration information to sentencing score sheets, and CS for SB 824 requiring school districts to inventory unimproved real property. The meeting ended while the committee was beginning SB 848 on stormwater treatment, with an amendment being introduced as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, Senator Cook, you recognize a closed debate. Debate is closed.
• Hearing none, Senator Adams, you are recognized to close debate. Debate is closed.
• You are recognized to close debate. The debate is closed.
• Hearing none, Senator O’Connowitz is recognized to close debate. It’s closed.
• Hearing none, Senator O'Connellant should recognize closed debate. It's closed.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll let you go ahead and close. Thank you very much.
• and the windows closed.
• Uh, we'll let you close.
• All right, we'll let you, uh, we'll let you close.
• All right, Representative Pearson, we'll let you close quickly. Thank you, Chairman. I close.

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
• The chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
• The chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
• The chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
• Chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.

Bills: HB1675 , HB3242 , HB1739 , HB3320 , HB3047 , HB4434 , HJR1089 , HB4432 , HB3718 , HB3705 , SR43 , HB1933 , HB4248 , SB1847 , SB1778 , HJR1086 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3008 , HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305 , HB1979 , HB1225 , HB3931 , HB4454 , HB3849 , HB1746 , HB3720 , HB4275 , HB4300 , HB3586 , HB2268 , HB3755 , HB4117 , HB4294 , HB3650 , HB4298 , HB3270 , HB3145 , HB3056

Keywords: emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and recognized several visiting groups and honorees, including students from Wesleyan Christian School, Claremore Day participants, and a tribute to Dr. J. Craig for his Marine Corps service, chiropractic career, and aid to first responders after the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber also welcomed a Cricket Oak High School AFJROTC unit and the Lincoln Christian wrestling team, both recognized for recent achievements. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 43 commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and honoring victims, survivors, and first responders. The Senate took up House Bill 1933, first rescinding prior action and then adopting a floor amendment to correct a drafting error and shift a penalty provision; the bill then passed 47-0. House Bill 4248, which would require purchasers of hemp beverages to be 21 and treat them similarly to beer for age purposes, passed 45-0 after brief discussion about whether it had medical implications. The Senate also adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1847, described as a compassion bill that would have saved the state money, and passed it 35-11 before later approving it as an emergency measure with 43 ayes. The chamber next adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1778, a major literacy bill adding early intervention, teacher training, and optional early ELA testing for second graders, along with good-cause exemptions; it passed 43-2 and then as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Joint Resolution 1086, approving rules from several agencies, by 42-4. Finally, the Senate advanced and passed a series of sunset-extension bills for boards and councils, including the Child Death Review Board, county government training commission, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Board of Examiners in Optometry, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, several environmental advisory councils, and the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, with most later receiving emergency passage. The Senate concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until April 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Claudio, you'll recognize the close on the amendment. Wave close.
• Senator Gruters is recognized to close on the bill as amended. We have closed.
• Senator Gruters, you're recognized to close on the amendment. We have closed.
• Senator Gruters is recognized to close on the bill as amended. We have closed.
• Senator Martin, you recognize the close on the bill as amended. I'll waive close.

Bills: S0198 , S0570 , S0772 , S0808 , S1038 , S1040 , S1286 , S1440 , S1504 , S1668

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, money services business, regulation, financial services, consumer protection, cryptocurrency, registration, payment scams, task force, fraud prevention, property insurance, roofing requirements, inspector, insurance policies, homeowners insurance, roof age, residential structures, insurance renewal, investment

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Senator Wright. That bill expands the law enforcement recruitment bonus program to include firefighters, creates a DFS grant review panel for fire-related grants, and establishes an institute for PTSD and first-responder behavioral health. Testimony from fire chiefs and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered several insurance and financial regulation bills. CS/SB 198 by Senator Rousan, as amended, regulates virtual currency kiosks with transaction limits, notice and receipt requirements, and OFR enforcement authority; witnesses described it as a needed anti-fraud measure, especially for seniors, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 772 by Senator Burgess, as amended, allows limited licenses for portable electronics and eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504 by Senator Claudio, as amended, creates a pathway for high school students to qualify for insurance customer representative licensure; both were reported favorably. The committee also approved two cryptocurrency reserve bills by Senator Gruters: CS/SB 1038 creates the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve framework, and CS/SB 1040 creates the related trust fund; both received technical amendments and favorable reports. CS/SB 1440 by Senator Martin, as amended, creates public records exemptions and cybersecurity reporting provisions for financial institutions and related entities, and it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1668 by Senator Burton, which updates the NICA program’s funding and benefit structure, and CS/SB 570 by Senator Polsky, which creates a task force on payment scams, were both heard with supportive testimony and reported favorably. Senators later recorded additional affirmative votes on selected bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no debate, you're recognized to close? I'll waive to close.
• Senator Sharief, you are recognized to close. Wave closed, Mr. Chair.
• Seeing no debate, you are recognized to close. Wave closed.
• Seeing no debate, you recognize, close. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have closed. We have closed.
• You recognize to close. We have closed. Robin, would you please call the roll?

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Maney, you are recognized to close. Wave closed. Having wave close.
• Miller, recognized to close. Waive closed.
• Representative Miller, you're recognized to close. Waive closed. Weave closed.
• To close on the amendment. Wave close.
• To close. Wave close.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of bills, many of them amended. Early action included PCS for CS for HB 639, which would expand an existing Fraternal Order of Police specialty license plate to all Floridians, tighten specialty plate rules for future applicants, require financial projections and reporting, and create several new specialty plates. After questions about Florida nexus requirements and a successful amendment adding a Florida Film Legacy plate, the bill was reported favorably 26-0. PCS for CS for HB 1169, limiting local governments’ use of excess building-code enforcement funds for construction of the code-enforcement building, also passed unanimously after testimony from the Florida Home Builders Association. The committee then approved HB 139, expanding whistleblower protections for state, local, and contract employees who file ethics complaints, with support from the Florida Commission on Ethics. PCS for HB 273, which would make special districts eligible for certain state and federal grants and direct pay options, passed 24-1 after testimony from both supporters and opponents. Members also approved CS for HB 1087, a public-records exemption for certain stablecoin issuer information, and CS for HB 1085, updating the local government cybersecurity grant program by moving it to Cyber Florida at USF, adding a sunset, and limiting consecutive awards. Several environmental and local-government transparency measures drew extended debate. CS for CS for HB 1417, a broad environmental bill, was amended to remove several provisions, retain others on the Environmental Regulation Commission, springs, solar facilities, Indian River Lagoon septic deadlines, and coastal resiliency partnerships, and then passed 24-0 amid mixed testimony from DEP, water management districts, and environmental advocates. CS for HB 1457, creating a framework for regional stormwater management systems and water quality enhancement areas, passed 24-0 after discussion of port impacts. CS for HB 1329, requiring local budgets to be posted earlier, retained longer, and made searchable, and adding a 10% budget-cutting exercise, passed 17-6 after strong opposition from local-government groups who argued it would be costly and duplicative. The committee also approved CS for HB 4091 creating a special district for stormwater and flood control in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and then took up CS for HB 995, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission and union-related procedures, including registration, dues disclosure, election rules, leave-time limits, and expedited bargaining over legislatively appropriated salary increases; that bill was still under questioning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Sharief, you're recognized to close. Close.
• Senator Leek to close. Wave close. Secretary will unlock the board. Senator Leak to close.
• Senator Leek to close. Waived close.
• Senator Osgood to close. Thank you. Waive close.
• Seeing no debate, Senator Simon, you are recognized to close. Close. Wave closed.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Burgess, you're recognized to close. I'll waive close.
• Senator Davis, you recognize to close. Wave closed, Madam Chair.
• Senator Bradley, you're recognized to close. Wave close.
• Senator Bradley, you're recognized to close. We have closed.
• Senator Trumbull, you're recognized to close. We have closed.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and heard a long agenda of bills, beginning with CS/SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would create an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation qualification requirements and allow challenges by qualified candidates or political parties. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and impose a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; the sponsor and local law enforcement supporters emphasized the Raynor case, while criminal defense lawyers objected to deleting existing force-limit language and to the mandatory life penalty. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills extending or preserving public records exemptions, including CS/SB 7014 on social media platform investigations, SB 7016 on small business loan program records, CS/SB 7012 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigations, CS/SB 7000 on emergency shelter recipient information, CS/SB 7002 on Department of Military Affairs records, SB 7004 on conviction integrity unit reinvestigation materials, SB 7006 on Florida Public Service Commission records and meetings, and SB 7008 on Florida Gaming Control Commission records and meetings. Other measures reported favorably included SB 624 allowing optional faith-based activities in batterers’ intervention programs, HB 167 protecting former phosphate mining lands from certain strict-liability claims, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units and housing supply, SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, CS/SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure, SB 292 creating a records exemption for appellate court clerks and families, CS/SB 296 expanding domestic violence safety tools and address confidentiality protections, CS/SB 298 as the public-records companion, SB 386 on farm equipment lemon-law style protections, and SB 168 expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local governments, advocacy groups, industry groups, and affected families, with some opposition on SB 156 and SB 290. For CS/SB 48, the committee adopted two amendments before reporting the bill favorably. SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was temporarily postponed after the chair allowed public testimony but no final action was taken. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I ask for the opportunity to close.
• The chair recognizes Representative a suit to close. I close. Thank you very much, guys.
• If not, um, the chair recognizes Chairman Dean to close. I close. Thank you.
• If not, the chair recognizes Chairman Goales to close. I close.
• The chair recognizes Representative Kissman to close.

Bills: HB 341 , HB 469 , HB 971 , HB 1624 , HB 2721 , HB 2959 , HB 3365 , HB 3731 , HB 3793 , HB 3861 , HB 3946 , HB 3966 , HB 4348 , HB 4401 , HB 4402 , HB 4924 , HB 4966 , HB 5563

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, commercial vehicle, safety standards, enforcement, Texas counties, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATOR GRUTERS YOU MAY CLOSE. >> Senator Gruters: THANK YOU SENATOR OSGOOD AND I THINK SHE DID THE CLOSE
• YOU MAY CLOSE. WAIVE CLOSE. >> Chair: THOSE IN FAVOR? THOSE OPPOSED? THIS AMENDMENT IS ADOPTED.
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE. THE. >> WAIVE CLOSE. >> THOSE IN FAVOR? THOSE OPPOSED?
• YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO CLOSE. >> Senator Avila: WAIVE CLOSE. >> Chair: PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> SENATOR
• SENATOR TRUENOW YOU MAY CLOSE ON THE AMENDMENT. >> Senator Truenow: WAIVE CLOSE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all