Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> you it will die on the floor, you it will die on the floor, &gt;&gt; right?
• </c> floor we can table it. floor we can table it.
• >> Not in committee, but on the floor. >> On the floor.
• floor?
• </c> bill won't take that into consideration. bill won't take that into consideration.

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to hold two for next week, so we're going to remove from consideration this morning Senate
• There's some consideration there... ...my appreciation for the comments from the Vice Chair.
• There's some consideration there, and therefore I'd like to withdraw this amendment.
• You're offering them, or in consideration, that they can sign the petition.
• The process of confirmation on the floor of the House and Senate by the body.

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on January 23, 2026, first taking executive action on several bills. The committee held SB 6035 and SB 5842 for another week, then worked through SB 5973 on initiative and referendum signature gathering rules. Members debated 12 amendments to a proposed substitute and the underlying bill, but none were adopted. The substitute would prohibit pay-per-signature and require 1,000 pre-filing signatures for initiatives; opponents argued it would burden the initiative process, while supporters said it would curb fraud and improve accountability. The committee then advanced SB 5892, SB 6081, SB 5877, SB 5968, and SB 6034, each on a due pass recommendation, with SB 6081 referred to the Transportation Committee and the others sent to Rules or Ways and Means as noted in the motions. During public hearing, the committee heard SB 5888, which would remove Senate confirmation for members of the Washington State Women's Commission. Senator Wellman said the change would align the commission with similar bodies and correct an inconsistency, and commission staff testified in support, saying the appointment process is already thorough and that the governor would retain appointment authority. The committee also heard SB 6123, expanding a public-records exemption for voluntarily supplied demographic information to local government employees; a Pierce County HR director supported the bill, saying it would help build trust while preserving aggregate reporting. The hearing on SB 5853, sponsored by Senator Wilson, drew strong support and no opposition; it would create a statewide emergency notification system for public officials to alert them to targeted threats, with the Secretary of State and Military Department involved in administration. Secretary of State staff said they supported the concept but wanted to work with the sponsor on implementation details, and the sponsor said he was willing to amend the bill to address those concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> floor amendment. floor amendment.
• </c> for a floor amendment. for a floor amendment.
• </c> you have a floor amendment. you have a floor amendment.
• </c> a Florida floor amendment. a Florida floor amendment.
• c><09:34:10.080><c> floor</c><09:34:10.400><c> amendment</c> the adoption of floor floor amendment the

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion is to do pass as amended to the floor. Assistant, please call the roll.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the floor. Secretary, please call the roll.
• The motion is due pass as amended to the floor. Secretary, please call the roll.
• So that's something to be taken into consideration.
• So that's something to be taken into consideration.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused largely on regulatory oversight, food insecurity, state symbols, immigration-related funding, and ethnic media outreach. SB 885 and SB 986 would require major regulations with estimated economic impacts over $50 million to come back to the Legislature for review; supporters said this would restore accountability and help address affordability, while opponents warned it would delay health, safety, and worker protections. SB 1025 would create an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food programs across state departments, expand outreach, run a hunger hotline, and analyze service gaps; members generally supported the goal but urged stronger reporting and oversight language. SB 1214 would designate the Western monarch as California’s state butterfly, and SB 1178 would designate the California yellow jacket as the state wasp, with testimony emphasizing conservation, ecology, and agricultural benefits. SB 1286 would recognize the California sea lion as the state pinniped, with supporters citing its role as a sentinel species and conservation success story. SB 1171 would make private entities that contract with ICE ineligible for state-funded grants or loans; supporters framed it as a response to ICE conduct, while opponents raised concerns about unintended impacts on contractors providing essential services and possible federal retaliation. SB 1358 would create the Ethnic and Community Media Equity Act to improve state advertising and outreach to ethnic and community media through a database and contracting requirements, with supporters arguing it would improve effectiveness and reach underserved communities. Several bills were advanced on committee votes, many with roll calls held open for absent members. SB 885, SB 986, SB 1025, SB 1214, SB 1178, SB 1286, and SB 1171 all received motions to do pass, with some members noting support but also urging amendments or guardrails, especially on timing, reporting, and oversight. The committee also took up a consent calendar of multiple items after quorum was established.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank you for your consideration.
• I appreciate your time and consideration.
• So, with that, I ask for your favorable consideration of this bill, and I close.
• It just gives them consideration.
• And consideration of these exempt wells is extremely important.

Bills: HB29 , HB685 , HB1633 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB1918 , HB2010 , HB2500 , HB2608 , HB2626 , HB29

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Representative or Chairman Petri, if uh you want uh take the floor, uh we're discussion on House
• </c><00:03:21.120><c> uh</c><00:03:21.280><c> we're</c> you want uh take the floor uh we're you want
• uh take the floor uh we're discussion<00:03:22.440><c> on</c><00:03:23.080><c> House</c><00:03:23.360
• and essentially does the consideration and essentially does the following<00:03:52.079><c> as</c><00
• to putting something in consideration to putting something in statute<00:09:17.519><c> going</c><00:

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its January 27 meeting and then took up House Bill 694, which would create a default rule for the Teachers’ Retirement System health insurance trust fund once it reaches 100% funding, currently anticipated around 2027. The bill would redirect two funding streams now going to the health trust—state payments on behalf of local districts and other employer contributions—into TRS pension benefits if the health fund reaches and maintains full funding. The sponsor said this would add about $154 million annually to TRS pensions and would only serve as a default if no other plan is adopted later. Members asked whether the bill would shift the unfunded liability to teachers or affect employee contributions. The sponsor and staff said it would not shift liability to teachers and would not change the employee contribution; only the employer-side payments would be redirected. Several members asked about the meaning of actuarial 100% funding, whether the fund could fall back below 100%, and whether employee contributions might be reduced in the future. The sponsor said the bill is based on actuarial projections, would revert the money back to the health trust if funding fell below 100%, and does not prevent future legislative or board action. Senator Higdon and others spoke in support of discussing the issue, noting the 2010 shared-responsibility changes and the need for a default approach as full funding is reached. The committee then heard Senate Bill 183, which would amend Kentucky law governing proxy advisers used by retirement systems. The sponsor said the bill would require proxy advisers, when handling shareholder-sponsored proposals, to act solely in the interest of retirement system members and beneficiaries and to provide an economic analysis when voting against a company board’s recommendation. He argued the measure is aimed at proxy advisers such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which he said often advance ESG-related proposals not tied to shareholder value. A guest from APCIA said the bill is meant to distinguish proxy advisers from investment managers and to strengthen the 2023 law by requiring a clearer economic justification for votes that depart from board recommendations. Members asked how proxy advisers differ from other financial advisers, whether Kentucky uses them, and whether the bill would prevent pension funds from investing in companies with ESG factors if those investments are profitable. The sponsor and guest said the bill would not bar such investments; it is intended to regulate proxy voting recommendations, not investment decisions. They described the bill as a proactive measure to reinforce fiduciary responsibility and limit outside proxy influence on pension voting. No final vote on either bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget is a true representation of each single person who is on this floor.
• One with decoupling, which I supported you in committee, supported here on the floor.
• Morales of Maverick on the floor of the House. It's Mr.
• Morales of Maverick on the floor of the house. Temporarily.
• Buckley on the floor of the House? Thank you. Thank you. Mr.

Bills: SB1637 , SB1 , HB300 , SB2601 , SB37 , HB2011 , HB3595 , HB3071 , SB12 , HB3372 , SB457 , HB2067 , SB2337 , SB447 , SB1506 , SB1566 , SB763 , HB3556 , SB13 , SB2018 , SB331 , SB379 , HB145 , SB441 , SB2878 , HB2885 , HB2017 , HB5246 , SB8 , SB2308 , SB1540 , HB 119 , SB1405 , SB3059 , SB15 , SB568

Keywords: SB 1637, deadly conduct, Texas Penal Code, Section 22.05, firearm, gun, pointing a gun, recklessness presumption, peace officer, law enforcement, police, officer-involved shooting, use of force, justification, self-defense, defense of others, Chapter 9, criminal prosecution, Penal Code amendment, appropriations

Summary: The House met in a late-session floor session that began with prayer, pledges, quorum, and a series of excused absences and Senate messages reporting action on numerous bills, conference committee appointments, and conference reports. Members also adopted a memorial resolution honoring Mark James Hanna, a Capitol lobbyist and advocate for nurses, and a congratulatory resolution for Rishi Tarumalasetti, an eighth-grade civics bee winner from Katy. The chamber also received and recorded a parliamentary colloquy about an unusual Senate request on SB 293, with the Chair stating the House could not recede from only part of its amendments and could not suspend the rules because the bill had not been returned from the Senate. The bulk of the session was devoted to taking up conference committee reports and related procedural resolutions, especially the state budget. The House adopted a resolution allowing the SB 1 conferees to go outside the normal bounds, then adopted the SB 1 conference report on a 107-21 vote. Debate on the budget centered on public education funding, tax relief, health care, corrections pay, and judicial compensation, with supporters calling it a responsible compromise and opponents arguing it was overly expansive and insufficient on property tax relief. The House also adopted a technical correction resolution tying judicial pay increases in SB 1 to the House version of SB 293, and members discussed at length the relationship between judicial salaries and legislative pensions. The chamber then adopted a long series of conference reports on measures covering topics such as school library review and book challenges (SB 13), SNAP restrictions on sweetened drinks and candy (SB 379), hospital price transparency (SB 331), nursing home accountability (SB 457), school district personnel compensation conflicts (HB 3372), property notice rules (HB 2011), research and development tax credits (SB 2018), and several other bills affecting elections, permits, education, and criminal justice. Most reports passed by wide margins, though some drew significant opposition, especially SB 13 and SB 379. The House also granted several Senate requests for conference committees and introduced additional resolutions to suspend conferee limits on various bills as the session moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have the floor. Thank you so much. Good morning still.
• Sharp-Collins, the floor will be yours. All right, time constraints.
• The floor is all yours. Thank you, Chair and members.
• The floor is yours whenever you're ready. Oh, he's out there.
• Assemblymember Hoover, the floor is yours.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank you, and we are going to take serious consideration and look at it.
• Okay, I'm gonna give you the floor, Senator Menéndez.
• There being six ayes and one nay, the bill does pass and will go to the floor.
• Take it to the floor if it's okay. Okay. There we go. To the floor it goes.
• Just make sure this will go to the floor.

Bills: SB2972 , SB1909 , SB2815 , SB735 , SB2233 , SB800 , SB1069 , SB2683 , SB2986 , SB2058 , SB2310 , SB2055 , SB1032

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• You have the floor. Yep, thank you for this opportunity.
• You have the floor. Thank you for the opportunity.
• The floor is yours. Okay.
• Janice, the floor is yours. Okay, thank you. Hi, everybody.
• The floor is yours. Okay, great.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout. A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility. The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral. Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I ask for a favorable consideration for HB 407 as amended. Rep.
• So I ask for a favorable consideration for HB 407 as amended. Rep. Freiberg.
• And at this point, I'd like to yield the floor to Mr.
• Just ask that you pass this bill on to the floor. Great. Okay, committee members, Rep.
• Just ask that you pass this bill on to the floor. Great. Okay, committee members. Rep.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 31, 2026, and heard several bills focused largely on workforce training, student aid, and school safety. HB 325 by Rep. Brass would add successful completion of nine dual-enrollment credit hours as a third eligibility pathway for the TOPS Tech Award; after a clarifying amendment limiting the change to students graduating in the 2026-2027 school year, the bill drew broad support and was reported favorably. HB 407 by Rep. Larvadane would return the M.J. Foster Promise Program’s initial eligibility age to 21 for two years, grandfathering in current younger participants while the state addresses funding shortfalls; despite concerns about access for 18- to 20-year-olds, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill as amended on a 12-2 vote. HB 482 by Rep. Turner would loosen TOPS Tech requirements, including lowering one academic threshold, raising the age window to 25, and increasing the award amount at community and technical colleges; after an amendment expanding the affected institutions beyond LCTCS, it was reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 283 by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and school responses for assault and battery on teachers and other school employees and expands sick-leave coverage for related medical, psychological, and rehabilitation treatment. Testimony from educators and union representatives described serious incidents of violence and fear of retaliation, while a school district attorney warned about unintended consequences for rural districts, transportation, and students with disabilities; the bill was amended to include students as protected victims and then reported with amendments. HB 448 by Rep. Adams would allow scholarships for firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, and their spouses, to be used for graduate study rather than only a bachelor’s degree; after an amendment clarifying the scholarship could be used for bachelor’s or advanced degrees, it was reported as amended. HB 319 by Rep. Beham, a cleanup measure for the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education to improve quorum and update organizational references, was reported favorably. HB 195 by Rep. Beham, which would bar public postsecondary institutions from prohibiting students from carrying self-defense chemical spray on campus, was amended to add exceptions and then reported with amendments. The committee also heard testimony on HCR 10 by Rep. Wilder, which asks the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to recognize dance and cheer as sanctioned sports; the sponsor said the resolution was prompted by a parent request and safety concerns, and an amendment was expected to broaden the measure. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized workforce development, dual enrollment, and the need to align education programs with labor-market demand, while also debating how to balance student access, funding limits, and school safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, as I mentioned, we're going to vote before the floor, but we're going to let the members and
• subcommittee has completed its deliberation and recommends that House Bill 38 be scheduled for consideration
• If there's no further questions, I'd ask for your favorable consideration. Any other questions?
• Thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for the consideration.
• We have a little bill on the floor. We don't know whether we'd even be able to meet beforehand.

Bills: HB514 , HB1652 , HB2117 , HB2298 , HB3269 , HB46 , HB46

Committee: House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Keywords: maternal health, maternal care, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, doula, birth worker, midwife, obstetric care, women's health, rural health, health workforce, workforce development, trauma-informed care, public outreach campaign, health equity, minority health, underserved communities, Texas Department of State Health Services, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, I will ask for your favorable consideration. Members, any questions?
• Chairman, and members, I will ask for your favorable consideration.
• So we thank you for your consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions.
• And with that, I would appreciate your favorable consideration, and I close.
• Let's run to the floor. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: HB 112 , HB199 , HB621 , HB1349 , HB2214 , HB3466 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HCR9 , HB112 , HB199 , HCR9

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development met with a quorum and moved quickly through a long agenda, hearing testimony and taking recorded votes on several bills. Early in the meeting, HB 2214 was laid out to exempt certain short-term residential leases and leaseback arrangements from flood-disclosure requirements; Texas Realtors supported the change, and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out a series of pending measures, including HB 46, HB 186 (with a committee substitute), HB 431, HB 1147, HB 1154, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2788 (with a substitute), HB 2791 (with a substitute), HB 3260, and HCR 90, all reported favorably to the full House, with HB 1147 receiving two nays and the others passing unanimously or nearly so. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 112, which would create a Texas Science Park district and commission to support advanced manufacturing and innovation sites. The bill’s author and supporters, including Samsung Austin Semiconductor, the Texas Association of Business, and the Governor’s economic development office, argued it would strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support national security and workforce development. Testimony described interest from semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies and referenced the model of foreign science parks such as Sinshu in Taiwan. HB 112 was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 3698 and HB 3699, both related to unemployment insurance administration. HB 3698 would expand eligibility for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program using federal funds, while HB 3699 would tighten the definition of “last work” to help the Texas Workforce Commission investigate UI fraud. Both bills were discussed with TWC resource witnesses and left pending after the committee withdrew the substitutes. HB 1349, which would extend HOA transparency and property-rights provisions to condominiums and refine HOA rules, and HB 621, which would require HOA meeting spaces to be available for residents to reserve for qualified political candidates or elected officials, were also heard and left pending. Finally, the committee heard HCR 9 to designate the first Saturday of each month as Small Business Saturday, HB 199 to index unemployment benefit duration to the state unemployment rate, and HB 3466 to exempt certain cancelable service contracts from Texas’s in-home sales cooling-off law; each drew supportive and opposing testimony and was left pending before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• floor leader's mic.
• Entourage will be allowed on the floor. Senator Coleman presiding. Senator Coleman presiding.
• One of them is today, if he'll quit talking on the Senate floor so he can hear me.
• We will move on to our floor business. We're going to lay over item number three. And now, Mr.
• Thank you, Madam Floor Leader.

Bills: SB683 , SB1579 , SB1389 , SB1387 , SB1390 , SB1391 , SB2063 , SB1829 , SB2060 , SB1842 , SB1398 , SB1212 , SB2158 , SB102 , SB1772 , SB1958 , SB2010 , SB1595 , SB1687 , SB1684 , SB2049 , SB1966 , SB1989 , SB1191 , SB1258 , SB1920 , SB1936 , SB2143 , SB2122 , SB330 , SB2071 , SB2169 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB2157 , SB1806 , SB1430 , SB206 , SB1547 , SB1849 , SB1428 , SB1653 , SB1984 , SB1644 , SB1561 , SB1813 , SB1570 , SB1796

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including introductions of the psychologist and nurse of the day, a citation for Diesel Fritz’s All-State Choir achievement, and a gallery introduction highlighting fine arts advocates from Norman Public Schools. Members also marked birthdays and read excerpts from George Washington’s first inaugural address in honor of the first president. On floor business, the Senate laid over item number three and then considered several bills. Senate Bill 1191 repealed the unused Oklahoma Energy Initiative Low Carbon Initiative Board and passed 48-0. Senate Bill 1258 clarified open-carry law to expressly allow firearms on boats and vessels on Oklahoma waters and passed 41-7. Senate Bill 1920 raised the salvaged title threshold from 60% to 70% to reflect repair costs and align more closely with neighboring states; it passed 48-0 after brief questioning about consumer benefits. Senate Bill 1936 added falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer, including federal officers, to the list of Class D1 felonies and passed 48-0. Senate Bill 2143, after an amendment restoring the title, authorized assessors to use state-funded aerial images to inspect property changes and included language intended to ensure fair treatment of builders and consistency with assessing standards; it passed 34-13. The chamber then heard announcements about upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proponents used two minutes and 13 seconds, so the floor is yours.
• The floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• The floor is yours. Did I hear boos in the audience? Okay. All right. Some of them are errands.
• Sanchez, the floor is yours. AB 2662 is a step forward.
• Sanchez, the floor is yours. Good morning. Sorry. Good morning.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met as a subcommittee and announced a large agenda, including a consent calendar and several bills pulled for separate hearing. Early in the hearing, the committee heard AB 1876, which would codify federal nondiscrimination protections in state health care law. The author and supporters said it would protect access to coverage and services for all protected classes, including transgender people, while opponents argued it would force coverage of disputed gender-affirming treatments and impose penalties on providers and insurers. No vote was taken during the informational-style presentation, and the author requested an aye vote when a quorum was present. The committee then heard AB 1650 on requiring rental vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly marked, with supporters describing it as a transparency and public-trust measure in response to immigration enforcement activity and opponents later withdrawing opposition after discussions with the author. AB 635, dealing with the Mobile Home Residency Law Protection Program, would extend and revise a resident-funded legal assistance program for mobile home owners; supporters said it improves access to justice and enforcement, and there was no opposition. AB 1697 would extend the date for enforceability of certain employment contract provisions under AB 692 and add an urgency clause; the NFL supported it, SIFMA was support-if-amended, and the chair noted sympathy for some workers while expressing concern about high-paid executives. The committee also heard AB 2784, the annual State Bar fee bill, which held fees flat while making governance and reporting changes; it drew support from the State Bar and no opposition. AB 2782, the Assembly Judiciary Committee civil omnibus bill, made minor clarifying code changes and also drew no opposition. Other measures heard included AB 2662 on monitoring and reporting federal immigration enforcement impacts, AB 2235 on allowing judges to use alternate mailing addresses for safety, AB 1544 on courthouse access and transparency, AB 2624 expanding Safe at Home protections to immigrant service providers, AB 1857 to block grocery restrictive covenants that prevent new grocery stores in underserved areas, AB 1892 clarifying HOA duties and election notice rules, AB 634 banning products containing tianeptine, AB 1684 limiting HOA restrictions on home cooling systems, AB 1752 increasing appraisal reimbursement in eminent domain cases, AB 1660 improving compliance by financial institutions with public guardian requests, AB 782 narrowing a prior housing redevelopment law for certain charter cities, and AB 2195 limiting occupational license suspensions for low-income parents owing child support. Across these bills, testimony was largely supportive, with several measures drawing “support if amended” or no opposition after negotiations; the transcript does not reflect final votes on the bills discussed here.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Madam Floor Leader.
• We need a quorum on the floor.
• Floor Amendment 1, Mr.
• Is Senator Jett on the floor? Senator Jett is on the floor. Roll call has been requested.
• Floor Leader, members. Senate Bill 1813. Thank you, Mr. President and Mr. Floor Leader, members.

Bills: SB1778 , SB1570 , SB134 , SB1966 , SB1636 , SB1725 , SB1726 , SB259 , SB504 , SB592 , SB2030 , SB1572 , SB843 , SB1242 , SB1255 , SB1262 , SB1264 , SB1286 , SB1581 , SB1290 , SB1316 , SB1319 , SB1369 , SB1379 , SB1381 , SB1400 , SB1427 , SB1436 , SB1461 , SB1496 , SB1509 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB904 , SB1592 , SB1645 , SB1684 , SB1767 , SB1772 , SB1813 , SB1894 , SB1928 , SB1946 , SB1980 , SB2040 , SB2060 , SB2061

Summary: The Senate first handled several gallery introductions recognizing visiting groups, including Muskogee Day, domestic violence advocates, Wagner High School leadership students, the Bixby Chamber and football team, and the Heartland Home Educators co-op. The chamber also adopted a motion to suspend debate rules for the remainder of the day so third-reading bills could be debated under shortened time limits. Senate Bill 134, which shortens the waiting period for Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System retirees to return to public employment from one year to six months, drew questions about “double dipping,” actuarial impact, and workforce shortages. The author said the bill was requested by the Association of County Commissioners to help counties retain experienced workers, noted an actuarial estimate that the system would drop from 107% to 105% funded, and explained there were no special safeguards beyond existing limits. The bill advanced and then passed 47-0. Senate Bill 196, a measure naming multiple bridges, highways, and interchanges for veterans, law enforcement officers, and other honorees, was presented as a personal bill by the author, including a bridge named for his grandfather. After brief questions, it advanced and passed 47-0. Senate Bill 1636, which allows immediate family members or similar individuals to request OSBI review of cold homicide cases after a local law enforcement case-file review, also advanced after questions about eligibility, timing, and workload; supporters said it would give families a path to seek answers in long-unsolved cases. It passed 47-0. The chamber then considered Senate Bill 1725, which addresses expressive activity on higher-education campuses by allowing content-neutral security fees, limiting discipline to narrowly defined harassment, and requiring free speech training for first-year students. Debate centered on campus free speech, university accountability, and whether the bill would add costs or sufficient enforcement; it passed 40-17 and was advanced as an emergency measure. Senate Bill 1726, a companion bill requiring training for graduate assistants who teach, emphasizing classroom management, academic integrity, and viewpoint neutrality, passed 41-7 and was also advanced as an emergency measure. Finally, Senate Bill 259, a long-debated water bill requiring metering or approved measuring devices for groundwater use, drew extensive discussion over costs, property rights, regional differences, and regulation of irrigators; the bill was advanced to final passage after a 34-8 vote, with debate continuing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Jones, the floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members.
• Thank you for your consideration of the bill as amended.
• Thank you for your consideration of this bill.
• So SB 938, after being amended from the Senate floor,...
• So, Member Nick Schultz, you have the floor.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call. SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call. Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members. The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, I think that not all of our voices were taken into consideration.
• and asked the members of this floor to support dreamers.
• I yield the floor to Representative Chambliss.
• I yield the floor to Representative Driscoll.
• We heard on this floor today. What would qualify them to represent Florida?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B, the immigration bill, and members were told they would have one opportunity to question the sponsor on both the House version and the anticipated Senate changes. Representative McClure described the bill as a major immigration-enforcement package creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, a local law enforcement grant program, a state immigration council, and new penalties and enforcement tools. He also outlined anticipated Senate language, including stronger 287(g) participation requirements, enhanced penalties for unauthorized aliens, a mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses, and additional coordination with federal agencies. The bill drew extensive questioning from Democrats about due process, constitutional issues, school and workplace impacts, and the treatment of people whose immigration status changes over time. Members asked about birthright citizenship, TPS, asylum seekers, pretrial detention standards, the lawful basis for detaining someone based on suspected status, and whether teachers, social workers, school resource officers, and even children could be required to cooperate with immigration enforcement. McClure and Representative Garrison repeatedly said the bill would require cooperation with federal authorities, that status determinations would be handled under existing court procedures, and that the Senate death-penalty language was intended to fit within Hurst by requiring a jury finding beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was an unauthorized alien. They also said the bill did not provide DMV funding, did not address teacher shortages, and included appropriations such as $25 million for the local law enforcement participation incentive program and broader funding for enforcement and training. Several amendments were considered. Representative Chambliss offered an amendment to protect schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; supporters argued it would preserve trust in sacred and educational spaces, but the amendment failed. Representative Escamani offered an amendment to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers; supporters emphasized the educational and economic contributions of Dreamers and the hardship of higher tuition, but that amendment also failed. The debate ended with no bill vote in the excerpt, but the House completed the amendment votes and continued consideration of the immigration measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm incredibly proud to welcome you to the Senate floor today and hope to see you back in the district
• And I want to thank the Secretary's Office, the floor team, and certainly my staff who put in a lot of
• What we do right here in government on the floor.
• And I'll say this: sometimes on the floor we use the word 'unfunded mandate.'
• And I'll say this: sometimes on the floor we use the word 'unfunded mandate.'

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff. The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective. The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• with all public records exemptions, it requires two-thirds of a vote from all committees and on the floor
• But if I don't see the changes that really need to be made as this bill hits the floor, I will be down
• I'm also interested in seeing continued dialogue and development of the policy before it hits the floor
• But if I don't see the changes that really need to be made as this bill hits the floor, I will be down
• Thank you very much for your time and consideration today. Ms. Lynch, thank you for being here.

Bills: S0124 , S0216 , S0382 , S0488 , S0490 , S0524 , S0584 , S0656 , S0816 , S0892 , S1156

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy heard and advanced a series of bills covering transportation, unemployment benefits, public records, education, law enforcement, and health. Senator Massullo’s SB 488, the DHSMV agency package, would update fuel tax and motor carrier definitions, raise the crash-reporting damage threshold from $500 to $2,000, expand email use for certain DHSMV transactions, and align tank vehicle definitions with federal rules; SB 490 would create a related public records exemption for certain email records. Both bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 892, revising enhanced sentencing procedures for repeat offenders, and SB 124, which cleans up and clarifies Florida Virtual School statutes without changing day-to-day operations. The most debated measure was SB 216, which would tighten reemployment assistance eligibility by adding work-search and interview requirements, requiring more frequent identity and eligibility verification, and expanding fraud reporting and information sharing. Supporters said the bill targets fraud and improves program integrity; opponents, including labor advocates and several senators, argued it would create burdens for legitimate claimants, especially rural residents, seniors, and workers facing layoffs, and could sharply reduce access to benefits. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 382 on e-bike safety, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, sound an audible signal before passing, and limit speed near pedestrians, while creating a task force to study broader regulation. Testimony from a parent who lost her son in an e-scooter crash prompted discussion about whether scooters should be included in the bill. Additional bills advanced included SB 584, strengthening oversight of commercial driving schools and giving DHSMV and county tax collectors more enforcement tools; CS/SB 656, formally codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force within FDLE and renaming the related grant program; and SB 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to support research, treatment, education, and outreach. All were reported favorably with support from law enforcement, advocacy groups, and institutional representatives. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded on specific bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.