Transcript Highlights:

• Seconded by Senator Gannon. We do have an amendment.
• Seconded by Senator Gannon. We do have an amendment.
• Seconded by Senator Gannon. We do have an amendment. It is amendment number 1331S.
• amendment? amendment? Senator<00:44:06.840><c> Riordan.
• So, Senator Gannon's amendment combines the previous amendment 1413S, I believe, which was Senator Gannon's

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I'd like to move amendment Adam 273. Senator Walsh. Thank you.
• striking amendment and that engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5925 be reported out of committee with a
• striking amendment and that engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5925 be reported out of committee with a
• be incorporated into a striking amendment and that engrossed second it's engrossed substitute Senate
• Madam Chair, I believe you need to make the motion that the Senate bill passes out with a do amended

Bills: SB5536 , SB5868 , SJM8006 , SB6011

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: divorce, dissolution, marriage, domestic partnership, property division, real property, community property, separate property, liabilities, family law, equitable distribution, court order, personal jurisdiction, absent spouse, absent domestic partner, creditors, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, home equity, family home

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Kavanagh, the bill is amended. The whole bill is amended. We have it.
• Senator Mesnard, the bill is amended. Mr.
• Senator Warner, the bill's amended. Yes. Mr.
• Senator Angus, the bill is amended. Thank you.
• Senator Rogers, the bill is amended. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pizzo, you're recognized to close on the amendment.
• However, let's take an amendment-to-amendment barcode 748172 by Senator Harrell.
• Senator Trumbull, you are recognized to explain the amendment to the amendment.
• Senator Trumbull, you're recognized to close on the amendment to the amendment.
• Senator Trumbull, you're recognized to close on the amendment as amended.

Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first adopted a late-filed amendment to SB 774, which expands enhanced workers’ compensation coverage to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher and others, and was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 770 on forensic services for certain defendants, which would allow the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to consolidate secure forensic services for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed after incompetency findings. Members then considered several public safety, family, and workforce bills. CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized aliens operating commercial vehicles an imminent safety hazard and imposes vehicle impoundment and a $50,000 penalty on motor carriers, was reported favorably after questions about impound procedures and cargo handling; one speaker opposed it. SB 1594, protecting veterans’ benefits for foster youth so the funds are reserved for postsecondary education, training, and after-care services, was reported favorably with supportive testimony from a former DCF attorney. CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in violent crime cases, was reported favorably despite criminal defense attorneys’ concerns about a provision allowing warrantless arrests without officer observation. The committee also approved a complete rewrite of the nonprofit corporations chapter in SB 554, a sickle cell continuing education bill (SB 844) after extensive emotional testimony from patients, advocates, and family members, and SB 1022 adding two children’s initiative programs in Bay County and Broward County. CS/SB 1246 broadened the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science education programs and related workforce needs and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230 restricting use and sale of certain firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, and CS/CS/SB 128 directing DEP to mark Red Harris Spoil Island; both passed with favorable votes. Several senators later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific tabs, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment replaces the House language with the Senate language from Senate Bill 198.
• Amendment Barcode 34266 by Senator Truenow deletes line Barcode 34266 by Senator Truenow deletes line
• Read the first amendment. >> Amendment barcode 76875 by Senator Smith between line 31 and 32.
• Senator Yarborough in debate. >>> Senator Ditto. It is a friendly amendment.
• Read the next amendment. >>> Late filed amendment barcode 3378 by Senator Martin.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to offer amendment seconded by Senator Mai.
• Mai yes and I'd like to offer by Senator Mai yes and I'd like to offer amendment amendment amendment
• </c><00:21:16.120><c> Waters</c> amended second second by Senator Waters amended second second by Senator
• Seeing none, I’ll move on to pass as amended. Consent by Senator Waters, second by Senator Pearls.
• All in favor of a to pass as amended? I... I... consent by Senator Waters, second by Senator Pearl.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dahms, to your amendment.
• Any other amendments to the Senate File 2216 as amended? Senator Rasmusson. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• to the uh Senate File 2216 as amendments to the uh Senate File 2216 as amended?
• Senator Latz offers the A22 amendment, which is in our packets. Senator Latz, to your amendment.
• Uh thank you, Madam Chair. amended? Senator Dames. amended? Senator Dames.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator amendment.
• </c> amendment. Senator Lucero. amendment. Senator Lucero.
• Senator Port to the A12 amendment. vote. Senator Port to the A12 amendment.
• <c> amend</c><01:07:24.640><c> Senate</c> Senator Dreheim moves to amend Senate Senator Dreheim moves
• amend</c><01:09:25.040><c> Senate</c><01:09:25.279><c> file</c> Senator Port moves to amend Senate file

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, that amendment is adopted. Senator?
• All right, I'll make a motion to report Senate Bill 254 as amended.
• Seeing none, that amendment is adopted. All right, Senator.
• Senate Bill 469 will be reported as amended. Thank you, Senator, for your work on this.
• Senate Bill 131 would be reported as amended. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Bills: HB1163 , HB1168 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR103 , HCR108 , SB80 , SB131 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB384 , SB414 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, that amendment is adopted. Senator?
• All right, I'll make a motion to report Senate Bill 254 as amended.
• Seeing none, those amendments are adopted. Senator Mize-Hale on your bill.
• Senate Bill 469 will be reported as amended. Thank you, Senator, for your work on this.
• Senate Bill 131 would be reported as amended. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any debate on the amendment? Senator Gates, you're recognized to close on the amendment.
• Senators, is there debate on the amendment? Seeing none.
• Having explained the amendment, senators, are there questions on the amendment?
• Senators, is there debate on the amendment? Debate on the amendment.
• That's the amendment. Senators, are there questions of Senator Martin on the amendment?

Bills: S0050 , S0052 , S0432 , S0436 , S0524 , S0536 , S0590 , S0676

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several criminal justice bills. SB 50 on Veterans Treatment Courts was amended to clarify that entry into the program requires approval of the state attorney and to make the bill prospective only. Supporters, including veterans advocates and crime survivors, argued the bill would expand access to treatment-focused diversion for veterans with nonviolent charges and service-related trauma. The committee adopted both amendments and reported the bill favorably. SB 52, which creates an exemption from security licensing requirements for unpaid armed volunteers providing security at places of worship, also drew support from law enforcement and faith leaders who said it would clarify a legal gray area for churches; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 436 on felony battery and prison release reoffender enhancements. An amendment was adopted to align felony battery involving injury to law enforcement with the bill’s intent to address the disparity between battery on an officer and resisting with violence. Members discussed concerns about mandatory minimums and the scope of the enhancement, including how it might apply in cases involving older prior offenses or mental health crises, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably. SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for adults who involve minors in animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties for related conduct, was supported by animal welfare advocates and reported favorably and unanimously. Later, the committee approved SB 536 on criminal gang members after adopting an amendment clarifying the definition of gang-related conduct and requiring multiple criteria for gang membership. Members raised concerns about social media, neighborhood association, juvenile application, and overbroad labeling, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at gang-related criminal activity and recruitment, not innocent association. The committee also reported favorably SB 432 on controlled substances, which adds concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I and creates penalties for xylazine products that resemble candy or food and for trafficking in xylazine; SB 524, an FDLE bill updating duties related to medical examiners, training, and complaint service procedures; and SB 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the crime is known to law enforcement. All of these bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after a final vote correction was entered for SB 524.

Transcript Highlights:

• Question before the Senate is adoption of Amendment 698.
• Question before the Senate is adoption of Amendment 701.
• The amendment is adopted. Senator Kaufman.
• Senator King moves adoption of amendment number 0673. Remark, Senator King. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Wagner moves adoption of Amendment No. 678. Remark, Senator Wagner.

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of tax, economic, judicial, education, and health-related bills, often after adopting technical or clarifying amendments. Major measures included Engrossed Senate Bill 6347, which restores recent estate tax changes while preserving last year’s increase in the exclusion amount and inflation adjustment; Substitute Senate Bill 6289, directing the Department of Commerce to create a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan; and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6162, expanding and simplifying senior citizen property tax relief. Senators supporting these bills emphasized tax administration, economic growth, and relief for seniors, while opponents raised concerns about regressivity, revenue losses, and tax shifts to other taxpayers. The chamber also passed bills extending or clarifying tax preferences and fees, including Senate Bill 6244 (extending a hazardous substance tax exemption for agricultural crop protection products), Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6113 (technical corrections to Department of Revenue tax law guidance, after removing a disputed section on advertising tax invalidation), Senate Bill 6114 (defining “fixture” and “affixed” for real estate excise tax purposes), Senate Bill 5970 (making a senior citizen center property tax exemption permanent), Senate Bill 5832 (raising the motor vehicle arbitration fee to support the Lemon Law program), and Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6262 (expanding the vehicle weight threshold for transportation benefit district fees). Debate on these measures centered on whether they were modest administrative updates or additional burdens on taxpayers and businesses. Several non-tax bills also advanced. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6086 strengthened security for judicial officers and court personnel, with amendments clarifying terminology and adding industrial appeals judges to the definition of judicial officers. Substitute Senate Bill 5961 transferred early literacy programs, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Reach Out and Read, from DCYF to OSPI. Senate Bill 5868 added one superior court judge each in Skagit and Yakima counties, and Substitute Senate Bill 5923 reclassified a Skagit County hospital as a critical access hospital to improve reimbursement and help it remain viable. The Senate also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5520, revising the Wrongly Convicted Persons Act to improve compensation procedures, despite debate over whether to include civil detention-related claims. Most bills passed by constitutional majorities, with a few recorded nays and one division vote on an amendment; the Senate then adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Pressly, I move to report as amended. Okay. HB 1 will be reported as amended. Thank you.
• Passing out the amendments. Senator Fesi? Yeah, I move to put amendment 4649 on. 2574, 2574, okay.
• There's no Senate Finance amendments on this bill, right? Senator Harris?
• Senator Andrews. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion to adopt Amendment 3138. Senator Andrews.
• Okay, Senator Andrews makes a motion to adopt House Bill 383 as amended.

Bills: HB1 , HB2 , HB3 , HB312 , HB313 , HB314 , HB383 , HB983 , HB1126 , HCR3

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: bond authorization, capital improvement, general obligation bonds, financial management, state treasury, revenue sharing, fund distribution, homestead exemption, state funding, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Olivera is up with an amendment, which the clerk will read.
• The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed, coming first on an amendment offered by Senator
• All such amendments shall be second-reading amendments to the proposed Ways and Means new draft, Senate
• All such amendments shall be second-reading amendments to the proposed Ways and Means new draft, Senate
• And all amendments shall be second-reading amendments to the proposed Ways and Means new draft, Senate

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted an emergency preamble for Senate No. 2799, establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education employee. The chamber also adopted a congratulatory resolution honoring the Warren Public Library on its 150th anniversary. Several local bills then advanced, including Senate No. 2509 on filling mayoral vacancies in New Bedford, House No. 4171 on vacancies among town meeting members in Milford (as amended), and House No. 4233 amending the Charter of the City of Malden, which was passed to be enacted and sent to the Governor. Senate No. 2799 was also passed to be enacted. The Senate adopted a committee report extending the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure’s reporting deadline to March 5, 2026. It also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition concerning the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code to the Committee on Financial Services. Multiple Senate orders were then adopted setting expedited procedures for Ways and Means consideration of several bills, including campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees (Senate No. 507, new draft 2898), property tax bill shocks (Senate No. 1933, new draft 2899), municipal tax relief (Senate No. 1935, new draft 2900), property tax deferral (Senate No. 2713, new draft 2901), a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption (Senate No. 2036, new draft 2902), and honoring Blue Star Families (Senate No. 2903). The Senate also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and dispense with printing a calendar. At the close of business, members moved to adjourn in memory of Mary Ann Lomba of Dorchester, with remarks noting her community service and family, and the motion prevailed. The Senate adjourned in her memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this amendment is just adding the verbiage of the House, of our House version, onto the Senate bill
• Seeing no questions of the sponsor. ...the Senate bill, and that is the amendment.
• This amendment simply merges the good work from the House with the good work of the Senate and turns
• Please vote down on this amendment.” Senator Harris said: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Senate Bill 298, a bill to be entitled an act relating to public records. Other amendments?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities. The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0. Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5420 is amended by the House on third reading and final passage.
• Having received a constitutional majority, Senate Bill 5420 as amended by the House is declared passed
• Having received a constitutional majority, Second Substitute Senate Bill 5969 as amended by the House
• Second Substitute Senate Bill 6026 as amended by the House on third reading and final passage.
• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5975 as amended by the House on third reading and final passage.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB5831 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Jones, you're recognized for questions on the amendment. Thank you so much, Mr.
• Senator Davis, you're recognized for questions on the amendment.
• Senator Mayfield, you're recognized to close on your bill as amended. Thank you, Mr.
• Members, you recognize to close on the amendment, Senator Oswald. Wave closed.
• Senator Martin, you're recognized to waive close on the amendment.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met and first considered SB 86, which would make it unlawful for unauthorized aliens to operate commercial motor vehicles in Florida. The sponsor described the bill as a highway safety measure, requiring lawful presence, a valid CDL, English proficiency, and the ability to communicate with law enforcement. The bill also provides for impoundment, custody transfer to federal authorities, a civil penalty on the motor carrier, and an out-of-service order. An amendment was adopted, public testimony included support from the Florida PBA, and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 706, which preempts naming of major commercial service airports to the state and would rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport. An amendment was adopted to make the change subject to FAA approval, a trademark agreement, and a reasonable implementation period for Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County representatives supported the measure and the amendment, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee approved SB 1670, a specialty license plate bill for the “outsider” plate, after adopting an amendment reducing the Huber Brothers Foundation’s share of proceeds from 25% to 10%. The committee also passed SB 1054, which increases penalties for traffic infractions that result in crashes involving red lights or stop signs, including higher fines, license suspensions, and a one-year bodily injury insurance requirement after injury-causing crashes. Testimony from law enforcement and advocacy groups supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 422 on ADS-B aviation surveillance data. The bill would prohibit use of ADS-B data to calculate or collect landing-related fees, and an amendment narrowed the prohibition to fees tied to landings, touch-and-goes, or entering a fee-assessing airspace radius. Aviation groups, pilots, and airport officials offered extensive testimony, with supporters arguing the bill protects safety and prevents inaccurate or surprise billing, while airport representatives said they use the data for fee collection and operational purposes and wanted further changes. Despite those concerns, the committee reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, but the amendment would do—the amendment that the Senator from Marion is—would not change the way
• This strike and insert amendment comes primarily from the House's amendment to Senate Bill 473, which
• Are there amendments? Are there amendments? Chair recognizes the senator from Brooke.
• Thank you, Senator. The chair recognizes Senator Brooke. Do you have an additional amendment?
• Thank you, Senator. Senators, is there further discussion on the bill? Amendments?

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 4198, which would require employers to use E-Verify to confirm new hires’ work authorization and impose escalating penalties for violations, including warnings, debarment from state contracts, loss of business licenses, and other sanctions. Counsel and senators raised extensive drafting concerns, including circular language, conflicts with existing record-retention provisions, unclear references to “seeks to employ,” possible application to babysitters, lawn care, and other casual or household arrangements, and uncertainty about how the bill would work for employers who never actually complete a hire. The bill sponsor defended the measure as a way to strengthen compliance with existing law, protect employers who use E-Verify in good faith, and deter illegal hiring. After debate, a motion to table the bill failed on a roll call vote, 6 in favor and 10 opposed, and the chair then announced the bill would be sent to a subcommittee to be cleaned up, with instructions to resolve the drafting conflicts and other ambiguities. The committee then turned to House Bill 4710, with an amendment, which would require a person to be registered with a political party or as an independent 210 days before filing a certificate of candidacy. Counsel explained that the change would lengthen the current 60-day requirement and would affect both party-switching and independent candidacies, making it harder for candidates to change affiliation shortly before an election. Senators asked about how the 210-day period would work relative to the primary and general election filing deadlines, and counsel clarified that it would be measured backward from the relevant filing dates. The discussion focused on the practical effect of the bill as a “sore loser” measure and on the timing rules for candidacy filings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that my floor amendment to Senate Bill 1424 be adopted. Mr.
• Chair, I move that my floor amendment to Senate Bill 1424 be adopted. Thank you.
• Committee amendment to Senate Bill 1515.
• Senate Bill 1552, as amended, referred to engrossing. Third reading of bills. Senate Bill 1021.
• Senate Bill 1021, amending Section 41-1013, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 41, Chapter 7.1,

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and heard introductions of guests. Members then adopted several procedural motions, including extending the second regular session, suspending the seven-bill limit for Representative Livingston on budget-related measures, and requesting the Senate return SB 1786 on artificial intelligence content verification for reconsideration. The House also moved into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar items. In Committee of the Whole, the House recommended do pass on SB 1057, SB 1171, SB 1424, and SB 1515, while retaining SB 1178 on the calendar. SB 1171, dealing with fingerprinting and fraud prevention in health and human services, was amended and received supportive comments about accountability and Medicaid fraud. SB 1424, concerning firearm safety instruction in schools, drew extensive debate: a proposed Gutierrez amendment modeled on “Christian’s Law” to require secure firearm storage measures was defeated by division vote 23-31, and the bill itself was defended as age-appropriate firearm safety education while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate, a parents’ rights issue, and an improper burden on schools. SB 1515, creating a public safety parity fund for DPS and corrections bonuses from rainy-day fund interest, was amended and recommended do pass. The House then considered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1552, adopted a floor amendment, and recommended the bill do pass as amended. In third reading, SB 1021 failed 22-35, while SB 1215, SB 1345, SB 1456, and SB 1493 all passed, with SB 1345 drawing a floor explanation about an added regulatory requirement for health care facilities. The House also received first readings of several appropriations bills and announced a special Joint Appropriations Committee hearing on the budget the next morning before adjourning until Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to offer amendment 2026-1784S. Oh, Senator Long, did you have something to say?
• </c><00:12:22.600><c> Oh,</c><00:12:23.200><c> Senator</c> I'm going to offer amendment Oh, Senator I'm
• Senator Birdsell seconds that. And I'll speak to the amendment here.
• Out to pass as amended. All those in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Senator Birdsall moves consent.
• So, Senator Avard is not with us today, and he actually drafted Amendment 2026-1598S.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services