Transcript Highlights:

• I listened to some of the Senate last night and heard a senator say that what this body and the Senate
• Now you want to jump back to Senate. >> I'm asking about Senate districts. >> I didn't draw Senate districts
• The Senate draws a Senate plan in conjunction with the Senators and the members of Congress get together
• Now you want to jump back to Senate. >> I'm asking about Senate districts. >> I didn't draw Senate districts
• The Senate draws a Senate plan in conjunction with the Senators, and the members of Congress get together

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, our final speaker against: Catherine Warren. Not seeing Catherine Warren, Jessa Hirsch.
• Catherine Warren. No. Regan Hill. Dr. Hill. Welcome again. Two minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Chair, we have a grand total of one person signed in to speak, Catherine Warren, against.
• Catherine Warren, are you here this time? Three strikes. Okay, no other speakers.
• The only one on RTS right now is Catherine Warren again.

Bills: HB2086, HB2248, HB2688

Keywords: vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, government regulation, vacant positions, state budget, government efficiency, employment, full-time equivalent positions, 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard three bills, all on medical freedom or government staffing. HB 2248 would prohibit governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has received or used a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy and parental rights; opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, warned it was drafted too broadly and could undermine vaccine-related protections, school and daycare illness policies, and hospital safety. After debate, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 3-2 vote. HB 2086 would bar government entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with stated exceptions for long-standing workplace safety and infection control measures, and it would apply to certain government-owned health care facilities. Supporters argued it was needed to prevent coercive mandates and protect individual freedom and business autonomy; opponents said it would interfere with private employers’ ability to protect customers and workers and could conflict with public health practices. The committee approved the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote. HB 2688 would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget-unit positions vacant for at least 150 days and eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill would reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while members raised concerns about specialized or hard-to-fill jobs. After brief testimony in support, the committee passed the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Senator Brian Towns and Vice Chair. Senator Gerald Hocker. Senator Elizabeth Lockman.
• Senator Russell Huxable. Senator Brian Petty John. Senator Marie Pinkney.
• I have a motion from Senator Pinkney and a second from Senator Minutes.
• I have a motion from Senator Pinkney and a second from Senator Petty John.
• Thank you, Senator Chair and senators of the executive committee.

Summary: The committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from June 24 and June 25, 2026, and then heard several bills and a resolution. On House Bill 382 with House Amendment 2, sponsored by Rep. Lynn and Sen. Hocker, the sponsor said the bill makes technical corrections to Delaware’s rental car and peer-to-peer car sharing laws after concerns raised following HB 209, clarifies when loss-of-use damages may be recovered, and preserves recovery for intentional, willful, or criminal conduct. Avis Budget Group and Enterprise Mobility supported the bill, while Allstate Insurance and Toro opposed it, arguing the measure could reintroduce unfair fees and leave too much discretion to rental companies; Sen. Townsend also said he wanted more clarity on how the bill would operate. No vote was taken in the transcript. The committee then considered House Bill 476, a Frederica charter change sponsored by Rep. Postals and Sen. Buckson. The bill would reduce town council meetings from twice monthly to once monthly and make ordinances effective immediately unless otherwise stated. Members asked why the Senate sponsor was absent and noted the bill requires a two-thirds vote, but no public comment was offered and no action was recorded. The committee also heard House Joint Resolution 13, sponsored by Sen. Sturgeon and Rep. Barry, which directs the Department of Labor to study a Delaware health care apprenticeship degree program to help address workforce shortages. The Delaware Health Care Association supported the resolution and urged coordination with existing workforce efforts; no opposition was presented and no vote was recorded. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 458 with House Amendment 1, sponsored by Rep. Lynn and Sen. Pardee, concerning backflow devices in low-hazard buildings. Sen. Pardee said the bill would exempt residences and office-type buildings from costly retrofits, while DHSS said the current regulation does not clearly define low-risk buildings and the bill’s list would not create immediate public health concerns until regulations are updated. The Delaware Association of Realtors supported the bill, saying the regulation is overly broad and expensive, while the Delaware Rural Water Association opposed it, warning that backflow prevention is important to protect aquifers and drinking water. The meeting ended with adjournment after public comment and no recorded votes in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:05:57.240> the<00:05:57.320> gentleman<00:05:57.600> from<00:05:57.760> Warren
• <00:05:58.040> County<00:05:59.000> to and the gentleman from Warren County to and
• the gentleman from Warren County to introduce<00:05:59.600> a<00:05:59.640> very<00:05:
• Tomorrow at 1:30, Public Utilities will have a joint hearing with the Senate Energy in room 204.
• have a joint hearing with the Senate have a joint hearing with the Senate Energy<00:17:44.120>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 23 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, dispensed with reading of the journal, and received no reports from select committees or resolutions. Members then recognized several guests, including the JPS Tougaloo Early College High School Mock Trial Team, which was congratulated for its performance in the Magnolia Bar Association Mock Trial competition, along with Gayla Carver Sanders and Judge Crystal Wise Martin. The chamber then took up a series of local and county bills on the calendar, all of which were advanced by the usual motions and passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. House Bill 4080 authorized Jackson County to contribute $5,000 to the Junior Auxiliary program; HB 4110 created a trust fund for Oktibbeha County related to the sale of medical property; HB 4111 and HB 4135 authorized conviction assessments in Perry County and Waynesboro, respectively, for justice court building maintenance; HB 4115 extended a Hattiesburg lease to 30 years; HB 4130 created the Yazoo County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, with an amendment changing “partnership” to “alliance”; and HB 4134 created an industrial zone emergency response district for Lowndes County. Each bill passed with little or no debate, with vote totals ranging from 115 to 119 yeas and zero nays. After the bills, the Clerk reported no announcements, and members made several notices, including a Capitol Prayer Group meeting, BEAM office hours for broadband grant information, and a joint Public Utilities/Senate Energy hearing on the MSWiNS system. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Warren. Here. Warren. Here. Gabbard. Here. Burdick. Here. Warren. Here. Gabbard. Here. Burdick.
• I am going to start with Senator Nichols. The chair lays out Senate Bill 1056.
• Senator Hancock sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1413.
• Senator Hancock sends up a committee substitute for Senator Hancock.
• The Chair lays out Senate Bill 2692. Senator Hancock explains Senate Bill 2692.

Bills: SB1169, SB1285, SB1583, SB1611, SB1898, SB1976, SB2160, SB2161, SB2658, SB2661, SB2662, SB2692, SB1055, SB1359, SB2660

Keywords: water service, sewer service, public utility, joint operation, infrastructure, municipality, compliance, SB 1285, bats, bat protection, wildlife protection, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Parks and Wildlife Code Section 63.101, hunting bats, bat possession, bat sales, bat trade, pest control, licensed pest control professional, animal control officer

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Berg. >> Senator Boswell, here. >> Senator Hickden. >> Senator Nun, here. >> Senator Reid.
• >> Senator Richardson, here. >> Senator Smith, Senator Tishner, Senator Wilson, here. >> Representative
• Warren County, KSP was waiting for them. Warren County, KSP was waiting for them.
• Thank you for being here. >> Thank you, Senator. He's my senator.
• Start off with Senator<01:38:02.080> Smith. Senator Smith. Senator Smith.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And of course, my counterpart in the Senate, the gentleman from Westport, who we are today finishing
• Smola of Warren. Mr. Smola of Warren: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and through you to the members.
• I think it is a reflection of the commitment of the leadership here in the House and the Senate that
• Ways and Means, for the good working relationship that we have had, the Vice Chair as well, and our Senate
• Ways and Means for the good working relationship that we have had, the Vice Chair as well, and our Senate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met in a floor session that began with routine procedural motions, including quorum checks, roll calls, and brief recesses. Members also welcomed guests and observed a moment of silent tribute for Frederick Pat Waller of Dracut, a 101-year-old World War II veteran and longtime farmer, before taking up the day’s major budget business. The principal item was the FY2026 appropriations legislation. House leaders described the conference report as a roughly $61 billion budget that reduces spending from earlier proposals while increasing Fair Share spending to $2.4 billion. They highlighted funding for education, including Chapter 70 aid, universal school meals, higher education financial aid, MassReconnect, and school clean energy projects; transportation, including MBTA and regional transit authority support; housing and homelessness programs; food assistance; and a new $5 million immigration legal assistance fund. Supporters emphasized fiscal stability, timely passage, and aid to cities and towns, while noting uncertainty from the federal government. The House first passed the supplemental appropriations bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 142-0, then later passed it on final enactment by 143-1. The House then accepted the conference report on the main FY2026 budget by a roll call vote of 139-6, adopted the emergency preamble by a recorded vote, and finally enacted the budget by another 139-6 vote. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn to the following Thursday at 11 a.m., and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• **Senator Warren:** Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, Mr.
• **Senator Warren:** Can I commit to what?
• **Senator Warren:** Yeah, you are. That's exactly what you're doing. **Mr.
• **Senator Warren:** Mr.
• And I guess my next minute is Senator Whitehouse, Senator Warren, and Senator Smith. Or not.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can we start with Senate Bill 78?
• Senator Innis took up Senate Bill 78. Okay, thank you. Do you have any concerns or discussion? No?
• Senate Bill 78 is over.
• Senator... Yes.
• Senate Bill 91, okay?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your Committee on Physical Review, to refer to Senate substitute, Senate committee substitute, Senate
• I move that Senate substitute for Senate committee substitute for Senate Bill 1421 be third read and
• It was run over in the Senate, Senate Bill 1554, by Senator Black, with no opposition.
• It is, was ran over in the Senate, Senate Bill 1554 by Senator Black with no opposition.
• Senate, Senate Bill 1554 by Senator Black with no opposition.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Girdler, here. >> Senator Maiden. >> Senator Thomas, here. >> Representative Petri, here.
• Senator Girdler, aye. Senator Maiden, Senator Thomas, aye. Representative Petri, yes.
• Senator Girdler, aye. Senator Maiden, Senator Thomas, aye. Representative Petri, yes.
• Senator Girdler, aye. Senator Maiden, Senator Thomas, aye. Representative Petri, yes.
• Senator Girdler, aye. Senator Maiden, Senator Thomas, aye.

Keywords: 00:09 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:42 Approval of Minutes 01:07 Information Items 04:05 Lease Rpt - Finance and Administration Cabinet 18:59 OFM - Economic Development Fund Grants 25:42 OFM – KY Housing Authority 31:30 Remaining 2025 Meetings 33:26 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and received a set of information reports on capital projects, debt, school district bond issues, UK and KCTCS asset preservation projects, and the Louisville Arena Authority’s financial report, with the latter noted as lengthy and expected to be discussed further in person in December. The committee also heard a Finance and Administration Cabinet lease report covering three leases: a temporary lease for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Louisville due to ongoing maintenance and safety issues at its current site, a Department of Juvenile Justice lease in Hardin County for a day-treatment/alternative school program, and a Warren County lease renewal. Members questioned the Hardin County lease about the higher rate and limited competition; agency staff explained the specialized school setting, transportation and program requirements, and the difficulty of attracting bidders for alternative-school space. The lease package was approved after roll call. The committee then considered seven economic development grants: four EDF grants and three KPDI grants. The projects included infrastructure for Allen County’s industrial park, flood-related repairs for Weddington Plaza in the Big Sandy area, an Owensboro manufacturing expansion for Mscan America, a new Louisville manufacturing facility for Anthro Energy, a Henderson due-diligence study, a Paducah spec building, and utility extensions for the Riverbend site in Carrollton. Staff said the projects had been approved by KEFA and recommended by the relevant cabinet leadership, and the committee approved them by roll call. Finally, the committee reviewed a new Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit bond issue for about $43 million for 233 Louisville housing units, which was approved. It then took up five SFCC debt issues together: new money for an Edmonson County elementary school and Knox County middle school gym improvements, plus refundings for Callaway, Hardin, and McCracken counties. Members raised concerns that the refundings were bundled together and that some did not appear to meet a newly referenced 3% net present value savings guideline, but the package was still approved on a 5-2 vote. The meeting ended with calendar updates, including a November 20 meeting at noon and a December 16 meeting featuring the Yum Arena presentation, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you can all welcome Ken to the Senate. Excellent. Welcome to the Senate. Senator Kuby.
• Welcome to your Senate. Excellent. Welcome to the Senate. Senator Dunn. Thank you, Madam Mr.
• Welcome to your Senate. Excellent. Welcome to the Senate. Senator Dunn. Thank you, Madam Mr.
• I move the following amendment to Senate Bill 1010, reference to printability attached, signed Warren
• I was recently made aware that Senate President Warren Petersen introduced Senate Bill 1010 to rename

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard several points of personal privilege introducing guests, including visitors for Disability Day at the Capitol and the pastor who delivered the prayer. The chamber then moved into the Committee of the Whole to consider two bills: SB 1010, relating to historic names and the renaming of Loop 202, and SB 1439, relating to special plates and recycling-related provisions. SB 1010 received a floor amendment clarifying that the underlying freeway segments would retain their existing names, and SB 1439 received a Government Committee amendment before both bills were recommended do pass. On third reading, SB 1010 passed 16-9 with two not voting. Debate centered on whether renaming the entire Loop 202 to honor Charlie Kirk would erase or overshadow existing memorials, especially the Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway segment, and whether the bill bypassed the usual geographic naming process. Supporters said the amendment preserved existing segment names and clarified legislative intent; opponents argued the measure politicized highway naming and ignored established procedures. Several senators explained their votes on both sides. SB 1439 then passed 16-12 with two not voting. The bill’s sponsor described it as a tribute to Charlie Kirk, and one senator asked whether the sponsor or affiliated companies had received compensation from a beneficiary organization; the sponsor said no. After both measures were sent to the House, the Senate announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senators. Senator, members, any questions on this item?
• Thank you, Senator. All right, seeing none, Senator, you're recognized for your motion?
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Irvin, you're recognized. Thank you.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the increase attributed in part to income tax growth, a fiscal-year shift, and lottery-related collections. Members asked no questions, and no action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including executive, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. The executive report noted a waiver request for Jackson County School District construction services and an audit with no findings. The administrative rules report covered agency directives, rulemaking updates, and a few rules pulled for later consideration. The revenue subcommittee held one District 4 tire removal contract until its next meeting, while the state insurance subcommittee reviewed the EBD contract with Boston Consulting Group and approved pharmacy formulary and drug recommendations. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Insurance Department’s examination of pharmacy benefit managers, especially Navitus Health Solutions. Commissioners and staff explained that Navitus objected to producing certain claims data for self-funded plans, raising an ERISA preemption argument, and that the matter was being set for an administrative hearing, likely in April. Members questioned compliance, due process, and the implications of the objection, while the department said the state initiated the examination and was continuing to seek resolution. The committee also reviewed an Arkansas Teacher Retirement System agreement, with one member noting a potential conflict and abstaining. The meeting ended after members reviewed additional reports with no further action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator. All right, seeing none, Senator, you're recognized for your motion?
• Thank you, Senator. I'm going to recognize my co-chair, Senator Boyd, at this time. Thank you, Mr.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Hammer, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• All right, thank you, Senator. Senator Irvin, you're recognized. Thank you.

Summary: The committee met and opened with a prayer, then approved the prior meeting minutes and received the monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the staff noting changes driven by casino gaming transfers, income tax growth, and a lottery-related collection. No action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including the executive committee, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. Topics included a Jackson County School District cooperative purchasing waiver, rulemaking updates from several agencies, federal immigration and wildlife issues, SNAP and Medicaid waiver reimbursement rates, occupational authorization reviews, temporary appropriations and transfer requests, a tire removal contract held for later review, EBD pharmacy and medical drug recommendations, and personnel items. The PEER report also included questions to the State Broadband Director about a provider with delinquent property taxes; he said the provider would not be brought forward until the issue is resolved and that broadband grant payments are tied to performance milestones. The most extended discussion came during review of a State Insurance Department report on pharmacy benefit manager oversight. Commissioners and members questioned Navitus Health Solutions’ refusal to provide certain claims data for self-funded plans in an affiliate pricing examination. The department said the matter is being briefed and set for an administrative hearing, likely in April, and that the dispute centers on ERISA preemption and state authority to request the data. Members also asked about the status of the other PBMs under review and whether they had raised similar objections. After all reports were adopted or filed as reviewed, the meeting adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• A live stream of all Senate standing committee meetings will be available on the Senate YouTube channel
• Kim, Senator Hashimoto, Senator Dort.
• [laughter] >> Thanks to Warren, where is Warren?
• >> Thanks to Warren, where is Warren? >> Thanks to Warren, where is Warren?
• We are the Senate. board of education. We are the Senate.

Bills: SB2901, SB2902, SB2903, SB2904, SB2905, SB2906, SB2907, SB2908, SB2909, SB2910, SB2911, SB2912, SB2913, SB2914, SB2915, SB2916, SB2917, SB2918, SB2919, SB2920, SB2921, SB2922, SB2923, SB2924, SB2925, SB2926, SB2927, SB2928, SB2929, SB2930, SB2931, SB2932, SB2933, SB2934, SB2935, SB2936, SB2937, SB2938, SB2939, SB2940, SB2941, SB2942, SB2943, SB2944, SB2945, SB2946, SB2947, SB2948, SB2949, SB2950, SB2951, SB2952, SB2953, SB2954, SB2955, SB2956, SB2957, SB2958, SB2959, SB2960, SB2961, SB2962, SB2963, SB2964, SB2965, SB2966, SB2967, SB2968, SB2969, SB2970, SB2971, SB2972, SB2973, SB2974, SB2975, SB2976, SB2977, SB2978, SB2979, SB2980, SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2984, SB2985, SB2986, SB2987, SB2988, SB2989, SB2990, SB2991, SB2992, SB2993, SB2994, SB2995, SB2996, SB2997, SB2998, SB2999, SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Transcript Highlights:

• The reception honors Senator Jabo Wagner's 51 years of service.
• They’ll say, "Okay, they’ll fix it in the Senate," or they’ll catch it in the Senate, and they do the
• are dealing with Senate Bill number 79.
• by Senator Weaver.
• Chairman, I see the amendment to Senate Bill Number 79 by Representative Rafy.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we will cover Senate Bill 3059 by Senator Campbell and myself, relating to the preservation, maintenance
• Warren Kood, have you registered testifying neutrally on behalf of the Texas Farm Bureau?
• Chairman Metcalf and members of the committee, my name is Warren Kood.
• [Warren Kood](member_123), [Texas Farm Bureau](member_123), we'll submit. Thank you.
• All 31 Senate districts have grantees and 136 House districts have grantees.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Clemens, Senator Elkins, Senator Smith, Senator Storm, Senator
• >> Senator Berg, Senator Carpenter, Senator Clemens, Senator Elkins, Senator Smith, Senator Storm, Senator
• Senator Elkins, Senator Smith, I. Senator Storm, Senator Wheeler, I. Senator Williams, I.
• Senator Elkins, Senator Smith, Senator Storm, Senator Wheeler, hi. Senator Williams, hi.
• , Senator Douglas, Senator Elkins, Senator Storm, Senator Wheeler, Senator Williams, Senator Wilson,

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hawj: Thank you, Mr. Chair and Senator Paw.
• to Senator Farnsworth? to Senator Farnsworth?
• Now from Senator Chair and Senator P.
• Senator Jasinski: No. Senator Carlson: Yes. Senator Farnsworth: No. Senator Hawj: Yes.
• Senator Lang: No. Senator McEwen: Yes. Senator Nelson: No. Senator Paw: [vote not fully captured].

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Warren: Thank you, Ms. Warren. Is there any other questions about committee? Ms. All: Thank you.
• Warren. Is there any >> Thank you, Ms. Warren.
• When there wasn't no Black representation in the State House of Representatives and the Senate, State
• Representative Warren: Okay, let me understand the process. We're in an election now.
• >> Representative<00:53:27.480> Warren >> Representative Warren >> Representative

Bills: HB1

Keywords: HB1, Alabama, elections, primary election, special primary, runoff, congressional districts, redistricting, reapportionment, district boundaries, federal court, injunction, judgment, Governor proclamation, nominee certification, party nominee, general election 2026, election calendar, voting rights, congressional race

Summary: The Ways and Means General Fund Committee met in special session and took up only one bill, HB 1 by Rep. Chris Pringle, which would authorize a special election for certain congressional districts if the federal court lifts its injunction and allows the state to use the 2023 congressional map. Pringle said the bill only creates a pathway for that special election, and members were told the fiscal note estimates the election could cost about $4.5 million from the General Fund. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was tied to recent federal court and Supreme Court rulings, including Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the Purcell principle, and whether it would be too close to an election or create confusion. Several committee members pressed Pringle on whether the bill would reduce Black representation, whether Alabama had agreed not to revisit redistricting until 2030, and whether the 2023 map had previously been found discriminatory. Pringle repeatedly said he was not offering legal advice and that the matter was pending in federal court, while also saying the bill would simply allow voters to use the legislature’s 2023 map if the courts permit it. Rep. Ford raised concerns about the cost to the General Fund and competing budget priorities, and Rep. All questioned the timing and possible administrative confusion. Pringle responded that citizens would still be able to vote for candidates of their choosing. During the public hearing, speakers overwhelmingly opposed the bill. Jamaal Brown, Kenneth Sharpton, Eliza Jane Franklin, Pastor Richard Williams, Rep. Givan, Jacoby Bibbs, and Agnes Lover argued that the proposal would weaken Black voting power, revive a map they described as unfair or racist, and create unnecessary disruption so close to an election. Several speakers framed the issue as one of civil rights, fair representation, and trust in democracy, while others criticized the cost and said the legislature should focus on broader needs such as health care and mental health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.